Bachelor in Fine Art BA (Hons)

The University of Derby, established in 1851 and based in Derby, United Kingdom, combines a strong practical focus with supportive student services. With around 19,685 students and a welcoming international community, Derby offers career-oriented programs across business, engineering, health, arts and sciences. The campus is known for close links to local industry, applied research and professional training that help students develop workplace-ready skills.

Programs often feature placements, live client briefs and industry collaborations that give students hands-on experience and networking opportunities. Facilities include modern workshops, simulation suites and enterprise hubs designed to foster innovation and employability. Academic staff typically maintain strong professional connections, ensuring that teaching reflects current practice and employer expectations.

International students benefit from dedicated support including pre-arrival guidance, English language help and career services focused on internships and graduate employment. Derby’s manageable campus size, supportive teaching approach and emphasis on vocational outcomes make it a good fit for students seeking practical training and direct routes into employment. The university’s community-oriented setting supports both academic growth and personal development.

Discover your artistic potential

Join us to work with leading artists and educators in developing your creativity through experimentation with media, materials, and ideas. This course is for students aspiring to become confident, practising artists who wish to explore their individual artistic expression within a supportive and rigorous creative environment.

Distinctive features of our programme include:

• A close-knit community with a limited intake of 30 students per year to ensure full support and high retention rates.
• Studio-based learning providing every student with a dedicated, permanent personal studio space.
• Access to industry-standard facilities including an Apple Mac suite, printmaking studios, darkrooms, and workshops for plaster, ceramics, wood, and metal.
• A curriculum focused on 'making' skills, covering disciplines such as painting, photography, sculpture, installation, film, digital media, and performance.
• Opportunities for residencies, site-specific projects in the Peak District, and major public degree show exhibitions.