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Qualifications
Studying visual arts in the UK can be pursued through various pathways including university degrees, apprenticeships, short courses, and online learning. Here’s a breakdown of these options and the qualifications they offer:
Qualifications
GCSEs and A-Levels: For younger students, studying Art and Design at GCSE and A-Level is a common starting point. NVQs/SVQs (National Vocational Qualifications/Scottish Vocational Qualifications): Practical, work-based qualifications at various levels. BTEC Diplomas: Vocational qualifications in Art and Design that can lead to higher education or employment.Bachelor's Degrees (BA/BFA):
BA (Bachelor of Arts) in Fine Art: Typically a three to four-year program focusing on various disciplines such as painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media. BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts): Similar to a BA but often with a greater emphasis on studio practice and technical skills. Master's Degrees (MA/MFA): MA (Master of Arts) in Fine Art: Usually a one to two-year postgraduate program focusing on advanced artistic practice and theory. MFA (Master of Fine Arts): A more practice-based postgraduate degree emphasising the development of a professional body of work.
Doctoral Degrees (PhD/DFA):
PhD in Fine Art: Research-based degree that involves producing a thesis or a combination of a thesis and practical work. DFA (Doctor of Fine Arts): Practice-led research degree focusing on creating an extensive body of artistic work.
Examples of Universities:
University of Arts London(UAL)
Glasgow School of Art
Goldsmiths University of London
Royal college of Art(RCA)
Apprenticeships
Creative Apprenticeships: These combine practical work experience with study, leading to qualifications such as: Level 3 Apprenticeship in Creative and Design: Equivalent to A-Levels. Level 4 Apprenticeship in Cultural Heritage: Equivalent to the first year of university.
Example Programs: Arts Council England's Creative Employment Programme, National College for Creative Industries
Diplomas
Foundation Diplomas: Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: A one-year pre-university course that helps students build a portfolio and decide on a specialisation. Certificates and Diplomas: Diploma in Art and Design: Offered at various levels (Level 3-5), providing focused study on specific art disciplines.
Vocational and Continuing Education
Adult Education Classes: Often available through community colleges and adult learning centres, these classes cover a wide range of topics and skills in visual arts.
Professional Development Courses: Short-term courses aimed at professionals looking to update or enhance their skills.Examples: The Open University
These pathways offer a range of opportunities for studying visual arts, catering to different interests, career goals, and levels of education. Whether you prefer a traditional academic route, hands-on apprenticeship, or flexible online learning, there are options available to suit diverse needs and aspirations in the visual arts field.
Jobs within the Visual Arts Industry
Fine Artist
A painter creates visual art through the application of paint on surfaces such as canvas, wood, or paper, using techniques that range from classical to contemporary. They explore various styles and subjects, including portraits, landscapes, still life, and abstract works, often expressing personal vision, emotional depth, and conceptual themes through their brushwork, colour choices, and compositions.
Sculptor
A sculptor crafts three-dimensional artworks from materials such as stone, metal, clay, or wood. Utilising techniques like carving, modelling, casting, and welding, sculptors create forms that can be realistic or abstract, often engaging with space, volume, and texture to evoke emotional responses and conceptual ideas.
Illustrator
An illustrator creates visual representations to accompany text or to stand alone in various media, including books, magazines, advertisements, and digital platforms. They employ drawing, painting, and digital tools to craft images that convey stories, ideas, and information, often working closely with authors, editors, and clients to bring narratives and concepts to life.
Graphic Designer
A graphic designer combines visual elements like typography, imagery, color, and layout to create compelling and effective communication materials. Working in areas such as branding, advertising, web design, and user interface design, graphic designers solve visual problems and enhance user experiences through their creative and technical skills.
Printmaker
A printmaker produces artworks by transferring images from a matrix (such as a metal plate, stone, or screen) onto paper or other materials. Using techniques like etching, lithography, screen printing, and woodcut, printmakers can create multiple copies of an artwork while experimenting with texture, colour, and composition to achieve unique visual effects.
