
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.
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Fine Art: Drawing BA
Is this for you?
IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
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.
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About the Course
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.
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
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.
A-levels (or equivalent) in any subjects, though Art sometimes required, alongside a portfolio of artwork showing drawing practice and creative development
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.
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.
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.
Drawing Artist - Drawing artist, contemporary drawer, fine artist (drawing), draughtsperson
Illustration - Illustrator, editorial illustrator, life drawing artist, observational artist
Teaching - Drawing teacher, life drawing tutor, art teacher (with PGCE), adult education tutor
Animation & Storyboard - Storyboard artist, animation artist, character designer, concept artist
Art Therapy - Art therapy assistant (with further training), therapeutic arts practitioner, community arts facilitator, wellbeing arts worker
Gallery & Studio - Gallery artist, studio practitioner, artist-in-residence, exhibiting artist
Freelance - Freelance artist, portrait artist, commission artist, independent drawer
Technical Support - Art technician, drawing studio technician, printmaking assistant, workshop facilitator
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