Mr Lax's guide to
choosing the right Fine Art degree
Choosing the right Fine Art degree
Choosing a university can feel overwhelming, especially when you're applying for Fine Art. Unlike subjects such as Medicine, Law or Engineering, Fine Art courses can vary enormously from one university to another. Two universities may both offer a degree called "Fine Art", but the experience, teaching style and artwork produced by students could be completely different.
The best Fine Art degree isn't necessarily the most famous one. It's the one that helps you develop into the artist you want to become.
Fine Art isn't one subject
One of the biggest surprises for many students is discovering that Fine Art is not a single discipline.
Some courses focus heavily on practical skills such as painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Others place greater emphasis on ideas, encouraging students to explore contemporary issues through installation, performance, video, sound, digital media or conceptual art.
Neither approach is better than the other, but they attract different types of students.
If your ideal day involves spending hours painting in a studio, you may prefer a course with a stronger practical tradition. If you're fascinated by ideas, culture, philosophy or contemporary issues, you may enjoy a more conceptual course.
This is why I always encourage students to look carefully at degree show work and examples of student projects before applying. The artwork produced by students often reveals a great deal about the ethos of a course. If you love what you see, that's usually a good sign. If you dislike most of it, pay attention to that feeling.
Practical vs Academic
Another important consideration is how practical or academic you want your degree to be.
Many students imagine Fine Art as three years of painting and drawing with very little reading or writing. The reality is usually quite different. Most courses combine studio practice with research, critical studies, lectures, tutorials and written assignments.
Some universities sit closer to the practical end of the spectrum. Others place a greater emphasis on theory, context and critical thinking.
My own degree at the University of Leeds combined Fine Art with Art History and Theory. At the time, I wasn't particularly excited about the history side of the course. However, I eventually discovered modules focused on philosophy and the theory of art, which I found genuinely fascinating. Looking back, those discussions helped me think more deeply about why art matters and what makes artwork meaningful.
You don't need to become an academic to benefit from theory. Understanding context, meaning and audience can make you a stronger artist, whether you become a painter, photographer, teacher, curator or gallery professional.
Thinking about location
The course itself is only part of the university experience. Where you live for three or four years matters too.
London is home to many of the UK's most prestigious art schools and offers incredible access to galleries, museums, exhibitions and creative opportunities. However, it is also expensive and highly competitive.
Cities such as Manchester, Glasgow, Leeds and Edinburgh offer vibrant arts scenes, excellent cultural opportunities and lower living costs. Smaller locations such as Falmouth and Bath provide a very different experience, often with stronger community feel and less distraction.
When I was applying to university, I deliberately avoided London because it felt intimidating and expensive. I also ruled out Edinburgh, Glasgow and Falmouth because they seemed too far from home. A year later I found myself studying abroad in Arizona. The lesson? Don't assume that the person you are at eighteen will be the same person you are at twenty-one. University is often where confidence grows the most.
The most competitive Fine Art universities to consider
Slade School of Fine Art (UCL)
Often regarded as one of the most prestigious Fine Art schools in the UK. Slade combines strong practical teaching with critical thinking and attracts highly talented students from around the world. It is extremely competitive to get into, but particularly appealing to students who want to maintain strong painting, drawing or sculpture skills while engaging with contemporary ideas.
Ruskin School of Art (Oxford)
One of the most academic Fine Art courses in the country. Students are encouraged to think deeply about art, culture and ideas while developing their practical work. The course is highly competitive and particularly suited to intellectually curious students who enjoy discussion and independent thinking.
Central Saint Martins (UAL)
Perhaps the most famous art school in the UK. Central Saint Martins is known for experimental and contemporary approaches, encouraging students to explore installation, performance, video and interdisciplinary practice. It is ideal for students who enjoy pushing boundaries and challenging conventions.
Chelsea College of Arts (UAL)
A highly respected contemporary Fine Art course with strong links to galleries and the professional art world. Particularly attractive to students interested in curating, exhibiting and engaging with contemporary art practice.
Goldsmiths (University of London)
Goldsmiths has a long-standing reputation for producing influential contemporary artists. The course places considerable emphasis on independent thinking and self-directed practice. Students are expected to develop their own ideas and projects rather than simply follow set assignments.
Other excellent options
Edinburgh College of Art
One of the strongest Fine Art schools outside London. Edinburgh offers both a studio-based Fine Art degree and a unique Fine Art and Art History programme for students who want a more academic experience. The city itself is beautiful, culturally rich and full of creative opportunities.
Glasgow School of Art
Widely regarded as one of the best art schools in the UK. Glasgow has an outstanding contemporary arts scene and a reputation for producing successful practising artists. It offers an excellent balance between practical making and critical thinking.
Falmouth University
A creative and supportive environment with strong facilities and a beautiful coastal location. Particularly attractive to students interested in painting, photography and studio-based practice. It feels very different from studying in a major city.
Manchester School of Art
Located in one of the UK's most vibrant creative cities, Manchester offers excellent facilities and a strong reputation. The city's galleries, studios and creative organisations provide valuable opportunities beyond the university itself.
University of Brighton
A popular choice for students seeking a balance between traditional and contemporary practice. Brighton's creative culture, independent spirit and coastal location make it particularly attractive to many art students.
Loughborough University
Often overlooked by students applying for Fine Art, but increasingly well regarded. It combines excellent facilities, strong teaching and impressive graduate outcomes. Although Loughborough itself is not known for its arts scene, the university's reputation and resources are excellent.
University of Leeds
A strong choice for students interested in combining Fine Art with theory, critical studies and art history. Leeds is also a fantastic student city with a lively cultural scene and excellent galleries.
Nottingham Trent and Bath Spa
Both universities offer strong Fine Art programmes with excellent facilities, supportive teaching and good graduate outcomes. They are often slightly less competitive than some of the most prestigious art schools while still providing an excellent education.
Building a strong portfolio
Many students assume universities are looking for perfect drawings and paintings.
They're not.
Technical skill is important, but universities are often more interested in curiosity, experimentation and potential.
A strong portfolio should demonstrate:
   • Observational drawing
   • Personal projects
   • Research and artist studies
   • Experimentation with materials and processes
   • Photography and visual exploration
   • Sketchbooks showing the development of ideas
   • Reflection and evaluation
Admissions tutors want to see how you think, not just what you can produce when everything goes well.
The strongest portfolios often show risk-taking, problem-solving and genuine personal interests.
Questions to ask at open days
When visiting universities, don't just listen to the marketing presentation.
Ask questions such as:
   • How much studio space do students receive?
   • How many contact hours are there each week?
   • How much written work is involved?
   • What do graduates typically go on to do?
   • Can I see examples of recent degree-show work?
   • How much freedom do students have to pursue their own interests?
   • What opportunities exist for exhibitions, placements and professional practice?
The answers will often tell you far more than the prospectus.
Final thoughts
Choosing a Fine Art degree is about much more than rankings and reputation.
The most successful artists are rarely those who simply attended the most famous university. They are usually the ones who found an environment that challenged them, inspired them and encouraged them to keep developing.
Visit open days. Look at student work. Talk to current students. Think about the sort of artist you want to become, but don't worry if you don't have all the answers yet.
Most importantly, choose somewhere that makes you excited to create.
The university doesn't make the artist. Your curiosity, commitment, resilience and willingness to keep learning will have a far greater impact on your future than the name printed on your degree certificate.
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