This BA (Hons) Painting degree at Robert Gordon University offers you an exciting opportunity to study both the technical and contextual aspects of drawing and painting. You will study in our spacious studio environment which offers dedicated drawing and workshop facilities that will develop your own personal language and critical understanding of the subject.
Drawing is at the core of the course and is embedded within the programme in a variety of ways. You will learn in an environment that encourages personal expression and interpretation, as well as collaborative activity.
You will have the opportunity to be involved in industry competitions and live projects with real world clients, providing you with invaluable practical experience. Throughout the course, you will be able to study and develop your full creative potential, both critically and practically.
1st in Scotland and top 5 in the UK* for overall student satisfaction in Art (National Student Survey 2022, *excluding colleges, small, specialist and private institutions)
Year 1
Year 1 is about challenging your understanding of skills and exploring how and in which ways your skills can be applied. Studio projects focus on the core activities of research and idea development and act as an introduction to both the technical and conceptual aspects of the visual language of Painting.
Year 2
This year you are assigned an academic / personal tutor who will support and challenge you on a one to one basis. You will undertake a sequence of projects that continue to develop your understanding of the methods and procedures essential to the study of Painting.
Year 3
Projects become more self-directed and engaged with external contexts in Year 3. In Term 1 you will undertake intensive and wide-ranging research to develop your conceptual thinking. In Term 2 you have the opportunity to develop and apply your research towards a resolved body of work in readiness for self-directed study in Year 4.
Year 4
Projects become more self-directed and engaged with external contexts in Year 3. In Term 1 you will undertake intensive and wide-ranging research to develop your conceptual thinking. In Term 2 you have the opportunity to develop and apply your research towards a resolved body of work in readiness for self-directed study in Year 4.
Events
We have on campus and virtual events to help you find out more about study, student experience and future career paths.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
Teaching on this course is delivered on a one to one basis by subject specific staff and personal tutors in a conducive and spacious studio environment. From Year 2, you will be allocated your own dedicated studio space to work from for the duration of the course.
There are numerous opportunities to develop your skills and knowledge through a weekly drawing programme, attending a series of guest talks or external events, and working on industry-linked projects.
Throughout the course, you will be able to experience a professional approach to presenting and exhibiting work, most notably by organising the annual painting interim exhibition in Edinburgh in Year 4.
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 23 students per group, 1 hour per term
- Tutorial - 1 student per group, 4 hours per term
- Crits - 23 students per group, 7 hours per term
How long is a BA (Hons) Painting course?
The duration of a Painting degree is 4 years. This includes lectures, tutorials, independent study and other activities.
Independent Study
Independent study is a fundamental aspect of Year 4 and will make the majority of your study time. Support is still provided, in the form of tutorials, seminars and lectures, but the frequency of contact is reduced, in keeping with your journey to becoming an independent learner.
Staff Delivering on This Course
This course is staffed by academics with expert knowledge within Painting and Drawing. Many staff members have worked as freelance consultants or have set up their own studio practices therefore have individual interests and concerns in their own practices that offer differences within a context of communality and shared values.
Expert practitioners in the field contribute to the course as Professional Associates and through the Guest@Grays lecture programme, which invites national and international artists and designers to speak about their work.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 1 written assignment, including essays
- 3 portfolio assessments
Year 2
- 1 written assignment, including essays
- 2 portfolio assessments
Year 3
- 2 written assignments, including essays
- 3 portfolio assessments
Year 4
- 1 dissertation
- 1 portfolio assessment
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Study Abroad
In Year 3, Term 2, there is the opportunity to undertake a period of international study exchange with our partner colleges across Europe, Canada and the US.
Job Prospects
Upon graduation you will have acquired a wide range of transferable skills that will equip you for employment in a diverse range of careers within the creative and cultural industries, as well as other fields of employment where creative thinkers are highly valued.
Is Painting a good career choice?
Many graduates go on to study at prestigious postgraduate schools, including the Slade and the Royal College of Art or sustain individual studio practices and are actively exhibiting, curating and furthering their careers as professional artists.
Previous Painting graduates of Robert Gordon University have gone on to achieve the following national awards and scholarships:
- BAFTA (for a music video) to established
- Royal Scottish Academy,
- The Carnegie Trust
- The Cross Trust
There is also the option of extending your academic experience through postgraduate study at Gray’s School of Art.
What is needed for a BA (Hons) Painting degree?
Standard Entry Requirements
Entry to Year 1
- SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
- GCE A Level: CC to include Art & Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English e.g. History).
- Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H4 to include Art and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
- IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
All applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) will be invited to attend a portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Entry to Year 2
Suitable qualifications for entry to Year 2 (or above) may include relevant GCE A Levels, HNC/HND or Diploma in Foundation Studies (e.g. Art & Design, Design & Media, Fashion Design, Textile Design).
- GCE A Level: BCC to include Art & Design and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
- IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to attend an ‘advanced’ portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Minimum Entry Requirements
The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:
Entry to Year 1
- SQA Higher: CCC to include Art & Design and English or a written subject requiring the use of English
Applicants from Partner Colleges
A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3, subject to successfully meeting the partner course criteria.
All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to attend an ‘advanced’ portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.
Alternative Qualifications
Those who may not hold the standard qualifications listed are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate/relevant creative work, qualifications and/or life experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the Student Admissions Service for further advice and guidance.
A portfolio review/interview is still a requirement for this category of candidate.
Portfolio Review
Suitable applicants should submit a digital portfolio through a Flickr account. Details of the process are in the downloadable portfolio guidance. After viewing digital portfolios all successful applicants will be offered a place. If we feel more information would be useful to your application we will invite you for an interview. All offer holders will be invited to the school for an Applicants Event, which will allow you to meet staff and students while experiencing the teaching environment. It will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions.
International Students
The International College at Robert Gordon University offers first year degree entry into Art and Design courses at Robert Gordon University for International Students.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2022-2023
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1,820 |
Year 2 | £1,820 | |
Year 3 | £1,820 | |
Year 4 | £1,820 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6,750 |
Year 2 | £6,750 | |
Year 3 | £6,750 | |
Year 4 | £6,750 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6,750 |
Year 2 | £6,750 | |
Year 3 | £6,750 | |
Year 4 | £6,750 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £15,450 |
Year 2 | £15,450 | |
Year 3 | £15,450 | |
Year 4 | £15,450 |
Academic Year 2021-2022
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £1,820 |
Year 2 | £1,820 | |
Year 3 | £1,820 | |
Year 4 | £1,820 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6,750 |
Year 2 | £6,750 | |
Year 3 | £6,750 | |
Year 4 | £6,750 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £6,750 |
Year 2 | £6,750 | |
Year 3 | £6,750 | |
Year 4 | £6,750 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 4 years | Year 1 | £15,000 |
Year 2 | £15,000 | |
Year 3 | £15,000 | |
Year 4 | £15,000 |
Additional Costs
- Studio Fund - Year 1 £100, Year 2 £160. There is no studio fund in Years 3 and 4, as the costs attached to these years will vary from student to student and will very much depend on the nature of your individual practice.
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Student Funding
If you are a Scottish resident you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Widening Access Accommodation and Welcome Pack Offer
If you are applying to RGU for September 2023 and meet widening access criteria, you may qualify for free accommodation in your first year of study, along with our welcome pack to support your transition to university. Find out if you are eligible:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.