Painting BA
Study of painting as a creative, conceptual, and expressive practice, exploring traditional and contemporary approaches to image-making through studio-based learning and critical enquiry.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Love painting and visual art
Enjoy creative experimentation
Want to develop your own artistic style
Like studio-based work
Are passionate about fine art
Popular Career Fields
Arts & Culture
Education
Creative & Design Industries
Heritage & Museums
Your Personality Might Be:
Visual thinker
Education
Patient practitioner
Conceptual developer
What is it?
What is a Painting degree?
A Painting degree focuses on developing your individual artistic practice through the exploration of paint, surface, colour, form, and concept.
You’ll experiment with a wide range of materials and techniques, from traditional oil and acrylic painting to mixed media, abstraction, figurative work, and contemporary experimental practices.
The degree combines hands-on studio work with critical theory, helping you understand painting in historical, cultural, and contemporary contexts.
It is ideal for students who want to pursue painting as a serious creative discipline and develop a strong personal artistic voice.
Why study Painting degree?
If you enjoy visual expression, creative exploration, and conceptual thinking, a Painting degree offers the freedom to develop your ideas while receiving structured guidance.
It helps you:
Develop technical skill and material confidence
Explore personal themes, ideas, and visual language
Engage critically with contemporary art and theory
Build a professional portfolio of work
Prepare for creative careers or postgraduate study
Painting degrees encourage originality, experimentation, and independent thinking.
Course Summary
Study of painting as a creative, conceptual, and expressive practice, exploring traditional and contemporary approaches to image-making through studio-based learning and critical enquiry.
What you'll study
Most Painting degrees cover:
Painting techniques and materials
Colour theory and composition
Figurative and abstract approaches
Concept development and visual research
Contemporary art practice and theory
Professional practice and portfolio development
Skills You'll Gain
A Painting degree builds creative and technical skills including:
Creative and conceptual thinking – enabling you to develop original artistic ideas.
Technical painting skills – building confidence with materials, surfaces, and methods.
Critical reflection – helping you evaluate your work and respond to feedback.
Visual communication – preparing you to convey ideas through imagery.
Professional and self-directed practice – supporting long-term creative development.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates pursue careers in:
Fine art practice (freelance artist)
Arts education and workshops
Galleries, museums, and cultural organisations
Illustration, design, or creative industries
Community arts and arts administration
Work Experiences & Placements
Painting degrees often encourage students to gain experience within the creative and cultural sector.
While formal placements are less common than in vocational degrees, universities frequently support work experience alongside study.
Typical opportunities include:
Artist studio assistant roles
Gallery, museum, or exhibition support
Community arts or outreach projects
Residencies, open studios, or workshops
Freelance commissions or collaborative projects
Such experience helps you understand the professional art world 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 or Design sometimes helpful, alongside a portfolio of artwork demonstrating creative or material-based work.
Personal Statement Tips
Explain what painting means to you as a practice.
Discuss artists, movements, or themes that influence your work.
Reflect on your creative process and experimentation.
Show openness to critique and development.
What to do Next
Build a strong, varied portfolio of painting work.
Visit galleries, exhibitions, and degree shows.
Experiment with different materials and styles.
Research courses with good studio facilities and exhibition opportunities.
Wider Reading
Ways of Seeing – John Berger
A classic exploration of how we view images and art.The Painter of Modern Life – Charles Baudelaire
A foundational text on modern artistic practice.Art Since 1900 – Hal Foster et al.
An in-depth overview of modern and contemporary art.What Painting Is – James Elkins
A thoughtful reflection on the material and conceptual nature of painting.Seven Days in the Art World – Sarah Thornton
An engaging look at how the contemporary art world operates.