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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.

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course.

Visit the Courses with places available page for a full list of UAL courses that are open for application.

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.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

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

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

Film

Watch our online open day recording

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 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Apply

You must apply through UCAS, where you’ll need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W122

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 25 January 2023 at 18:00 (GMT) for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

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 and selection

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Following the review of the digital portfolio, a small number of applicants will progress to the interview stage. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes. For support with your interview, visit our Interview tips page.

Portfolio advice

  • A maximum of 30 pages showing a reflection of your interest and understanding of Fine Art.
  • It should include both self-directed work and project work, and give a strong indication of your passion and enthusiasm for the subject.
  • Work in any medium.
  • Images from sketch books. These help us see your working process and indicate developing research interests and influences.

For more support, please visit our Portfolio advice page and PebblePad advice page.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS.

Applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Feedback requests:

If you would like to request feedback please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information.

Be ready to provide us with:

  • Your current course handbook
  • Year 1 / Year 2 unit transcripts

Applications closed 2023/24 

We are no longer accepting applications for 2023/24 entry to this course. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

Apply

There are 2 ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course:

Applying through UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code - U65
  • UCAS course code - W122

Read our immigration and visa information to find out if you need a visa to study at UAL.

You can only apply to the same course once a year. 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 25 January 2023 at 18:00 (GMT) for equal consideration.

However, this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

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

You will be asked to complete an Immigration History Check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Initial application check and selection

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Once we have received your digital portfolio it will be reviewed by the academic team. A decision will be made on your application which may include - offer, offer alternative, recommend to alternative course, reject or invite to interview.

We aim for all on time application reviews to take place by the end of March 2023.

Portfolio advice

  • A maximum of 30 pages showing a reflection of your interest and understanding of Fine Art.
  • It should include both self-directed work and project work, and give a strong indication of your passion and enthusiasm for the subject.
  • Work in any medium.
  • Images from sketch books. These help us see your working process and indicate developing research interests and influences.

For more support, please visit our Portfolio advice page and PebblePad advice page.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS.

Applicants for this course may be given an alternative offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.

Feedback requests:

If you would like to request feedback please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

  • Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
  • Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).

Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information.

Be ready to provide us with:

  • Your current course handbook
  • Year 1 / Year 2 unit transcripts
  • An official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed

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.

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.