Fine Art - Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Moving Image BA (Hons)

4 Year On Campus Bachelors Program

Robert Gordon University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Fine Art at Robert Gordon University is a vibrant and hands-on four-year programme that helps you discover and refine your own creative identity. Whether your passion lies in painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture or moving image, this course gives you the space and guidance to explore across mediums using both traditional and digital techniques. It’s perfect for curious, imaginative individuals who want to experiment, think critically, and build a professional art practice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1:
Your journey begins with the Foundation in Art and Design year, where you’ll explore drawing, painting, and printmaking while learning about the wider world of art and design. Through studio projects, workshops, lectures and seminars, you’ll develop both practical and contextual understanding—gaining the confidence to create, question, and experiment across disciplines.

Year 2:
You’ll start working more deeply with analogue and digital media, developing your personal visual language. This year focuses on expanding your skills in photography, printmaking, moving image and sculpture, while also strengthening your professional writing and critical thinking. You’ll learn how your practice connects to the wider creative industries.

Year 3:
This is when your studies become more self-directed. You’ll choose the themes, materials and methods that interest you most and may take part in work placements or study abroad opportunities. Your studio work becomes more focused and ambitious as you develop advanced skills in printmaking, moving image, photography or sculpture—supported by critical reflection and research.

Year 4:
In your final year, you’ll work independently under the guidance of tutors to create a cohesive and professional body of work that represents who you are as an artist. Your creative journey culminates in the annual Degree Show, where you’ll present your finished work to the public, industry professionals and peers.

Focus Areas

Drawing, Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Photography, and Moving Image—explored through analogue and digital methods, studio practice, workshops, contextual studies, and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

By graduation, you’ll be a confident, independent creative practitioner with the technical skills, critical insight and professional awareness to make, exhibit and discuss your work across different media. You’ll be ready to engage with the creative industries as an artist, designer, maker or cultural contributor.

Professional Alignment

The programme is part of Gray’s School of Art, one of Scotland’s most respected art schools. While there’s no formal external accreditation (as is typical for Fine Art programmes), the course offers valuable real-world experiences including work placements, public exhibitions and international opportunities—ensuring you graduate ready for a professional creative career.

Reputation

Robert Gordon University has earned a strong reputation for excellence in art education.

1st in Scotland for Teaching Quality in Art & Design – The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
1st in the UK for Career Prospects in Fine Art – The Guardian University Guide 2026

Gray’s School of Art is also known for its outstanding studio spaces, technical workshops and close ties with the creative industries—helping students turn artistic passion into professional success.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

If you’re eager to grow your artistic voice through real, hands-on experience, the BA (Hons) Fine Art – Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Moving Image at Robert Gordon University is an inspiring choice. Here, you don’t just study art — you live it. You’ll work in superb studios, have access to excellent facilities, and take part in genuine opportunities to exhibit your work, collaborate with others, and engage professionally with the creative world.

From day one, you’ll be immersed in studio-based projects and workshops, experimenting across drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and moving image. The university’s riverside campus provides bright, well-equipped studios and specialist workshops that encourage both creative exploration and professional skill-building.

Experiential learning opportunities include:

Studio and workshop practice in dedicated creative spaces, where you’ll work daily with a range of materials, processes, and media — from traditional techniques to modern digital tools.
Professional-standard facilities, including darkrooms, photographic studios, digital editing labs, printmaking suites, and sculpture workshops — giving you the same tools and environments that practicing artists use.
Portfolio development and self-organised exhibitions throughout your studies, so you’ll gain real experience presenting your work to audiences and curators, not just submitting it for assessment.
Optional work placements or external projects during Stage 3 (Year 3), where you can collaborate with cultural or creative organisations and gain first-hand insight into the art industry.
International study opportunities, including the chance to spend a semester abroad at one of RGU’s partner institutions — broadening your artistic perspective and global outlook.
A culminating final-year project, where you’ll create a major body of work to showcase at the university’s Degree Show — a professional exhibition that celebrates your creative journey and demonstrates your readiness for the next step.
Strong support structures, including one-to-one tutorials, group critiques, and continuous feedback within the studio environment — ensuring your technical skills and creative thinking develop side by side.
Full access to library resources, online learning platforms, and support services, helping you connect your studio practice with solid research and contextual understanding.

If you’re passionate about exploring both traditional and contemporary art practices, and you want to study in a vibrant, studio-rich environment that takes you from experimentation to exhibition, Robert Gordon University’s Fine Art programme offers the perfect space to grow as an artist and professional.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Fine Art – Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Moving Image at Robert Gordon University develop into confident, independent artists and creative professionals with a strong portfolio and real-world experience. Many go on to build successful careers in the visual arts sector as exhibiting artists, curators, or creative practitioners, while others pursue work in education, cultural management, or design-related industries. Typical career roles include: Fine Artist, Photographer, Printmaker, Sculptor, Art Educator, or Gallery/Studio Assistant.

Your career potential is strengthened through:

Employability Support: The university’s Employability Hub (Level 3, Ishbel Gordon Building) provides one-to-one career guidance, CV workshops, portfolio reviews, and connections to creative employers.
Industry Links: RGU maintains strong relationships with regional and national arts organisations, including Aberdeen Art Gallery, Peacock Visual Arts, and the Scottish Sculpture Workshop, offering valuable networking and exhibition opportunities.
Graduate Employment: RGU is consistently ranked among the top UK universities for graduate employability, with 97.6% of graduates in work or further study within six months of graduating (HESA 2020).
Accreditation Value: The degree is recognised within the UK’s creative and cultural sectors, ensuring long-term credibility and professional standing.
Graduate Success: Alumni often showcase their work in major exhibitions, artist residencies, and public commissions, reflecting the program’s strong reputation in contemporary art practice.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, students can advance their creative and academic practice through postgraduate study such as MA Fine Art, MA Art and Design, or MLitt Curatorial Practice. Many also choose to pursue teacher training (PGDE in Art & Design) or research-based degrees like MPhil or PhD, further developing their expertise and career in the arts.