The BA (Hons) Art Practice course combines practical skill development with critical and contextual study, enabling you to develop a strong individual creative voice. You will explore a range of disciplines, including painting, drawing, printmaking, mixed media, and 3D creation, while engaging with art theory, research, and reflective practice.

The programme encourages innovative thinking, experimentation, and problem-solving, helping you to create visually compelling and original work. Alongside practical skills, you will develop an understanding of the professional art world, preparing you for a career as an independent artist or for work in the creative industries. 

Through a combination of workshops, studio practice, and critical study, this course nurtures creative growth, interdisciplinary exploration, and the development of a professional portfolio.

Our lecturing staff are all fully qualified creative professionals with relevant industry knowledge and skills

Assessment Method: coursework, group presentations, quizzes, written assignments.

Teaching Method: Delivered on campus two days a week. Through lectures, seminars, case-studies, discussions, workshops. The course is interdisciplinary and cross-specialist, enabling you to explore a range of specialisms to develop an individual creative process through enquiry and experimentation. In addition, the programme places vocational art at its centre, enabling students to develop an understanding of the professional world of art and design in order that they can establish their own individual practice.

🌍 International Applicants: The college does not accept international applications for this course.

Why study with us?

Small class sizes with experienced tutors guiding your learning

Extracurricular opportunities with art shows and exhibitions

Globally recognised awards from the UEA

Strong links with local employers and industry experts

What you’ll study

YEAR ONE

In your first year, you will build a strong foundation in practical art skills, creative thinking, and contextual understanding. You will explore both 2D and 3D approaches, experiment with materials and techniques, and begin to develop your own creative voice. You will also learn to reflect critically on your practice and work collaboratively with your peers. Modules include:

Visual Communication Part 1: 2D Problem Solving
Visual Communication Part 2: 3D Problem Solving
Drawing: Materials, Process & Technique
Cross-specialist Collaboration
Creative Perspectives
Showcase

YEAR TWO

In your second year, you will deepen your technical and conceptual skills, focus on your chosen pathway, and engage with research methods. You will explore the professional aspects of art practice, including producing work for a commercial context, while preparing for independent study in your final year. Modules include:

Pathways & Mentorship
Research Methods
Drawing in Context
Commercial Creation

YEAR THREE

Your final year is designed to consolidate your skills and prepare you for a professional career in the creative industries. You will undertake self-directed projects, develop a professional portfolio, and produce a major project and practice-led dissertation that demonstrate your creative, technical, and reflective abilities. Modules include:

Professional Art Practice
Professional Portfolio
Major Project
Practice-led Dissertation

Future careers

There are opportunities to progress on to a postgraduate course. Graduates of BA (Hons) Art Practice could progress to an exciting range of roles across the creative industries.

Facilities

Study at our purpose-built building – ‘Leonardo House’ where most of your studying will take place. As well as the vibrant and welcoming space of our University and Professional Development Centre, designed to support learners of all ages and backgrounds. From our well-equipped library and quiet study zone, to social spaces like Costa Coffee, to dedicated computer areas and an innovative XR Lab, you’ll have everything you need to excel. You’ll have access beyond timetabled hours, giving you the freedom to study, collaborate and work on projects whenever inspiration strikes. 

Fees and entry requirements

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

UCAS Tariff: 64 points
A Level: CCC
Pearson: BTEC
L3 National Ext. Diploma: MMM
English and Maths: Grade C/4 or equivalent

Non-standard applicants who do not meet the published entry requirements may be considered on an individual basis and we encourage such applicants to contact universitystudiesadmissions@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk for further guidance.

English language requirements: IELTS (Academic) Grade 6 IELTS 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components).

FEES AND FUNDING

Tuition Fees
This course is £8,500 per year. Find out how to secure student finance here.

Course Related Costs
Please see the Course Factsheet for details on other course-related costs.

Funding and Bursaries
Please see Additional Funding and Bursaries for more information.

COURSE FACTSHEET

Click here to view the full Course Factsheet.

More courses for you

BSc (Hons) Interactive and Immersive Technology

BA (Hons) Graphic Communication

How to apply

Apply for this course through the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS), using the UCAS Hub. UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for the full-time undergraduate courses at University and Colleges in the United Kingdom.

Please search for ‘West Suffolk College‘ as the institution name on UCAS.

Progressing students at Eastern Education Group

If you are already a student within the Eastern Education Group (West Suffolk College, Abbeygate Sixth Form College or One Sixth Form College), or have been within the last three years, you can apply directly through our Internal Application Form and save up to £1,000 off your first-year tuition fees*.

You might also like…

Open Days

Virtual Tours

Taster Sessions

Apply for Art Practice!

APPLY NOW