Why Leeds?
With great music venues, culture, shopping and parks – we've got it all. Leeds city centre has been named one of the Best Places to Live in the UK*.
*The Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide, 2026
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Fine Art
Expand your art practice and prepare for a creative future. You’ll test and develop your skills and expertise on this fine art course across a range of media.
Course overview
-
W100 -
L27 -
City Campus -
Full-Time -
3 Years -
21 Sep 2026
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Experiment with painting, sculpture, installation, photography, drawing, printmaking, performance, digital processes and other media
- Be taught by nationally and internationally recognised artists and practitioners, who will help you to develop your artistic identity
- Participate in collaborative on- and off-site activities and live curatorial projects
- Exhibit your projects to the public and impress industry through regular display and exhibition opportunities
- Develop a proactive approach to creating and taking opportunities, guided by an expert staff team
Exhibit your work
You’ll have the opportunity to exhibit your work at the annual Degree Show that’s attended by arts professionals from across the country, as well as in regular professional standard exhibitions in our White Column gallery.
You can see examples of students' work on the White Column website and on Instagram.
Your community
As a Leeds School of Arts student, you’ll join the city’s thriving visual arts scene. You could form your own collectives while you study. Past students have participated in Leeds’ annual Light Night event and even set up their own galleries.
Learn from visiting artists
The INSIDE/OUT lecture series offers historical, theoretical and critical analyses of art, architecture and design. The series welcomes internationally recognised practitioners to share their practice. Find out about forthcoming events on the INSIDE/OUT webpage.
International travel
Through our Edna Lumb Travel Award – funded by a unique donation – you’ll have the chance to travel with purpose, exploring new places that inspire and expand your art practice. Whether you’re seeking out fresh ideas, researching new techniques, or immersing yourself in different cultures, this award gives you the freedom to take your learning beyond the studio. It’s your opportunity to experience the wider world and let it shape your creative journey.
Why study the BA (Hons) Fine Art course at Leeds Beckett University?
- Close links to industry and creative businesses, and tutors with extensive professional experience and networks
- Student satisfaction - 100% of BA (Hons) Fine Art students were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
- Nationally recognised – Leeds Beckett University art courses ranked 3rd in England*
- Study within one of the largest university arts communities in the north with access to a vast range of ideas, skills, and specialist facilities
- Leeds' thriving creative sector has countless opportunities for fine art graduates
*National Student Survey 2025
Explore videos and blogs
3rd
Leeds Beckett University Art courses ranked 3rd in England
10th
in the UK for Fine Art
BA (Hons) Fine Art – student stories Hear Elizabeth talk about her work, course and plans for the future at the Leeds School of Arts End of Year Show.
100%
of BA (Hons) Fine Art students were positive about the way teaching staff explain things
Student Work | Art & Design Explore student work from our Art & Design subject area. Curious about what you could create at Leeds School of Arts? Join us at one of our Leeds Beckett University Open Days to find out more.
Student work
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
If you’re unsure how to work out your UCAS points we have a UCAS Tariff Calculator which will do it for you. All you need to do is enter your qualifications and let the UCAS Tariff Calculator do the maths.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
104-112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 104-112 points required.
(Minimum 64-72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies.).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 104-112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
104-112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Diploma in Foundation Studies with a Distinction is also accepted for entry to this course.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
How we assess your application
At Leeds Beckett we look for students who demonstrate a good knowledge, curiosity and passion for your chosen course and would benefit from the University’s learning environment.
We aim to give every student a fair chance to progress and succeed on their chosen course and we recognise that your grades may not always reflect your true potential. Therefore, when assessing your application, we will consider the following:
- Your completed qualifications (such as GCSEs, A Levels, and their equivalents).
- Your predicted grades in future examinations.
- Your personal statement.
Our offers
All our offers are made by trained professionals who are committed to making offers that are appropriate to each applicant, regardless of their background.* They have the discretion to vary the level of offer to ensure every student with the potential to succeed at Leeds Beckett receives an offer that is achievable for them. This could mean that you may receive an offer to study on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff. Your offer will be based on our belief that you are capable of benefiting from, and successfully completing, your course. We believe that it is people who think differently, independently, people with ‘unlike-minds' that make big things happen.
*We operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we consider a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff.
Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part-time applicants).
Our place as an Anchor Institution
To further strengthen our position as a key provider of education and training for West Yorkshire we apply an Anchor Institution Policy in our admissions process. Students who apply to us from any of the five Local Authority areas in West Yorkshire (BD, HD, HX, LS, WF) may be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points.
Our commitment to your creativity
We ask all successful applicants to attend an on campus session with Leeds School of Arts. Why? Because we want to invest in YOU! This is an opportunity to use our fantastic facilities, meet the academic staff who will teach you, and meet students you will study with. You will also take part in taster sessions, specific to your area of study, all of which will help strengthen your professional skills.
