PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
For publication on Departmental website and to be sent to External Examiner (see guidance notes on
programme specification at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Registry/UCLStaff/ ).
Programme title:
Fine Art
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the
document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Intake cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2001 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
BFA in Fine Art
BA in Fine Art
Teaching institution:
UCL
Faculty:
Arts and Humanities
Parent Department:
(the Department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Departmental web page address:
(if applicable)
Slade School of Fine Art
Method of study:
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Full-time
BFA W101
BA W100
BFA 2012 intake onwards
BA from 2001
UCL
www.ucl.ac.uk/slade
Criteria for admission to the programme:
Entrance Requirements
In order to be admitted to UCL students must normally be at least 17 years
old by the start of the programme. Qualifications must satisfy the specific
degree programme requirements as outlined below.
A levels:
Grades A,B,B plus a Portfolio. For UK-based students a pass in a further
subject at AS level or equivalent is required. The academic requirements
may be relaxed in exceptional circumstances.
IB Diploma:
34 points plus a Portfolio. The academic requirements may be relaxed in
exceptional circumstances.
Other qualifications, see http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospectivestudents/undergraduate-study/application-and-entry/ug-requirements
In addition candidates must possess GCSEs (or the equivalent) in English
Language and Mathematics at Grade C or higher and show evidence of a
broad general education. For UK-based students, UCL also requires a
Modern Language GCSE at grade C or above for all of its programmes.
Selection Procedure
The entrance examiners will be looking for evidence of potential for
development through the programme in terms of:
critical awareness;

openness to experimentation and investigation

an understanding of processes and materials

the ability to contribute to and participate in the programme

the ability to establish a self-initiated programme of work

creativity and imagination

demonstrable interest in the subject of fine art and the histories
and theories that inform it

ability to realise ideas visually

critical acuity and ability to think independently in a fine art
context

ability to articulate ideas verbally and in writing

evidence of serious commitment to the subject of fine art

ambition to be a practicing artist

knowledge of specialist subject areas within fine art

evidence of an engagement with the subject of fine art through
visiting exhibitions and other relevant events

a developing awareness of contemporary art and its context
Candidates’ stage of development must be appropriate for entry to the
programme, and their academic needs able to be met by Slade staff and
resources. There is intense competition for a place at the Slade.
Candidates who satisfy the criteria more fully than others are selected for
admission.
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL,
such as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher Education
Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see guidance notes on programme
specifications)
BFA 3 academic years (may include an optional term on exchange)
BA 4 academic years (may include an optional term on exchange)
Advanced Level (Level 6)
Art and Design
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme / its assessment:
(see
guidance
notes
on
programme
specifications)
The BFA (three-year) and BA (four year) are full-time, studio-based
programmes in Fine Art. The studio programme is structured around
three studio subject areas: painting, fine art media and sculpture. After
an initial period of orientation as a first year group, students choose to
be based in one of the subject areas. The three subject areas each
provide a focused environment in which students can address the
practice and theory of that subject. Each subject area has a specialist
team of academic staff supported by technical facilities and expertise.
Workshops are organised to offer students the opportunity to develop
their skills and technical abilities in response to and to assist with, the
development of their work. Each subject area runs a programme of
seminars, visiting tutors, gallery visits and other events pertinent to
students’ interests and the development of exciting and challenging
debate.
Group work
Students come together with other students from across the subject
areas in several different ways:

Theory and Practice
In the first term of year one there is a programme of lectures,
seminars and workshops to develop students’ understanding of the
critical context of their art practice.

Tutorial Groups
The tutorial system consists of a tutor and his or her tutor group, made
up of a group of students from all areas of the school. Each student is
assigned to a Tutor Group which meets twice per year (in the autumn
and spring/summer terms) with the group as a whole, in addition to oneto-one sessions which take place at least once per term (in the autumn
and spring/summer terms).
One-to-one tutorials can be arranged from the group tutorial, as
well as with other tutors, through a system of sign-up sheets and
appointments.

Subject-area Seminars
Each area organises regular seminars where students present their
work for discussion. The aim is to relate the work to debates
specific to the subject area and develop critical awareness.

