The study of Fine Art at Oxford takes place at the Ruskin School of Art. The undergraduate course examines what goes into the making of art. The BFA (Bachelor of Fine Arts) is a three-year course in which students work collaboratively in studios. This environment is great for coming up with interesting ideas through discussion with peers. The studio element makes up 75% of the course, the other 25% being dedicated to the history and theory of art.
The blend of academic and practical work offered by the course proves especially valuable to students. Another unique aspect of this course is the study of anatomy in the first year, for which the Ruskin makes use of its links with the Physiology, Anatomy, and Genetics Department.
The Oxford course is distinct from many other Fine Art courses in that students have the opportunity to mix with students from other courses. This is because the Ruskin School is part of the larger university and students still belong to their respective colleges. Undergraduates are examined through a series of essays written throughout their three years at Oxford. It’s a small course with an intake of just below 30 a year, of whom almost 80% have been female recently.
Applicants are recommended, though not required, to take an A Level (or equivalent) in art.