Back to school with Debra Welch
Chelsea Space's Gaia Giacomelli spoke to the artist about her practice and find's out how her old school became the subject of the All Things Are Yours exhibition.
BA (Hons) Fine Art
College
CHELSEA
Start date
September 2019
Course length
3 years
UCAS code
W104
Course summary
Applications closed 2019/20
Applications for 2019/20 entry to this course have now closed. Visit the ‘Courses with places available’ page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.
BA Fine Art at Chelsea College of Arts invites you to work alongside our internationally respected team of artists and writers. The course provides a critically creative environment where you can develop your own practice.
We encourage open and exploratory thinking. You will gain the confidence, experience and skills to play an effective role as a professional artist on an international stage.
Student work
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Adrien Vouillot - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Andrew Hart - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Anna-Sofie Jesperson - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Arthur Prior - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Cedric Migroyan - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Daisy Grey - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Daniel Bandfield - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Elizabeth Langton - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Eva Kraljic and Tim Tokley - BA Fine Art (Credit: Eva Kraljic and Tim Tokley.) -
Harley Cope - BA Fine Art (Credit: Harley Cope.) -
Luc Ewa - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Maia Regis - BA Fine Art (Credit: Maia Regis.) -
Misbah Siddique - BA Fine Art (Credit: Misbah Siddique.) -
Sarah Finney - BA Fine Art (Credit: Sarah Finney.) -
Andrew Hart - BA Fine Art (Credit: Kristy Noble.) -
Sarah Lynch-Jones - BA Fine Art (Credit: Sarah Lynch-Jones.)
Carmen Vinuela Martin and Maria Luisa Gonzalez Ramirez.
Omer Even-Paz.
BA Fine Art Stories
Student’s artwork helps 16-year-old Syrian refugee recreate her bedroom from home
An art student has worked with a refugee to recreate her old bedroom as part of her degree show exhibition at Chelsea College of Arts, UAL. Josephine von Bülow, who […]
Chelsea at the Venice Biennale 2017
Taking place every two years, the Venice Biennale is one of the highlights of the international art world calendar. This year’s exhibition, entitled VIVA ARTE VIVA and curated by Christine Macel, opened […]
Life at Chelsea: Nikitah Patel – BA Fine Art
In the lead up to the 2018 Undergraduate Summer Show, we interview graduating students about their life at Chelsea and how their learning experience has shaped their practice. Originally from […]
Course details
This course is subject to re-validation. Re-validation is a process that makes sure students get a high quality academic experience. During re-validation there maybe be some changes to course content and structure. Please contact us if you have any questions about this course.
What you can expect
- A course that is studio-based and practice-led. The course brings together a wide range of media. These include painting, sculpture, digital media, sound, print, performance, drawing, film and video
- Integrated practice and theory. This helps you understand the contexts and conditions that shape and frame contemporary art practice
- A tutor group that you will meet on a regular basis to discuss each other’s work
- Significant control over what you learn, the pace you do this at and how you might prove this. You will have help making these decisions by on-going dialogue with your tutors and fellow students
- Inductions to the facilities in the college’s studios and workshops. Specialist technicians are on hand to offer support
- To have access to Chelsea's shared workshops. These include ceramics, casting, laser cutting, photography, audio-visual editing suite, metal and woodwork. View the Chelsea facilities
Course units
Year 1
- Unit 1: Art practice - Exploration
- Unit 2: Art practice - Exploration, part 2
- Unit 3: Introduction to Fine Art
- Unit 4: Induction to Theory
Year 2
- Unit 5: Territories of practice
- Unit 6: Practice in context - exhibition
- Unit 7: Theoretical Contexts
- Unit 8: Theoretical Contexts, part 2
Year 3
- Unit 9: Studio practice 3 - Consolidation
- Unit 10: Dissertation and research portfolio
Work experience and opportunities
Opportunities to work with external partners have included projects and commissions with The Discovery Channel, Frontier Economics and Hitachi Consulting.
Staff
- Martin Newth - Programme Director
- Mary Evans - Course Leader
- Gill Addison
- Dave Beech
- Jo Bruton
- Dr Andrew Chesher - Year 1 Leader
- Jeffery Dennis
- Sarah Dobai
- Bernice Donszelmann
- Amanda Faulkner
- Ben Fitton - Year 2 Leader
- Lucy Gunning
- Katrine Hjelde
- David Musgrave
- Elizabeth Peebles - Year 3 Leader
- Dan Smith
Visiting Staff
- Marsha Bradfield
- Sean Dower
- John Douglas Millar
- Cath Ferguson
- Graham Gussin
- Ope Lori
- Catherine Maffioletti
- Rosa Nogues
- Paul O’Kane
- Jennie Savage
- Georgina Starr
- Gladstone Thompson
- Virginia Verran
How to apply
Opportunities for all
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
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
- 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:
- IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our English language requirements).