Mixed Media Artist
A mixed media artist blends various artistic materials and techniques to create complex and layered artworks. They might combine traditional media like paint and ink with unconventional materials such as fabric, found objects, or digital components, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression and challenging conventional art forms.
Muralist
A muralist paints large-scale artworks directly onto walls or ceilings, often in public or community spaces. These murals can transform environments, communicate cultural or social messages, and engage viewers with vibrant, immersive visual narratives that reflect the artist's vision and the community's identity.
Concept Artist
A concept artist develops visual ideas for characters, environments, props, and other elements in media such as films, video games, and animation. They create detailed and imaginative concept art that guides the production team in visualising and refining the final look and feel of a project, playing a crucial role in the pre-production phase.
Art Restorer
An art restorer specialises in the conservation and restoration of artworks, ensuring their longevity and historical integrity. They use scientific techniques and a deep understanding of art history to repair damage, clean surfaces, and restore colours, working meticulously to preserve the original artist's intent while halting further deterioration.
Art Teacher
An art teacher educates students in various aspects of the visual arts, including techniques, art history, and creative expression. They inspire and guide learners of all ages, fostering artistic skills, critical thinking, and an appreciation for the arts, while also encouraging personal and creative growth through classroom instruction and hands-on practice.
Useful information
Organisations Supporting Visual Arts:
Arts Council England
This is the national agency responsible for promoting the visual arts in England. They provide funding, support, and advocacy for artists and cultural institutions. They offer extensive support for the arts across the UK, including the North, Midlands, and other regions. They provide funding through programs like the National Lottery Project Grants and Developing Your Creative Practice
https://www.artscouncil.org.uk
Shape ArtsFocuses on improving access to the arts for disabled people. They offer various support mechanisms including workshops and exhibitions
(Institute of International Visual Arts)This organisation promotes the work of artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, focusing on contemporary visual arts from the African, Asian, and Caribbean diaspora.
Create Arts
Works with marginalised groups through creative arts projects to enhance wellbeing and provide a platform for expression through various art forms including visual arts. In addition to supporting visual arts, Create also offers projects that help participants develop skills that can lead to new career opportunities in the arts.Bow Arts
This organisation supports artists in London through studio spaces, community projects, and educational programsAims to increase diversity in the creative industries by providing opportunities and internships for underrepresented groups, including in fields such as journalism, film, music, and visual arts
Provides resources, networking opportunities, and support for contemporary visual artists across the UK. CVAN East Midlands
This network supports arts and culture in the East Midlands, offering various opportunities, resources, and events for visual artists.
CVAN North East
Focuses on the development and promotion of contemporary visual arts in the North East of England. They provide networking, funding opportunities, and professional development
Offers a platform for disabled artists to promote their work, access resources, and find career opportunities in the arts sector.
Based in Chester, Cheshire, VAA supports visual artists with resources such as insurance, mentorship programs, and training. They offer various courses and networking opportunities to help artists grow their careers.
This organisation supports the arts in Scotland, including visual arts. They offer funding, resources, and professional development opportunities for artists across Scotland.
https://www.creativescotland.com
Arts Council of Northern IrelandProvides support for the visual arts in Northern Ireland through funding, grants, and development programs tailored to the needs of local artists.
The Prince’s Trust
Offers support for young people aged 11 to 30, including those interested in pursuing careers in the arts. They provide mentoring, funding, and resources to help start and sustain creative businesses.
https://www.princes-trust.org.uk
Arts EmergencyA charity that helps young people from underrepresented backgrounds to pursue careers in the arts and humanities. They offer mentoring, networking opportunities, and resources to support career development.
https://www.arts-emergency.org
Creative Industries FederationProvides advocacy, support, and networking opportunities for individuals and organisations in the creative industries, including the visual arts.
https://www.thecreativeindustries.co.uk
These organisations offer a range of support from funding and professional development to networking and career advice, helping to foster the growth of visual arts and creative careers across the UK.