Fine Art: Drawing BA
Study of drawing as both a traditional and contemporary art practice, exploring mark-making, observation, experimentation, and conceptual thinking as central tools for visual expression.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Love drawing as your main medium
Enjoy creative expression
Want to develop your artistic skills
Like independent work
Are passionate about art
Popular Career Fields
Arts & Culture
Education
Creative & Design Industries
Advertising & Marketing
Your Personality Might Be:
Observational focus
Education
Visually analytical
Mark-making explorer
What is it?
What is a Fine Art: Drawing BA degree?
Fine Art: Drawing focuses on drawing as a primary artistic language rather than simply a preparatory skill.
You’ll explore drawing across a wide range of media and contexts, including pencil, charcoal, ink, mixed media, digital tools, installation, and performative or experimental approaches.
The degree encourages you to think critically about what drawing is, what it can be, and how it communicates ideas.
It is ideal for students who enjoy visual exploration, close observation, and developing a distinctive artistic voice.
Why study Fine Art: Drawing BA?
If drawing is central to how you think and make art, this degree allows you to push it conceptually and professionally.
You’ll explore:
Drawing as observation, abstraction, and experimentation
The relationship between drawing, space, time, and movement
Contemporary drawing practices and expanded drawing
Personal themes, research, and visual storytelling
How drawing functions within fine art, illustration, design, and interdisciplinary practice
The course supports both creative freedom and professional development.
Course Summary
Study of drawing as both a traditional and contemporary art practice, exploring mark-making, observation, experimentation, and conceptual thinking as central tools for visual expression.
What you'll study
Most Drawing degrees cover:
Observational and life drawing
Experimental and conceptual drawing
Drawing across media and scale
Art theory, history, and contemporary practice
Research and critical reflection
Professional practice and portfolio development
Skills You'll Gain
A Fine Art: Drawing degree builds creative and technical skills including:
Advanced drawing and mark-making skills – enabling expressive, observational, and conceptual work.
Visual research and experimentation – supporting idea development through process-led practice.
Critical and reflective thinking – helping you articulate ideas and evaluate your work.
Creative independence and self-direction – preparing you for professional artistic practice.
Presentation and communication – equipping you to discuss and exhibit your work confidently.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates can pursue careers in a wide range of creative and cultural sectors, including:
Fine art and independent practice
Illustration and visual communication
Arts education and workshops
Galleries, museums, and arts organisations
Design, publishing, and creative industries
Community and participatory arts
Work Experiences & Placements
Fine Art: Drawing degrees rarely include formal placements, but students are strongly encouraged to gain experience alongside their studies.
Universities often support students in finding opportunities such as:
Artist assistant roles
Gallery, museum, or studio internships
Community arts or education projects
Illustration, editorial, or creative freelance work
Residencies, exhibitions, or open-call opportunities
These experiences help students understand professional art contexts and build networks.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels (or equivalent) in any subjects, though Art sometimes required, alongside a portfolio of artwork showing drawing practice and creative development
Personal Statement Tips
Explain why drawing is central to your creative practice.
Discuss themes, ideas, or artists that influence your work.
Reflect on how you experiment and develop ideas visually.
Show curiosity, commitment, and willingness to take creative risks.
What to do Next
Build a portfolio showing range, experimentation, and process.
Visit exhibitions and engage with contemporary drawing practice.
Keep sketchbooks and visual journals consistently.
Research courses that emphasise studio culture and critique.
Wider Reading
Drawing Now: Eight Propositions – Laura Hoptman
A key text on contemporary drawing practice and theory.Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing – Phaidon
A major survey of international contemporary drawing.Ways of Seeing – John Berger
A classic exploration of visual perception and representation.The Thinking Hand – Juhani Pallasmaa
A reflective look at drawing, making, and embodied creativity.On Drawing – John Berger
An intimate and philosophical exploration of drawing as a way of seeing.