BA (Hons) Fine Art
- Entry year:
- 2025/26
- Start date:
- September
- Study mode:
- Full-time
- Course duration:
- 3 years
- Campus:
- Mount Pleasant
Why study this course with LJMU?
- Take a virtual tour of this year's Fine Art degree show
- Join a studio based learning community in which you are supported to develop the skills and knowledge to become a fully fledged artist and arts professional in the future
- Opportunities to explore, test and deploy a wide range of materials and practices including: drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, film, performance, installation, digital arts production and art writing
- A platform to engage in the arts ecology of the city of Liverpool and gain 'real world ' experience and knowledge pertinent to careers in the arts
- Develop the skills to engage with a range of potential audiences and present your practice professionally in exhibitions and events
About your course
The BA (Hons) Fine Art at Liverpool John Moores University is unique in its focus on making artwork and presenting artwork.
Boasting more museums and galleries than any other city in the UK outside London, Liverpool is a rich cultural field and home to institutions like Tate Liverpool, Liverpool Biennial, FACT, Bluecoat and Walker Art Gallery.
In your day-to-day studio practice you have the freedom to work in any media you choose, refining your skills and working on realising your individual vision, with help from your tutors who are always on hand to offer advice. You will be offered advice on exhibiting your work with in-depth insight into the field of curating. The programme will allow you to gain confidence and to work at professional standards of practice.
Course modules
What you will study on this degree
This course is currently undergoing its scheduled programme review, which may impact the advertised modules. Programme review is a standard part of the University’s approach to quality assurance and enhancement, enabling us to ensure that our courses remain up to date and maintain their high standard and relevancy.
Once the review is completed, this course website page will be updated to reflect any approved changes to the advertised course. These approved changes will also be communicated to those who apply for the course to ensure they wish to proceed with their application.
Further guidance on modules
Modules are designated core or optional in accordance with professional body requirements, as applicable, and LJMU’s Academic Framework Regulations. Whilst you are required to study core modules, optional modules provide you with an element of choice. Their availability may vary and will be subject to meeting minimum student numbers.
Where changes to modules are necessary these will be communicated as appropriate.
Optional modules
Study Semester Abroad - Fine Art
60 credits
60 credits
The aim is to provide students with a semester of study at an approved overseas partner that will replace one semester of their LJMU programme at level 5.This is a semester of full-time study at an approved higher education institution which will replace one semester of level 5 study at LJMU. The modules to be studied must be agreed in advance, and must be an appropriate substitute for the modules being replaced. Assuming successful completion of this semester, mark-bearing credit will be awarded by the Faculty Recognition Group. The grade conversion scale to be used will be made available in advance of the semester abroad.
Your Learning Experience
Excellent facilities and learning resources
We adopt an active blended learning approach, meaning you will experience a combination of face-to-face and online learning during your time at LJMU. This enables you to experience a rich and diverse learning experience and engage fully with your studies. Our approach ensures that you can easily access support from your personal tutor, either by meeting them on-campus or via a video call to suit your needs.
Regular tutorials, group reviews of your work and visits to local exhibitions and events will really help you to develop as an artist and place your work in a professional context. You will also be expected to attend a rigorous programme of lectures, seminars, workshops and critiques, and there will be ongoing training and workshops in digital audio and video production, sculpture and 3D construction, digital studio photography and film, printmaking, 3D printing, textile work and painting, supported by our expert technical teams.
Work-related Learning
The degree offers opportunity for students to present their work in exhibitions during the three years of study, compared to most degree courses that will not do more than a single degree show.
As Liverpool has more museums and galleries than any UK city outside London, there can be few better places in which to study Fine Art. Against this rich cultural backdrop, the Fine Art degree is near a huge range of contemporary art institutions in the city including Tate Liverpool, Liverpool Biennial, Walker Art Gallery and FACT.
Our renowned teaching staff, including artists, curators and writers, can provide key career advice by drawing from their own strong track records, many of whom have worked internationally and continue to do so.
Dedicated personal tutor, plus study skills support
If you decide to pursue a Fine Art degree at LJMU, you will join a friendly and supportive department in which you will be encouraged to develop your creative talent and to also view your own and others work with a critical eye. Continual peer review and the constant guidance of your tutors are designed to help you be the very best in your particular artistic discipline. The course also offers you a consistently high contact rate.