Selection criteria
We look for:
- Evidence of visual and conceptual creative ability
- The potential to develop the practical, expressive, critical and conceptual skills necessary to complete the course
- An awareness of contemporary and historical fine art contexts
- Some understanding of the role that contemporary critical thought and historical study can play in the development of personal creative work
- An ability to communicate and discuss your ideas visually, verbally and in writing
- The ability to manage your own time and initiate projects
- A clear commitment to the chosen field of study
- Evidence of an ability to generate and develop ideas through making work
Making your application
Portfolio advice
Portfolios should show the following:
- A range of recent work, which might include drawings, paintings, sculpture or photographs
- Clear documentation of work that’s too large
- A concise portfolio that shows a selective approach
- Self-initiated as well as project or course work
- Evidence of research, interests and inspirations through sketchbooks, notebooks and development work
- Animation, film and video work should be presented as printed screen shots
Please remember:
- The quality of the work is more important than the quantity
- Where possible, large or 3D work should be photographed and scanned
- To organise your work by project, with supporting work presented alongside final outcomes
Applications for 2019/20 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2020/21 entry will open in Autumn 2019.
2020/21 entry
You must apply through UCAS, where you’ll need the following information:
- University code - U65
- UCAS course code - W104
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.
However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
This course will give consideration to:
- Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
- Deferred entry application
What happens next
Communicating with you
After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.
Initial application check
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.
Interview selection event
You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event.
Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.
The event will also give you a chance to meet current students, take a tour of the college and see the facilities.
More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.
Selection for Home/EU applicants happens in a variety of different ways:
- In person at Chelsea College of Arts
- By phone or Skype
If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.
How we notify you of the outcome of your application
You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS track.
Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.
Applications for 2019/20 entry for this course are now closed. Applications for 2020/21 entry will open in Autumn 2019.
2020/21 entry
There are 3 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Chelsea College of Arts:
- Through one of our official representatives in your country
- Through UCAS
- By direct application
If you are applying via UCAS you will need the following information:
- University code - U65
- UCAS course code - W104
You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn. Read the UAL international application advice for further information on how to apply.
Application deadline
We recommend you apply by 15 January for equal consideration.
However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
This course will give consideration to:
- Applications for year 2 entry, subject to places being available
- Deferred entry application
What happens next
Communicating with you
After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll receive a confirmation email providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We’ll use this portal to contact you to request any additional information, including inviting you to upload documents or book an interview, so please check it regularly.
Immigration history check
Whether you’re applying online via UCAS, through a UAL representative or by direct application you will need to complete an Immigration History Check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you don’t complete the check we won’t be able to proceed with your application.
Initial application check
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you’ll be invited to or asked to book onto a suitable date to attend an interview selection event.
Interview selection event
You will be expected to bring your portfolio, which will be reviewed by the academics conducting the event.
Please be prepared to talk about your work, what inspires you and your influences. We may not discuss all of these topics at the event.
More details about your interview selection event will be emailed to you once you have chosen or been allocated your date.
Selection for international applicants happens in a variety of different ways:
- By phone or Skype
- In your country, if your application was made through one of our official representatives
- In person at our international office based at Chelsea College of Arts
If you choose phone or Skype, you will be sent an email requesting that you upload a digital portfolio using UAL’s online portfolio review system.
How we notify you of the outcome of your application
- If you applied through UCAS you will receive the final outcome of of your application through UCAS track
- If you applied directly or through an agent, we will notify you through the UAL portal
Please note that applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.
Study Abroad
Through the Study Abroad programme international students can apply to join an undergraduate course.
For information on how to apply visit the Study Abroad section.
Fees & Funding
Home / EU fee
£9,250 (2019/20).
Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students, in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Please visit our undergraduate tuition fees page for more information.
International fee
£19,930 (2019/20).
Additional costs
In addition to tuition fees you are very likely to incur additional costs such as travel expenses and the cost of materials. Please read the information on our additional costs page.
Accommodation
Find out about the accommodation options available and how much they will cost.
Scholarships and awards
Use our search tool to find out more about the scholarships and awards available to students.
Careers and alumni
Graduates from BA Fine Art at Chelsea are well placed to become independent practitioners in the international art scene. Others move onto postgraduate studies both in the UK and overseas. Many of our graduates have has success and won awards for their work in galleries, museums, the media and the wider creative environment. The college’s alumni include many Turner Prize winners and nominees.
Alumni
- Jon Baker
- Lucy Beech
- Jonny Briggs
- James Capper
- Alice Evans
- Mariko Mori
- Chris Ofili
- James Richards
- Hannah Sawtell
- Mark Wallinger
Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.