Cross-area Seminars
The cross-area seminars provide a forum for students to present
their work to students and tutors across the subject areas. The aim
is to relate the work to a broader context beyond the subject area in
which it is produced. Cross-area seminars also aim to develop
students’ understanding of how to locate, place and hang their
work for an exhibition.
Studio Assessment, examinations and the final exhibition in the
BA and BFA
Tutorial reports are written twice a year and together with the student’s
own evaluative comments, form an individual academic record. There
are assessments of studio work at the end of each year (and in the
case of BFA students the accompanying critical studies text which they
are required to pass). The assessment process aims to be constructive
by requiring students to demonstrate through the development of their
studio work, critical awareness and their participation in and contribution
to the programme. It also helps them become aware of what is required
for the final degree examination and exhibition. Final-year students
present work in the form of an exhibition or another form of
presentation, such as a screening or performance, in May/June of their
final year. After the examination process is complete, the final degree
exhibition is open to the public, attracting around 3,000 visitors each
year.
History and theory of art in the BA
Through coursework, seminars, tutorials and more informal discussion,
students develop and refine their skills in, in spoken and written forms,
and their powers of criticism and self-criticism. Assessed essays and
the third year Independent Study help students to develop skills that are
valuable to their professional life as artists and or for further study. The
programme as a whole promotes independent research and the critical
contextualisation of studio work. Marks for elements of the history and
theory of art programme contribute a total of 20% towards the final BA
degree.
The Exchange Programme in the BFA and BA
All undergraduates are eligible for selection for international exchanges,
which normally take place in the first term of the second year.
Board of Examiners:
BA4 and BFA3 in Fine Art (Studio) Final Exam Board
BA in Fine Art (History and Theory of Art) Exam Board
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
n/a
Date of next
scheduled
accreditation visit:
Able to apply for
accreditation visit
once course is
running
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The aims of the programme are to:
develop the individual visual intelligence each student brings with them to the School
develop in each student a critical awareness and understanding of fine art and its contexts
provide the intellectual and practical resources to enable each student to realise his or her creative potential as a
professional artist provide studio-centred teaching and a forum for debate through which students become increasingly
professional and articulate in their questioning
PROGRAMME OUTCOMES: The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge
and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Knowledge and understanding of:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Fine art and its contexts;
The BFA and BA Fine Art programme is studio-based,
supported by the tutorial system, regular cross-area
seminars and area seminars, contemporary art lectures,
and the History of Art courses. The emphasis is on selfinitiated programmes of work.
Tutorials and seminars provide a constructive forum for
ideas, and the creative imagination of the individual is
developed in conjunction with an awareness of the larger
context of contemporary art. Gallery and museum visits
are an integral part of the programme.
the history and theory of fine art;
the technical processes relevant to the
production of fine art;
presentation, documentation and exhibition of
work.
Students have one-to-one tutorials with staff from across
the School and visiting artists. Additionally each student
is assigned to a cross-area Tutor Group meeting twice
per year (in the autumn and spring/summer terms) with
the group as a whole, in addition to one-to-one sessions
which take place at least once per term (in the autumn
and spring/summer terms).
After an initial period of orientation as a year group in
year 1, students are based in one subject area: painting,
sculpture or fine art media. Each subject area represents
teaching by a specialist team of artists and a distinctive
course philosophy.
Technical inductions, workshops and one-to-one
technical instruction are provided in all the technical
facilities according to each student’s academic needs.
There are opportunities throughout the programme for s
to gain experience and knowledge of presenting work
technically and aesthetically including seminar
presentations in the bookable space and the annual
Open Studios.
For the BA During the first three years, students attend
courses in the history and theory of art and produce
written work as an integral part of their studies. Courses
are thematic, looking at both historical and contemporary
art. The programme takes the form of lectures, seminars,
individual tutorials, written papers and gallery and
museum visits. Students are encouraged to relate their
studies in art history and theory to their own work in the
studio. The knowledge and concepts gained from
theoretical studies contribute to their overall development
as artists.
For the BFA emphasis is placed on the development of
students’ knowledge and understanding of the critical
context for their work and their ability to research,
analyse, formulate, present and document this. These
skills are acquired through lectures, seminars, tutorials,
writing workshops, gallery and museum visits.
Assessment:
Knowledge and understanding is demonstrated by:
A formal presentation of studio and documented work,
plus for the BFA, a verbal articulation of the critical study
and a critical studies text providing a contextual critique.
Emphasis is placed on:
the ability to respond to questioning and discussion about
the work and its contexts, particularly in relationship to
contemporary art and the broader cultural issues;
demonstration of progress made during the year
evidenced in the work and discussion;
demonstration of development in application of technical
processes and use of materials;
For the BFA the emphasis of the examination in year 3 is
on the presentation of work which takes the form of an
exhibition. The mark awarded represents the level of
achievement in the presentation of work, in relationship to
