FdA Fine Art Practice Foundation Degree (Level 5) — Full-time
Course outline
This course embraces a full range of disciplines, allowing you to work in the materials and methods of your choice.
You will develop your creativity through projects that stimulate and challenge you while allowing you the time and space to develop your work.
Alongside practical workshops and personal studio work, you will develop your own creative practices with an academic understanding of both historical and contemporary ideas and issues.
On this multidisciplinary course we’ll teach you the skills and knowledge required to carve out a career as a practising artist or gain employment in a variety of arts-related jobs. Throughout the course there will be opportunities to explore professional practice through gallery visits and contacts with artist. You’ll also take part in an exciting live group project, gaining a real world perspective on working with clients and on exhibiting.
The course will culminate in a final course exhibition showcasing studio practice.
Our dedicated staff are highly experienced educators and practicing fine artists with national reputations for excellence in their field. We’ll encourage you to work in the materials and methods of your choice including:
- Drawing
- Painting
- Printmaking
- Illustration
- Photography
- Installation
- Intervention
- Performance
- Sculpture
Business and entrepreneurial studies will include:
- Self-promotion
- Portfolio preparation
- How to exhibit and be shown as an artist in traditional and nontraditional art spaces
- How to organise exhibitions
- Applying for funding/grants
- The law for visual artists
- Professional practice
You can view the full Course Specification here.
Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.
How to apply for this course
Entry onto this course is via UCAS. Alternatively, if you are interested in applying directly to us, you can choose our fast track application option below.
- Institution code: N30
- UCAS code: WW16
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Would you like more information? Email our HE team.
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Location:
Stoney Street
Nottingham NG1 1NG |
Date:Start: Monday 15th September 2025 |
Fees / reductions:The tuition fee is per year. Various bursaries are available for some Higher Education courses. Tuition fee: £8,250 |
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Course code: C000328 / Q002080 |
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| Qualification | FdA in Fine Art Practice |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years |
| Level | Level 5 |
| Entry requirements | You’ll need a minimum of 48 UCAS points from:
Other combinations of qualifications and experience will also be considered, as will Level 3 qualifications not currently listed on the UCAS tariff. For creative courses you would usually need a qualification in a relevant subject area. We would expect students to be working at (or to demonstrate competency at) Level 2 or above in English/literacy and maths/numeracy. You’ll be invited to attend an interview with a portfolio or examples of your work. Experienced mature applicants with relevant professional experience and/or qualifications are welcome to apply. |
| Teaching & assessment | Assessment is continuous throughout the course. Work is organised into practical and written projects. These are then graded and fed back to students with written and verbal feedback. The course culminates in a final exhibition. There are no exams. |
| Progression | You could progress onto our BA (Hons) Art and Design Top-up Degree or BA (Hons) Digital Media Design Top-up Degree. Alternatively, you could progress to the second or third year of the BA (Hons) Fine Art at Nottingham Trent University, our validating institution. This qualification will also open up a wide range of careers within the creative arts industries such as freelance illustrator/artist or community artist. |
| Additional information | This course is validated by Nottingham Trent University.
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| Related courses |
Creative Arts at 25 Stoney Street
At 25 Stoney Street you will find facilities, classrooms and workspaces suitable to let your creative spirit and work be nurtured. We have technicians and experienced staff on hand to help you fulfil your creative potential