Janice Lozano
Art is a subject that requires creativity and technical skill, and art students at the university level can choose from a variety of specializations, including fine arts, design, art history, and curatorial practice. Fine art degrees allow students to explore different mediums and techniques before specializing in an area of their choice, such as painting, sculpting, drawing, or printmaking. Design programs offer a range of focuses, including graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, and illustration. Art history deepens students' appreciation of art by providing tools to interpret meaning, symbolism, and aesthetics, while also giving context to the social, political, and economic values of a particular time or culture. Curatorial practice, offered by institutions like Goldsmiths, University of London, explores the interdisciplinary field of curatorial practice, including its social, political, and philosophical elements. In addition to these options, art students may also consider specializations in photography, film, media, animation, and teaching.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of degree | Fine art, MFA in curating, BASc, BAS, BS, BSc |
| Focus | Finding your artistic voice, refining skills, experimenting with art, art curation, history of dress, history of art, design art, art studies, Chinese and foreign art history, Buddhism art research, art archaeology, history of Chinese art studies, calligraphy history, graphic design, photography, visual communication art, new media, etc. |
| Skills | Creativity, technical skill, creative thinking, broadening the mind, feeding the soul, technical skills with an artistic direction, etc. |
| Career opportunities | Artists, art educators, critics, curators, gallerists, creative entrepreneurs, arts administrators, multimedia publishing, human resource management, communications, advertising, trainer, choreographer, producer, engineer, label executive, etc. |
| Institutions | University of the Arts London (UAL), New York’s Pratt Institute, Aalto University in Finland, Goldsmiths, University of London, Istituto Marangoni in Italy, Tsinghua University in China, The Glasgow School of Art, MICA, Brown University, RISD, AAU, University of Lagos, Covenant University, Ajayi-crowther university, Delta State University, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, University of Benin, University of Jos, Ignatius Ajuru University, Niger Delta University, University of Ibadan, Afe Babalola University, Babcock University, etc. |
What You'll Learn
Fine art
In the UK, a fine art degree will usually consist of 2/3 fine art and 1/3 liberal arts, which includes literature, philosophy, languages, history, mathematics, and science. In the US, a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree is a professional education in the visual or performing arts. This differs from a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, which focuses more on liberal arts. The first two years of a BFA will focus on the fundamentals of art, such as drawing, sculpting, and painting, and in the third year, students will choose a concentration such as ceramics to focus on. During this time, students are encouraged to complete internships to prepare for their specialised careers.
There are many career opportunities open to those with a fine art degree, and graduates may choose to become artists, art teachers, curators, or even work in restoration, design, or architecture. Many fine art graduates set up as self-employed and build their business and reputation using networking skills and industry contacts. Some graduates may also choose to further their education with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree or a Fine Arts Certificate, which helps build artistic skills and add to their portfolio for design careers or graduate school.
When choosing a fine art programme, it is important to consider the specific programme and location. For example, the East Coast of the US may be better for those interested in architecture, fashion, and sculpting, while the West Coast is prominent for animation, acting, and film production. It is also worth checking if the university offers scholarships, bursaries, or grants, as well as researching the professors and their field of concentration in the specific department.
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Art history
To prepare for an art history degree, it is helpful to demonstrate an interest in the subject by visiting art galleries, reading books or articles, and looking through virtual gallery collections and exhibitions. While it is not always necessary to have studied art history before, it is beneficial to be able to show your enthusiasm for the subject when applying to universities.
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Curatorial practice
Art students can choose from a variety of specialisations at university. One such specialisation is curatorial practice.
The University of York offers a module in Curatorial Practice Now, which aims to familiarise students with the various curatorial roles within and outside institutions. Students will study a range of case studies and secondary texts concerning art curation and learn how art objects have been assembled and displayed in the past, comparing these practices with current approaches in different types of institutions.
Bath Spa University offers an MA in Curatorial Practice, which combines contemporary practice with an understanding of theory and history. Students will gain hands-on experience of curating and presenting work, collaborating with galleries, museums, artists, curators, businesses, and educational institutions. The course encourages students to move beyond traditional curation and engage new audiences through art interventions in public spaces, digital experiences, and projects in unexpected places.
MA Curating at The Courtauld
The Courtauld's MA Curating programme provides an unmatched opportunity to immerse yourself in the theory and practice of curating. The course addresses a wide range of interests and equips students with the expertise, research skills, and professional skills needed for a variety of curatorial career paths. The programme includes elective modules that provide practical experiences, such as working with collections, artists, and conservation for curators. Site visits and visiting speakers, including curators and museum professionals, will expand your professional network.
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Graphic design
Art students with a flair for communicating ideas visually may want to consider studying graphic design at university. Graphic design courses tend to be quite vocation-oriented, and graduates can expect to find employment in a wide range of industries.
Students interested in studying graphic design at university should demonstrate an interest in the subject and display technical skills. While it is not always necessary to have studied art at school, it is advisable to establish a portfolio of work before applying for a degree course. This could include work from other creative subjects such as photography, design technology, and textiles.
A graphic design degree will help students develop their artistic skills and knowledge through online research, art resources, and extra courses. Upon graduation, junior graphic designers can expect to earn between £18,000 and £23,000, with the potential to earn up to £55,000 with more experience and in senior positions.
In addition to developing technical skills, art courses often include theoretical and historical study. This helps students build an understanding of the history of art and broadens their awareness of different styles and techniques.
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Photography
Specialized photography courses can also merge photography with other fields, such as film studies. In a cinematography course, for instance, you will learn about the art of photography and camerawork in filmmaking, gaining technical knowledge in managing light, composition, and focus to tell a story. Other specializations include fashion photography, architectural photography, and product photography, which focus on the use of photography in marketing materials.
Additionally, some photography courses may emphasize the social and documentary aspects of the field. For instance, you could develop your understanding of photojournalism and learn how to use photography to tell news stories and highlight social issues. Nature photography is another specialization, ideal for students who want to capture stunning natural images of animals and landscapes.
Universities offering photography degrees typically require applicants to submit a portfolio of work, which can showcase your artistic and photographic interests, influences, and inspirations. While it is not always necessary to have previously studied photography, some background knowledge or experience in creative subjects can be beneficial.
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Frequently asked questions
Art students can study a variety of subjects at university, including Fine Arts, Design, Art History, and Curating.
A Fine Arts degree allows students to explore different mediums and techniques, such as drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography, and ceramics, before specialising in a specific area.
A degree in Design can include specialisations such as graphic design, industrial design, fashion design, illustration, commercial photography, or textile design.
Art History provides context to the social, political, and economic values of a particular time or culture. It gives students the tools to interpret meaning, symbolism, and aesthetics in artwork.
Studying art can help broaden the mind and develop creative thinking skills. It can also lead to a wide range of careers, including media, marketing, and teaching.