the criteria for assessment.
For the BA the emphasis of the examination in year 4 is
on the presentation of work which takes the form of an
exhibition. The mark awarded represents the level of
achievement in the presentation of work, in relationship to
the criteria for assessment. Coursework essays and a
third year Independent Study for history and theory of art
demonstrate the student’s ability to research in depth
given topics or a topic of their own choice, their ability to
articulate information and develop an argument with
clarity, use of supporting evidence and use of appropriate
essay conventions.
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual/thinking skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Critical awareness;
Intellectual skills are developed through the teaching and
learning programme outlined above, particularly through
lectures, seminars, tutorials, presentations and feedback
on the development of their individual programme of
work.
Understanding of relevant use of different
techniques and processes;
Ability to generate and realise ideas
independently and collaboratively;
Ability to analyse information and articulate
their knowledge and understanding.
Assessment:
Intellectual skills are continually monitored through the
tutorial system and the seminar programme and
assessed through formal assessment of studio work at
the end of each year.
A review of each student’s progress takes place mid-year
which enables any problems to be addressed.
The assessment process for years 1 and 2 includes a
presentation of work from the whole year either in original
or documented form as appropriate, and questions and
discussion to test the development of the student’s
intellectual skills.
Final year students present work for examination which is
followed by a public exhibition.
In years 1 and 2, BFA students are also required to
submit a short written text situating the work within a
broader critical context in order to progress. Verbal
articulation of the critical context also forms part of the
end of year assessment in years 1 and 2.
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Ability to realise ideas through engagement
with appropriate working methods, materials
and processes.
Students use the technical workshops of wood and metal
on an induction basis with the opportunity to follow up
with one-to-one sessions with the technician according to
the particular needs of the work.
Ability to research specific topics related to
contemporary art and culture.
Ability to research specific topics related to the
history and theory course themes and the
independent study (BA)
Inductions in print techniques, photography, film, video,
sound and digital media are provided for all students and
can be followed by one-to-one sessions as appropriate.
Stretcher-making workshops and painting materials
workshops are provided for first years and all students
receive on-going technical support for the development of
the technical aspects of their painting as required.
A range of technical workshops are provided by all the
technical facilities throughout the year and can be booked
on a sign-up basis.
In the first year, as well as all of the above, there is a
quick-build workshop which introduces basic making and
structural skills relating to sculpture.
First years attend an introduction to the library and a
session on essay conventions.
Access to UCL’s collections and museums is encouraged
and collaboration with other departments where
appropriate.
Professional practice seminars offer students information
and guidance on life after art school.
Assessment:
Students must demonstrate their ability to present their
work technically and aesthetically.
The particular uses of space, location and site to present
the work must manifest an understanding of the needs of
the work and demonstrate technical abilities in achieving
this.
Students must demonstrate their ability to understand
issues concerning curatorial practice.
For the BA coursework essays and independent study for
history and theory of art demonstrate their research,
writing skills and their ability to develop an argument with
clarity supported by evidence.
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Ability to communicate ideas in the most
appropriate way and to understand and
respond to the ideas of others.
The emphasis placed on self-initiated programmes of
work centred on the studio enables students to develop
specific techniques, skills, processes and working
methods as required by their individual programme of
work.
Ability to write proposals and applications
including budget specifications and
documentary evidence of work.
Practical skills gained, e.g. wood and metal
techniques, printmaking, photography and
digital media are transferable.
The importance placed on the self-initiated programmes
of work demands that students become confident, selfmotivated and independent in establishing working
methodologies and able to expand these through
interaction with the wider community.
Ability to work as a group and effectively cooperate and collaborate.
Ability to realise complex ideas innovatively
and experimentally using creative practical,
means.
Assessment:
Years 1 and 2 (and year 3 for the BA) demand a
presentation of work including questioning and discussion
through which transferable skills become apparent.
BA and BFA Final year students present their work in an
exhibition demonstrating skills to the general public and
the professional art world.
For the BA coursework essays and independent study for
history and theory of art demonstrate their research,
writing skills and their ability to develop an argument with
clarity supported by evidence.
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:





the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements);
the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
UCL teaching and learning policies;
staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the learning
outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of
the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching,
learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the Departmental course handbook. The
accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed by the UCL and may be checked by the Quality
Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Programme Organiser(s) Name(s): Professor Susan Collins
Date of production
Date of Review:
BFA January 2008
BA November 2006
March 2015
Date approved by Head of
Department:
March 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
March 2015
March 2015