Assessment varies depending on the modules you choose, but will usually include a combination of exams and coursework.
The primary methods of assessment are a presentation of your work to fellow students and staff or submission/installation of a portfolio of practical projects with supporting research and development work.
The way you do this depends on the kind of work you do, but we always ensure that the process is friendly and supportive and that portfolio submissions are done in the studio. Other forms of assessment include written essays, reviews, proposals, reports, a personal development planning folder and a CV and/or blog.
Your tutors will schedule individual tutorials to help you prepare for assessments, but they will also be continually on hand to help you evaluate your work and assess your progress. Verbal feedback is given during review and critique activities and at the end of individual tutorials.
You will also receive written feedback with an indication of your marks for reviews and presentations within three weeks of submitting work, although this may take longer if the marks go through an external moderation and approval process.
Where you will study
What you can expect from your School
Cross-disciplinary learning in art and design subjects takes place in the Liverpool School of Art and Designs John Lennon Art and Design Building, based in the Mount Pleasant Campus. Here students studying a variety of disciplines, including Architecture, Art in Science, Exhibition Studies, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphic Design, History of Art and Museum Studies and Interior Architecture, will have the opportunity to develop their work in state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within a stimulating and critically demanding environment.
Course tutors
Maggie Ayliffe
- Programme leader
The Fine Art programme at LJMU was an exciting experience and opportunity to develop my work in a professional and friendly environment. Great technical support and facilities enabled me to experiment with a variety of media and learn new skills. The course created possibilities to connect with various institutions and organisations which I am finding beneficial today.
Career paths
This programme opens lots of opportunities to develop your professional practice.
There are many opportunities for contemporary artists who are building their own professional practice. You may be able to apply for grants, and supplement your income by running workshops for galleries and museums, taking up residencies, working collaboratively with other artists and artists groups, managing projects within the cultural sector and curating exhibitions and shows.
Student Futures - Careers, Employability and Enterprise Service
A wide range of opportunities and support is available to you, within and beyond your course, to ensure our students experience a transformation in their career trajectory. Every undergraduate curriculum includes Future Focus during Level 4, an e-learning resource and workshop designed to help you to develop your talents, passion and purpose.
Every student has access to Careers Zone 24/7, LJMU's suite of online Apps, resources and jobs board via the LJMU Student Futures website.
Tuition fees and funding
- Home full-time per year:
- £9,250
Fees
The fees quoted above cover registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examinations as well as library membership and student IT support with access to printed, multimedia and digital resources including programme-appropriate software and on campus Wi-Fi.
Financial Support
The University offers a range of scholarships to support students through their studies. You'll find all the information you need on our specialist funding pages, including details of the Student Support Fund and other activities to support with the cost of living.
Additional Costs
In addition to fees, students should also keep in mind the cost of:
- Accommodation
- Travel costs including those for placements, visas and travel for studying abroad and field trips unless paid for by LJMU
- Stationery, IT equipment, professional body membership and graduation gown hire
The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in accordance with any changes to the maximum allowable fees set by the UK Parliament. In the event of such a change, any fee increase will be subject to a maximum cap of 10% of the total course cost as originally stated at the time of your offer.
- International full-time per year:
- £18,250
International Scholarships and payment plans
Liverpool John Moores University is committed to supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and flexible payment plans to help students manage their tuition fees.
Scholarships
LJMU provides a variety of undergraduate scholarships to support international students. Scholarships are available to self-funded students who have accepted their offer and met all the conditions outlined in their offer letter. Students must also demonstrate that they can cover living costs, travel, and other expenses associated to studying at the university.
All self-funded international students are eligible for an automatic scholarship worth up to £4,000. For more details and to view our full list of scholarships, visit the international scholarship webpages.
Deposit
All students must pay a £5,000 deposit before they can receive their CAS letter.
For more information view our deposit page.
Tuition Fee Payment Plan
After paying their £5,000 deposit, students have the option to pay their fees in full or in three equal instalments minus any internal scholarships and discounts. There are two payment options available for international students. You can either pay your tuition fees in full before enrolment or opt for a payment plan. With the payment plan, you can pay your fees in three instalments after making your £5,000 deposit. The first instalment is due before enrolment.
