COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA Art programme at the University of Reading is a three-year studio-based degree designed to develop students as independent artists through a combination of practical studio practice, technical skill development, and critical engagement with the history and theory of art. In the first year, students are introduced to contemporary art and its global histories through Art Studio modules that emphasise professional studio practice, health and safety, and sustainability, alongside Drawing, which builds foundational visual skills and observational techniques. Students also study Art History modules covering global art from the early 20th century through to the present, helping them understand how modern and contemporary art practices have been shaped by social, political, and cultural contexts. Alongside this, Art Practice modules allow students to begin working within chosen specialisms such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, or video, encouraging experimentation and self-directed learning. In the second year, students deepen their understanding of contemporary art through more advanced Art Studio work and expanded Art Practice modules, where they refine technical skills and develop a stronger personal artistic direction. They also engage with optional opportunities such as History of Art studies, international study visits, and independent study with work placements, which connect studio practice to real-world professional and cultural contexts. In the final year, students focus on independent artistic development through Art Studio 3, where they are encouraged to produce a coherent and critically informed body of work supported by tutorials, critiques, and seminars. This culminates in the Art Dissertation, where students undertake an in-depth research project that explores a key issue in contemporary art related to their practice. Throughout the degree, emphasis is placed on experimentation, critical reflection, and the integration of making and thinking, enabling students to develop a strong and independent creative voice. The programme prepares graduates for careers in the creative industries, further study, or professional artistic practice by combining technical expertise, conceptual understanding, and critical awareness.