Fine Art and Art History Aberystwyth University

Overview

Choosing to study Fine Art and Art History at Aberystwyth University means joining one of the leading art departments in the UK. The programme is designed to foster both technical skills and creative intelligence, integrating a historical, critical, and contemporary understanding of art and visual culture. The School of Art, established in 1917, boasts a close-knit community of students and faculty, ensuring a supportive learning atmosphere.

Why Fine Art and Art History at Aberystwyth University?

Aberystwyth University is renowned for its exceptional teaching facilities, which include well-lit studios for painting, darkrooms, print workshops, a MacSuite, seminar rooms, a lecture theatre, galleries, and a museum housed in a magnificent Grade II* listed building. The programme benefits from access to an internationally significant collection of fine and decorative art, with the School operating its own galleries that feature approximately 20,000 artworks spanning from the fifteenth century to the present day.

Students will learn from experienced staff who are distinguished artists, curators, and art historians, fostering an environment rich in knowledge and expertise. The university's Arts Centre is one of the largest in the UK, serving as a major venue for exhibitions by contemporary artists and designers. Additionally, the nearby National Library of Wales, one of only five copyright libraries in the UK, offers unparalleled resources, including over six million books, maps, prints, and manuscripts, alongside a remarkable collection of paintings and works on paper.

Students are encouraged to participate in study visits both within the UK and internationally, with past destinations including Madrid, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, New York, and more. This exposure enhances their educational experience and broadens their understanding of global art practices.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Fine Art and Art History programme are as follows:

• National Students: £9,535 per year
• International Students: £19,190 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured over three years, with core modules and optional courses that allow for specialisation:

• Drawing: Looking, Seeing, Thinking
• Painting: Looking, Seeing, Thinking
• Looking into Landscape: Reading, Researching, Responding
• Modernisms: Art in the Early Twentieth Century
• Postmodernism and Contemporary Art
• Options include: Book Illustration, Design and Illustration, and more.
• Art in Wales
• Curating an Exhibition: Researching, Interpreting and Displaying
• Options include: Documentary Photography, Rethinking Impressionism, and more.

Careers with Fine Art and Art History

Graduates of the Fine Art and Art History programme are well-prepared for diverse career paths. Alumni have found employment in prestigious organisations such as the Tate Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Arts Council. Career opportunities include roles as professional artists, art historians, curators, educators, and in various creative industries. Many graduates also pursue postgraduate studies, further enhancing their career prospects.

Through this degree, students gain essential skills valued by employers, such as creative problem-solving, effective communication, and the ability to manage projects independently or collaboratively. The programme equips graduates not only with artistic proficiency but also with a strong foundation in art history, preparing them for a successful career in the arts.