School of Art

Join a community of practising artists, writers, critics and curators. In the School of Art we think, make and critically reflect.

At the School of Art, you will join a stimulating community of students, artists and theorists. Our students are encouraged to demonstrate imaginative responses to the world through curiosity and exploration.

Through successive projects and courses, our students develop their specialist practice, their professional, technical and organisational skills, and their knowledge and application of critical contexts. We encourage our students to demonstrate inventive responses to the world through curiosity and exploration and we prepare them to do this with depth, breadth and ambition.  

Our graduates are equipped with the talent, knowledge and expertise to lead, rather than simply respond to, future innovation in art practice.  

Watch our programme video to learn more about the BA (Hons) Fine Art: 

BA (Hons) Fine Art programme video

If you’re looking for MA (Hons) Fine Art, please visit the School of the History of Art page: 

School of History of Art

Degree programmes and structure

Need a refresher on the details of the degree programme you've applied for? Our Degree Finder provides more information about your programme, such as:

  • what you will study
  • where you will study
  • career opportunities
  • fees, costs and funding 

BA (Hons) Fine Art degree programme: 2025 entry 

 

A Degree Programme Table (DPT) provides comprehensive information about the structure of a degree programme, including both compulsory and optional courses. The detailed programme content for 2025/26 is available below. 

 

BA (Hons) Fine Art degree structure 2025/26

Why study Art at Edinburgh?

Inspirational staff

You will learn from our staff who are acknowledged experts in their fields. Our staff include a mix of practicing artists, visual cultural theorists and curators who publish and exhibit nationally and internationally. You will also attend our seminar series where you will meet and be inspired by internationally acclaimed visiting artists and speakers.

A city brimming with culture

Edinburgh has an active and dynamic cultural sector, and is home to a vibrant and diverse contemporary art scene with an excellent mixture of world-class venues showcasing the best in contemporary art. As Scotland’s capital, it is also home to world-class collections, galleries and architecture.  

Benefit from breadth and flexibility

Our distinctive degree structure means that you’ll have the opportunity to select option courses in Years 1 and 2 of your programme. This allows you to take elective courses from other subject areas across the University in your first and second years. Your chance to forge connections with other subjects areas will give you new perspectives on how art fits within the wider world.

Preparing for life after graduation

You will take part in experiential projects situated in both the studio and public spaces, as well as with a number of our cultural partner organisations across Scotland, helping you establish your name. You will also be trained to work both as an artist and within the cultural sector. A key aspect of our training is in entrepreneurship, you will develop skills in fundraising, event management, curatorial practice, and writing proposals.

 

Explore our facilities and resources 

We offer a diverse range of studios and workshops, libraries and collections, and places to perform and show your work. These include our foundry and casting room, our metal workshop, purpose-built studios, our photography suite, printmaking suite and wood workshops (to name a few).

What’s more, we encourage creativity and skills development, so all of our College-wide technical facilities can be accessed through prior arrangement and discussion with relevant staff, irrespective of your core discipline.

Explore our facilities and resources 

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