All payments should be made through Flywire. Full details can be found in the How to Pay Guide.
Early Bird Tuition Fee discount
We are excited to introduce a £500 Early Payment Discount to all self-funded international students. Eligible self-funded students who pay their fees by the required deadlines will get a discount which will be automatically deducted from the 1st year of tuition fees.
To see the required deadlines please visit the webpage
Entry requirements
Please choose your qualifications below to view requirements
Grades/points required from qualifications: 112
Work out how many UCAS points your qualifications are worth by visiting the UCAS Tariff Calculator.
Qualification requirements
GCSEs and equivalents
Prior to starting the programme applicants must have obtained Grade C or Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics GCSE or an approved alternative qualification below:
- Key Skills Level 2 in English/Maths
- NVQ Level 2 Functional skills in Maths and English Writing and or Reading
- Skills for Life Level 2 in Numeracy/English
- Higher Diploma in Maths/English
- Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths/English
- Northern Ireland Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
- Welsh GCSE in Maths
- Welsh GCSE in Numeracy
- Wales Essential Skills Level 2 in Communication or Application of Number
A levels
- Minimum number of A Levels required: 2
- Is general studies acceptable? Yes
- Average A Level offer: BBC
- Are AS level awards acceptable? Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- Maximum AS Level points accepted: 20
BTECs
- National Certificate (RQF): Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Certificate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Diploma subjects / grades required: D*D* is required if no other level 3 qualifications are taken
- National Extended Diploma (RQF): Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- National Extended Diploma subjects / grades required: DMM is required if no other level 3 qualifications are taken
Access awards
- Access to Higher Education Diploma acceptability: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Further information: At least 15 Distinctions and 30 Merits, or any other combination that equates to 112 UCAS Tariff points
International Baccalaureate
- International Baccalaureate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Additional information: 112 UCAS Tariff points from IB Composite parts, or in combination with other Level 3 qualifications
Irish awards
- Irish Leaving Certificate: Acceptable on its own and combined with other qualifications
- Grades / subjects required: 112 UCAS Tariff points and a maximum of 20 UCAS Tariff points from Ordinary Level
Welsh awards
- Welsh Baccalaureate: Acceptable only when combined with other qualifications
T levels
- T Level requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points in a relevant subject
NVQ
- Are Level 3 NVQs acceptable? Acceptable when combined with other qualifications
Alternative qualifications considered
UCAS Tariff points accepted from the Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design, and Art, Design and Media).
Applications are welcomed from mature and non-standard applicants, who will be considered on an individual basis. These applicants should demonstrate potential and motivation and/or have relevant experience.
International applications will be considered in line with UK qualifications.
Short-listed applicants will be invited to attend interview and will be required to provide a portfolio (portfolio guidance) that represents your work.
Additional requirements
-
Interview required
Interview and portfolio required
Further information
-
DBS, Occupational Health requirements
Is a DBS check required?
No
-
Reduced offer scheme
As part of LJMU’s commitment to widening access we offer eligible students entry to their chosen course at a reduced threshold between 8 and 16 UCAS points. This applies if you are a student who has experience of living in local authority care or if you have participated in one of LJMU’s sustained outreach programmes such as a summer university. Please contact course enquiries for further details
International requirements
IELTS
6.0 (minimum of 5.5 in each component) or equivalent English language proficiency test.
Please Note: All international qualifications are subject to a qualification equivalency check.
How to apply
Securing your place at LJMU
UCAS is the official application route for our full-time undergraduate courses. Further information on the UCAS application process can be found here https://www.ljmu.ac.uk/study/undergraduate-students/how-to-apply.
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The university reserves the right to withdraw or make alterations to a course and facilities if necessary; this may be because such changes are deemed to be beneficial to students, are minor in nature and unlikely to impact negatively upon students or become necessary due to circumstances beyond the control of the university. Where this does happen, the university operates a policy of consultation, advice and support to all enrolled students affected by the proposed change to their course or module.
Further information on the terms and conditions of any offer made, our admissions policy and the complaints and appeals process.