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Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting

Installation from BA Fine Art Painting show 2019 featuring 8 large scale paintings and a sculptural floor work.
Installation from BA Fine Art Painting show 2019.
BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL
College
Camberwell College of Arts
UCAS code
W122
Start date
September 2024
Course length
3 years

BA Fine Art Painting at Camberwell College of Arts encourages you to explore the medium. You will be invited to embrace possibilities for its continued reinvention and consider its connection with social, cultural and political change.

Course overview

Painting, as a fine art practice, has an enduring capacity for invention and reinterpretation. On this practical course, you will experiment using traditional and emerging painting techniques. Drawing inspiration from your own curiosity, you’ll create artwork that presents new ideas and perspectives on world around you. 

By collaborating with your classmates across Camberwell’s wider BA Fine Art programme, you’ll be exposed to related disciplines including sculpture, photography, drawing and computational arts. This will enable you to expand your skillset and develop an interdisciplinary fine art practice.

As well as practical skills, you will learn about the history of fine art. You’ll examine the evolution of painting and its influence on the contemporary fine art world. Looking at various artists, you’ll explore how social discourses such as postcolonialism and feminism have inspired their creative imagination. Through this critical research, you will consider how these artists’ works respond to urgent contemporary debates and past world traditions.

What to expect 

  • History and culture: Learn about the history, theory and practice of painting and its current position in contemporary society.
  • Ethical practice: Learn about the importance of sustainability and ethics in order to develop a socially responsible artistic practice.
  • A personal approach: Create a portfolio of work inspired by your artistic, social and personal interests.
  • Workshops and demonstrations: Attend engaging practical workshops and live demonstrations hosted by professional artists and technicians.
  • Exhibition opportunities: Get the chance to exhibit your work to public audiences as part of UAL’s degree shows.
  • Professional knowledge: As well as technical skills, learn how to manage artistic life after art school. 
  • Access to facilities: Use Camberwell’s large range of facilities including printmaking machines, photography and film studios and ceramics, wood and metal workshops. View the Camberwell facilities

Industry experience and opportunities  

All our students have the opportunity and are supported in exhibiting their work to an external audience. Students can take part in a wide range of seminars and workshops hosted by a variety of professionals and external arts organisations. Students will be able to take part in the College’s international exchange scheme to study abroad.

Third year students have the option to undertake a work placement, instead of a written dissertation or practical live project. Students and graduates can register with UAL Arts Temps, an employment agency, which offers students paid opportunities within the creative sector.

Mode of study 

BA Fine Art: Painting is offered in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage consists of 30 teaching weeks. You will be expected to commit an average of 40 hours per week to your course, including teaching hours and independent study.

Course units

Year 1

Unit 1: Introduction to Fine Art

This unit is an introduction to your course, the university and London as a resource.

Unit 2: Establishing practice

With support from your tutors, you will develop your own fine art practice through identifying areas of interest that have emerged in Unit 1. This will be through self-directed projects leading to sustained and increasingly independent practice. There will be timetabled workshops, seminars, lectures and tutorials.

Unit 3: Ideas into practice

You will focus on further developing and strengthening your skills and confidence in articulating and exploring your chosen areas of research through writing and art practice. By identifying specific skills and strategies, you will develop your work for public exhibition.

Unit 4: Activating practice

You will be introduced to working outside a studio environment and situating your work in the public realm.

Year 2

Unit 5: Exploring context through practice 

You will extend the independent practice you established in Year 1. This will deepen your understanding and articulation of the ideas influencing your practice.

Unit 6: Collaborative and collective practices

You will be introduced to different ways in which collaborative working can help you to focus and enhance your own creative strengths. You’ll have the chance to work with fellow students and creative communities.

Unit 7: Refining practice

This unit will build on some of the collaborative skills gained in Unit 6 in order to facilitate the presentation and contextualisation of your work. You will research and present an essay to help situate your work critically.

Unit 8: Audiences

In this unit, you are prompted to professionally plan and communicate your work in the third year, focusing the direction and context of your practice.

Year 3

Unit 9: Practice and articulation

You will develop work for a public audience, supported by a piece of research produced either in written form, presentation, live project or work placement.

Unit 10: Practice and presentation

You will work to build a sustainable and ethical practice for your degree show. You will consolidate your research in the creation of new work which engages audiences.

Optional Diploma between Years 2 and 3

Between Years 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll also have the opportunity to undertake one of the following additional UAL qualifications:

Diploma in Professional Studies (DPS)

This optional diploma can be taken between years 2 and 3. With support from your tutors, you’ll undertake an industry placement for a minimum of 100 days/20 weeks. As well as developing industry skills, you’ll gain an additional qualification upon successful completion.

