Fine Art: Printmaking BA
Study of traditional and contemporary printmaking practices, exploring image-making, process, materiality, and concept through experimental and fine art approaches.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Enjoy hands-on creative processes
Are interested in print and design
Like experimenting with techniques
Want a niche creative skill
Are detail-focused
Popular Career Fields
Arts & Culture
Education
Creative & Design Industries
Publishing & Media
Your Personality Might Be:
Process-focused
Education
Experimental artist
Patient worker
What is it?
What is a Printmaking degree?
Fine Art: Printmaking is a specialist art degree focused on print-based processes as a primary means of creative expression.
You’ll explore techniques such as relief printing, intaglio, screen printing, lithography, and digital print, while developing your own artistic voice and conceptual practice.
Printmaking is valued for its balance of craft, experimentation, and critical thinking. The degree encourages both technical mastery and contemporary, conceptual approaches to image-making.
Why study Printmaking?
If you enjoy working with materials, processes, and visual ideas, printmaking offers a rich and flexible artistic pathway.
It helps you explore:
Image-making through process and repetition
The relationship between craft and contemporary fine art
Experimentation across analogue and digital methods
How prints function in galleries, books, and public spaces
Critical and theoretical perspectives on visual culture
Printmaking develops patience, precision, and creative problem-solving.
Course Summary
Study of traditional and contemporary printmaking practices, exploring image-making, process, materiality, and concept through experimental and fine art approaches.
What you'll study
Most Printmaking degrees cover:
Relief, intaglio, screen printing, and lithography
Digital and experimental print processes
Drawing and image development
Material exploration and mixed media practice
Art history and critical theory
Professional practice and exhibition skills
Skills You'll Gain
A Printmaking degree builds creative and technical skills including:
Printmaking and technical craft skills – enabling confident use of traditional and contemporary processes.
Creative and conceptual development – helping you generate and refine artistic ideas.
Critical thinking and visual analysis – supporting thoughtful engagement with your own and others’ work.
Independent studio practice – preparing you to manage long-term creative projects.
Professional presentation and communication – equipping you for exhibitions, portfolios, and artist statements.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates often pursue careers in:
Fine art practice (independent artist)
Printmaking studios or workshops
Arts education and outreach
Galleries, museums, and cultural organisations
Illustration, publishing, or design roles
Arts administration and curation
Work Experiences & Placements
Fine Art: Printmaking degrees often encourage professional experience alongside studio practice.
Some courses offer optional placements or external projects, while others support students in securing experience independently.
Typical opportunities include:
Print studios and workshops
Artist-led collectives and studios
Galleries, museums, and archives
Community arts or education projects
Publishing, illustration, or book arts studios
Work experience helps 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. Most universities prefer Art, though some accept a broad range if portfolio demonstrates artistic ability and interest in printmaking.
Personal Statement Tips
Show enthusiasm for making, materials, and process.
Discuss artists, exhibitions, or print practices that inspire you.
Reflect on your creative development and experimentation.
Highlight independence, curiosity, and willingness to explore ideas.
What to do Next
Build a portfolio showing experimentation and process, not just finished pieces.
Visit galleries, print studios, and degree shows.
Experiment with different print techniques at school or local workshops.
Research courses with strong studio facilities and technician support.
Wider Reading
Printmaking: A Complete Guide to Materials & Processes – Bill Fick & Beth Grabowski
A comprehensive introduction to traditional and contemporary print techniques.The Contemporary Printmaker – Jordan D. Schnitzer Museum of Art
An exploration of modern printmaking practices and artists.Ways of Seeing – John Berger
A foundational text for thinking critically about images and visual culture.Vitamin P: New Perspectives in Painting
Useful for understanding how printmaking intersects with contemporary fine art practice.Seven Days in the Art World – Sarah Thornton
Insight into how the contemporary art world operates.