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade 4 in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.Portfolio Required
All suitable candidates will be required to submit a portfolio, this should include artwork and photographs of art work and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the subject. Further guidance will be provided to applicants when they are asked to submit a portfolio.
IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Additional entry requirements:
Diploma in Foundation Studies with a Distinction is also accepted for entry to this course.
Selection Criteria
We may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Modules, teaching and learning
There are no traditional exams on this course.
What you'll learn
Step into the heart of fine art and discover the spirit of this course: being curious, open, experimental, and willing to play. This module places you right at the centre of the studio community – a space for making, thinking, talking, and reflecting. Across a series of hands-on projects, you'll try out a wide range of processes and techniques. Some you'll explore together through communal studio activities; others you'll tackle individually as you develop your own creative voice. Along the way, you'll be introduced to key facilities such as printmaking, photography, the 3D workshop, and digital print. You'll also start to build your understanding of art's histories and theories, and develop essential research skills that will support your practice throughout the course. Regular visits to galleries and cultural spaces around the city will give you a first-hand look at how arts institutions operate – offering valuable insight into the professional world you’re stepping into.
Building on everything you explored during your first semester, this module helps you push your practice further as an emerging independent artist. Here, experimentation isn't just encouraged – it's the core of how you'll generate new ideas and develop your work. You'll experiment with unfamiliar methods, revisit and rework existing pieces, and try moving your artwork across different media to see what possibilities emerge. A range of studio-based projects – varying in pace, length, and intensity – will give you structured starting points to respond to. Each project provides a framework to help you plan your making and research activities, set clear goals, and manage your time effectively. Through small-group tutorials, you'll discuss your progress, reflect on the creative decisions you've made, and consider where your work might go next. Toward the end of the module, you'll explore ways of presenting and sharing your artwork, whether through spatial installations, printed formats, or online platforms. You'll also receive support in articulating the ideas behind your practice – through discussion, presentations, recordings, and written work – so you can confidently communicate the thinking that drives your art.
What you'll learn
Develop your independent practice by working collectively and presenting your artwork to a host of different audiences. You'll explore where your practice sits within various artistic communities and consider how your voice, identity, and interests connect to the wider art world. A series of projects – varying in pace and scale – will give you structured starting points for creating and presenting new work. You'll experiment with different ways of displaying your artwork, both individually and as part of a group, and learn to promote your artistic activity to broader audiences. You'll also explore the role of physical exhibitions and have opportunities to test out approaches to displaying your work. Throughout the module, you'll gain practical skills in installing artworks across a wide range of media – from wall-based pieces to moving image and digital work. Alongside this, you'll consider what it means to present your practice publicly in a professional, thoughtful manner: through clear documentation, accurate captions, and effective forms of communication such as writing, speaking, websites, or social media. Small group meetings will help you build an understanding of wider art-world contexts, networks, and communities, and how these relate to your own developing practice. You'll also look closely at the role of artistic identity, exploring different models as you reflect on your own position as an emerging artist.
Strengthen your independent art practice and understand how it can be situated within a range of technical, theoretical, and global perspectives. Experimentation – in both making and research – is central here, helping you generate artwork that's informed, exploratory, and critically engaged. You'll develop your research ideas and consider how they fit within broader fields of artistic enquiry. This includes exploring alternative and experimental ways of presenting research, such as through audio-visual formats or other creative methods. As you investigate these possibilities, you'll think about innovative ways to demonstrate the relationship between your practice and your research. As you progress, you'll build an awareness of global contexts for art-making and examine the implications of different theoretical perspectives. These reference points will help you establish your own critical position as an emerging artist. A programme of seminars will guide you through practical tasks designed to strengthen your research skills and your ability to articulate and contextualise your ideas – whether verbally, in writing, or through audio-visual forms. You'll also learn to connect text and image effectively, and develop essential skills in academic referencing, ensuring you can accurately account for the sources that inform your work.
What you'll learn
This module helps you develop your independent art practice with increasing autonomy, guiding you to position yourself confidently as a practitioner. You'll undertake a sustained investigation into how and why you make artworks, and explore their potential purpose and impact. Experimentation remains a fundamental principle, encouraging you to generate work that is thoughtful, exploratory, and personally meaningful. You'll also build proficiency in the processes of making, articulating, and displaying your work. Opportunities to present and share your artwork will enable you to reflect critically on your methods, outcomes, and the responses of different audiences. Small group tutorials will give you space to discuss your progress, refine your thinking, and demonstrate a growing command of how to communicate the positioning of your work, its audiences, and its wider concerns. Collaboration is key: you'll support peers in sharing insights into creative processes, ideas, and presentation methods, fostering a strong peer-support network. By the end of the module, you'll have deepened your understanding of the critical ideas driving your practice, and be ready to position yourself confidently within the global theoretical and professional contexts of contemporary art.