Diploma in Creative Computing

Between years 2 and 3, you can undertake the year-long Diploma in Creative Computing. This will develop your skills in creative computing alongside your degree. After successfully completing the diploma and your undergraduate course, you’ll graduate with an enhanced degree: BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting (with Creative Computing).

Learning and teaching methods

  • Events, screenings and visits
  • Group and individual critiques, tutorials and formal reviews
  • Individual programmes of study
  • Key ideas lecture programme
  • Learning skills in practical and technical workshops.
  • Lectures and visiting speakers
  • Staff and student led seminars and discussions

BA Fine Art: Painting

Open day recording

Course Leader Raksha Patel gives an overview of BA Fine Art: Painting at Camberwell College of Arts.

Student work

  • Camberwell-College-of-Arts-BA-Fine-Art-Painting-Bianca-Peake.jpg
    Bianca Peake
    BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting, Camberwell College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Bianca Peake
  • Camberwell-College-of-Arts-BA-Fine-Art-Painting-Ellen-Hall.jpg
    Ellen Hall
    , Camberwell College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Ellen Hall
  • camberwell-college-of-arts-ba-painting-summer-show-2019.jpg
    BA Fine Art: Painting show
    , Camberwell College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Camberwell College of Arts.
  • Camberwell-College-of-Arts-BA-Fine-Art-Painting-Filippo-Cegani.jpg
    Filippo Cegani
    , Camberwell College of Arts, UAL | Photograph: Filippo Cegani

Staff

  • Dr Kimathi Donkor - Interim Programme Director, Course Leader, Camberwell Fine Art: Painting
    Reader in Contemporary Painting and Black Art
  • Raksha Patel - Deputy Course Leader
  • Katrina Blannin - Senior Lecturer
  • Juliette Blightman - Senior Lecturer
  • Juan Bolivar - Lecturer
  • Matthew Draper - Lecturer
  • Mark Fairnington - Professor of Painting/Research
  • Babak Ghazi - Senior Lecturer
  • Jerome Ince-Mitchell - Senior Lecturer, Year Three Leader
  • Naira Mushtaq - Associate Lecturer
  • Sikelela Owen - Associate Lecturer
  • Helen Robertson - Associate Lecturer
  • Neil Rumming - Lecturer
  • Alex Veness - Senior Lecturer, Year One Leader
  • Paula Smithard - Senior Lecturer, Year Two Leader
  • Daniel Sturgis - Professor of Painting/Research
  • Sam Windett - Associate Lecturer
  • Dr Sarah Kate Wilson - Associate Lecturer
  • Tom Worsfold - Associate Lecturer
  • Nicholas Byrne - Associate Lecturer
  • Des Haughton - Associate Lecturer
  • India Nielsen - Associate  Lecturer
  • Rebecca Partridge - Associate Lecturer
  • Shannon Bono - Associate Lecturer
  • Jennifer Campbell - Associate Lecturer
  • Sara Knowland - Associate Lecturer
  • Alice Wilson - Associate Lecturer
  • Nelson Diplexcito - Senior Lecturer
  • Dr Wayne Binitie - Senior Lecturer
  • Dr Lucy Woollett - Associate Lecturer
  • Cara Nahul - Associate Lecturer
  • Peter Roberts - Specialist Technician
  • Chelsie Coates - Programme Studio Manager

Contextual Studies Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard minimum entry requirements for this course are one or a combination of the following qualifications:

  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • 2 A Levels at grade C or above
  • Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma
  • Or equivalent EU/International qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma at 24 points minimum
  • And 3 GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C)

Entry to this course will also be determined by the quality of your application, looking primarily at your portfolio of work, personal statement and reference.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference
  • A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

Selection criteria

We look for:

  • An ability to explore, articulate and develop ideas
  • An ability to research information and visual material to support your ideas
  • Your portfolio to demonstrate a range of appropriate skills and technical abilities
  • An ability to communicate your ideas visually, verbally and in writing
  • An ability to self-direct and evaluate your own work

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W122

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W122

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit the UCAS advice page and our personal statement advice page for more support.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum of 30 pages, showing a reflection of your interest and understanding of fine art
  • include both self-directed work and project work, demonstrating your diverse skills and abilities to work with a wide range of medias
  • give a strong indication of your passion and enthusiasm for the subject
  • include images from your sketch books to demonstrate your working process and abilities to develop research interests and influences.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

Many BA Fine Art Painting graduates have successfully progressed onto postgraduate fine art in the United Kingdom (UK), Europe and the United States of America. Others have gone on to undertake teacher-training qualifications or study art history, theory or writing courses.

Alumni have been selected for Bloomberg New Contemporaries, the Jerwood Painting Fellowship, Saatchi New Sensations, the Turner Prize, the Woon Art Prize and the Young Masters Art Prize.

Graduates regularly exhibit their work professionally within London and internationally and have set up studios throughout the UK and internationally.

Alumni

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.