Course Overview
At Hull College’s Institute of Arts, you’ll join a vibrant community of makers and thinkers working across painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, film, ceramics, digital media and more. You’ll refine your artistic voice, build your confidence, and develop the creative and professional skills needed to thrive in today’s art world.
You’ll be taught by practicing artists who are passionate about helping you reach your potential. Expect plenty of one-to-one guidance, supportive tutorials, and exciting opportunities to collaborate with others. From day one, you’ll be immersed in a studio environment that encourages experimentation, reflection, and independence — the perfect space to grow as an artist.
Real-world experience is at the heart of this course. You’ll take on live projects, create work for exhibitions, and receive guidance from industry partners. You’ll also develop essential business and professional skills — learning how to fund, market, and exhibit your work, build your online presence, and manage creative projects from concept to completion.
Your year will build towards the highlight of your studies: your final Degree Show — a public exhibition showcasing your work as a professional artist. Along the way, you’ll explore contemporary debates, engage with new technologies, and learn how to communicate your ideas clearly and confidently.
We believe art should be inclusive, diverse and reflective of the world we live in. Our studio culture celebrates individuality and collaboration, encouraging you to bring your own experiences and perspectives into your creative work.
Entry Requirements:
Level 5 Subject Specific Qualification (HE Top Ups Only), IELTS Score: 6.5
Course Highlights
Validating Partners
We are proud to collaborate with University of Hull on the validation of our top up Degrees. Our partnership with the University allows us to offer top-degrees at Level 6. All the qualifications are subject to monitoring by our university partner and are awarded as Hull University top-up Degrees.
Industry Skills 1
Start the year by developing key professional skills for a career in the arts. You’ll explore how creative industries work, learn to plan and manage projects, and begin preparing ideas for your Degree Show. Through workshops and tutorials, you’ll identify your strengths, set goals, and think like a professional artist from day one.
Research in Practice
This module connects your art to the ideas that inspire it. You’ll explore how theory, culture and context shape creative practice, developing your research and critical thinking skills. You’ll produce a research portfolio and academic poster or discussion, showing how thoughtful research deepens and supports your studio work.
Studio Practice
Your studio becomes a space for experimentation and growth. You’ll create a body of work based on your Statement of Intent, testing materials, concepts and processes that express your artistic voice. With regular feedback through tutorials and group crits, you’ll refine your ideas and build confidence in your creative direction.
Creative Business (Industry Skills 2)
Learn how to turn your creativity into a sustainable career. Building on Industry Skills 1, this module focuses on promoting, funding and exhibiting your work. You’ll plan and curate your own exhibition for the Degree Show, create marketing materials, and explore how to build a professional presence as an artist in today’s creative industries.
Professional Project
Bring everything together in your final project — a resolved, professional body of work showcased in the public Degree Show. You’ll demonstrate independence, technical skill and creative ambition while managing every stage of your project from concept to exhibition. This is your chance to define your artistic identity and step confidently into your future career.
Course Breakdown
Why Choose This Course
“The Fine Art degree at Hull College has given me the opportunity to develop my creative practice to a really high level.”
“I want to be an art teacher or art therapist and this course is helping me to achieve my career goals.”
Progression & Next Steps
Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fine Art (Top-Up) don’t just leave as artists — they leave as confident, creative professionals ready for a range of exciting careers. Many go on to work as practicing artists, curators, educators, or arts facilitators, while others use their creative thinking, project management, and communication skills in fields like design, marketing, community arts, and cultural management.
You’ll build a professional portfolio, exhibition experience, and a strong understanding of how to promote and sustain your creative practice. Many graduates progress to the MA Creative Practice or PGCE at Hull College, but wherever you go next, you’ll have the skills, independence, and creative mindset to make your mark in the ever-evolving world of work.