Extend and consolidate your independent practice, demonstrating autonomy, ownership, and a clear vision for your future beyond graduation. You'll continue to develop control and proficiency in making, articulating, and displaying your work, refining both physical and online presentation in line with professional standards. A series of seminars and lectures will focus on the practical and professional aspects of creating, presenting, and promoting artwork. You'll explore documentation, captioning, online presence, and building an artist CV, giving you the tools to communicate your practice effectively. By the end of the module, you'll produce a set of professional-standard materials that clearly document and articulate your work and artistic development. Finally, you'll have the chance to showcase your achievements in a public display during the Degree Show – a celebratory moment to share your practice with a wider audience and mark the culmination of your course.
This course offers the opportunity to take a ‘placement’ year – a year of paid employment in industry which will build your skills and experience. This is usually taken between the second and third year of your degree and will extend the length of your course by an additional year.
Students who choose the placement route find it helps with both their studies and getting a job after graduation. It can build your confidence, contacts, and of course your CV. Leeds Beckett advertise lots of placement opportunities and provide support in helping you find the right placement for you.
Fees and funding
£9,790
UK
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
£16,840
International 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Fees and funding
£9,790
For students entering in 2026
The annual tuition fee for students entering in the 2026/27 academic year is anticipated to be £9790 (the maximum annual tuition fee cap announced by the UK Government, which is subject to parliamentary approval).
For each subsequent year of study, the University may charge up to the maximum annual tuition fee cap set by the UK Government, which may increase in line with any uplift determined by the UK Government by law or government policy (such increases are expected to be linked to inflation).
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including industry-standard software.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
- Materials for scheduled studio activities.
- Installation materials for exhibitions and displays.
- Materials sourced including textiles, large papers, paints, wooden panels and batons, cardboard and other packaging.
- Recycled materials including unwanted canvases, paints, 3D construction materials, and found materials.
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Year 1 materials and printing (£20-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 2 materials and printing (£20-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 3 materials and printing (£50-200. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
Optional Costs
- Competitions (£30 per year).
- Course educational trips (£150-750).
- Educational visits. Cost will vary depending on location and may be subsidised. Costs could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£16,840
For students entering in 2026
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2026/27 is £16840.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Access to course resources, equipment and facilities, including:
- Studio equipment and facilities, including industry-standard software.
- Free entry to Inside/Out lecture series.
- Materials for scheduled studio activities.
- Installation materials for exhibitions and displays.
- Materials sourced including textiles, large papers, paints, wooden panels and batons, cardboard and other packaging.
- Recycled materials including unwanted canvases, paints, 3D construction materials, and found materials.
Essential Costs
- Year 1 materials and printing (£20-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 2 materials and printing (£20-100. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
- Year 3 materials and printing (£50-200. Digital alternatives can be submitted).
Optional Costs
- Competitions (£30 per year).
- Course educational trips (£150-750).
- Educational visits. Cost will vary depending on location and may be subsidised. Costs could include travel, accommodation and subsistence.
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Scholarships and bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that an education at Leeds Beckett University is open to all. If you're thinking of joining us for undergraduate study, you may be eligible for a non-repayable scholarship or bursary to help with the cost of university. To find out if you are be eligible visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
We also offer a range of non-repayable scholarships for international students. To find out if you may be eligible visit our scholarships for international students page and select your home country from the drop-down list.
Career prospects
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
As a proactive graduate and a creative thinker, you’ll be equipped to make and take opportunities, manage your career and promote yourself and your work. Our students have gone on to pursue careers in the arts, in galleries, museums and in the film industry, in arts administration and as journalists or designers. You could also continue your studies on one of our postgraduate courses. Job roles you could go into include:
- Freelance artist
- Multi-media designer
- Teacher
- Curator (gallery or museum)
- Therapist
- Arts producer
- Art technician
As a multidisciplinary artist every facility has played a part in my progression, and I have learnt multiple things from each facility.”
Joanne Tiffany
BA (Hons) Fine Art student
Our Graduate Promise
We have a dedicated team of people who will support you with all aspects of your career planning, from day one until 18 months after you graduate.
Getting you career ready is an integral part of your university life and this is embedded throughout your lectures and seminars. Outside of your course there is a wide range of support available to help you achieve your career goals, including:
- Getting ready to apply for jobs
- Working on your CV
- Interview skills and assessment centres
- Connecting with employers and organisations
We’re ranked in the Top 10 universities in the UK for job prospects
(Student Crowd, 2025 - the only awards based entirely on student reviews).
Find out why...
Student life
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Explore Leeds Beckett
Step inside our immersive 360° virtual tour and discover cutting-edge facilities, dynamic learning spaces, and everything our campus has to offer.
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Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
