Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fine Art

Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Full-time

Lead the Way as an Art Professional in Singapore and Beyond

Blaze a trail as an young art professional in Singapore and the region, growing in your artistic journey and capacity to contribute meaningfully to our rich cultural repository. You will develop the knowledge and skills to be a holistic, reflective and engaged art practitioner in the contemporary world.

Backed by the world-renowned University of the Arts London (UAL), the three-year honours degree will sharpen your artistic skills and sensibilities while you learn to work both collaboratively and independently on art practices across disciplines, through industry partnerships and projects. In the true NAFA spirit of adventure and exploration, you will also spend a portion of your degree abroad in the United Kingdom.

You will expect to be immersed in a state-of-the-art studio environment, supported by archival practices and professional placements.

Please watch this webinar to learn more about the BA (Hons) Fine Art programme from our faculty and students.

At the end of this programme, students should be able to:

Employ experimentation, problem-solving and invention by demonstrating advanced practical and decision-making skills to evidence a commitment to artmaking
Demonstrate a systematic understanding of a diverse range of fine art practices and debates, and the ability to position them within contemporary cultural, social, and historical contexts
Self-direct continuing learning and development through independent planning and critical reflection that demonstrates ethical, inclusive, and safe practices in both studio and external activities
Communicate effectively in visual, oral, and written forms to articulate, analyse and evaluate ideas and the work of self and other practitioners
Apply developed conceptual and practical approaches to making a consolidated body of work

Cultivate Interdisciplinary and Transdisciplinary Thinking

Learn to examine issues critically from different disciplinary perspectives, questioning, evaluating and integrating ideas into cohesive responses that are authentically your own.

Reap the Benefits of an Unprecedented UAL-NAFA Partnership

Our NAFA honours degree in fine art has been validated by the top-ranked art and design University of the Arts London (UAL), the first partnership UAL has in offering validated programmes outside the United Kingdom. You will benefit from this prestigious partnership most tangibly through a seven-week international placement in London, where you will attend classes and workshops there to expand your learning multifold.

Add a Unique Southeast Asian Dimension to Your Art Practice

Singapore’s advantageous location in the region will enable you to plug into the dynamic arts scene of Southeast Asia, raise critical disprogramme and open new perspectives to expand the repository of artistic and cultural research of our region.

Read The Straits Times feature on our transformative programme.
Source: The Straits Times © SPH Media Limited. Permission required for reproduction

More Information

UAL Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the degree programmes, students are required to attain a total of 360 credits. For students admitted via direct entry into second year, they are required to attain a total of 240 credits, which comprise 120 credits for second year and 120 credits for third year.

Mode of Instruction

Lessons may be delivered face-to-face on campus or facilitated online. Lecturers employ a variety of teaching strategies and methods according to the needs of each module. Students are expected to attend every lesson as scheduled, either in the form of lectures, tutorials, discussions, demonstrations, case studies, practical exercises/classes, seminars, workshops, rehearsals, productions, laboratory/studio-based practice, screenings, field activities or e-learning/web-based interactions, which vary depending on the programme.

Assessment Methods

Each module is assessed by either class participation, written assignments, coursework, practical activities, performances, portfolio, oral presentations, peer reviews, projects, examinations, or any of these combinations which vary depending on the programme. Assessment methods may vary according to individual module requirements.

Career Pathways

Art Administrator
Art Facilitator
Art Service Provider
Art Technician
Art Teacher/Teaching Assistant
Art Therapist
Art Writer
Artist
Curator
Display Artist
Fine Art Apprentice/Consultant
Community Facilitator
Social Change Maker
Workshop Assistant

Modules

Code	Title	Semester	Credits
FA1411	Introduction to Fine Art This unit is an introduction to the Fine Art Programme, programme requirements and expectations. This unit will orientate you to the practices and knowledge needed to understand your discipline and help you to develop your skills for independent and collaborative learning, reflection and self-development.	1	20
FA1412	Fine Art Practices This unit will explore a wide range of mediums through conventional and contemporary approaches to artmaking in three key practices – 2-Dimensional (painting, drawing, printmaking), 3-Dimensional (ceramics, sculpture, installation) and 4-Dimensional (photography, performance art, sound art, video art). These practices allow for exploration within each medium, and encourage versatility and experimentation of materials, processes and techniques.	1	40
FA1421	Positions 1 This unit asks you to reflect on the work you have made so far, identify your interests, explore your position and align your practice with the work of others. You will draw connections to your studio practice supported by professional development – to understand your role as an artist and art practitioner, to recognise key stakeholders in the complex and constantly evolving art ecosystem, and to effectively communicate your artistic aspirations.	2	20
FA1422	Thinking Through Making This unit is designed to enable you to develop your independent art practice in an experimental way towards concrete forms of realisation and in pursuit of your own self-directed enquiry. By thinking through making, you will harness the cultural, contextual and theoretical enquiry that arises from this unit to inform your studio practice.	2	40
FA2511	Positions 2 This unit is focused on illustrating your individual practice in relation to your peers’ and positioning your work within a wider practical and theoretical context. You will work towards the establishment of small experimental research collectives, within which connections and shared ideas can be mapped, applied, challenged, and expanded.	1	20
FA2512	Collective and Collaborative Practices This unit focuses on artists working collaboratively with non-art institutional and community stakeholders – a definite trend in the local and regional art landscape. The unit will work around a hypothetical project proposal for a community-engaged activity which students will undertake as a small group.	1	40
FA2521	Positions 3 This unit provides opportunity to sustain a more focused approach towards analysing and materialising your own practice. Working with both UAL and NAFA teams, the international placement seeks to cultivate cultural awareness, and to shape and encapsulate your research and practice enquiry as you head towards your final year.	2	20
FA2522	Intervention and Practices This unit will establish the first footings of your professional identity through publication practices and by partaking in residencies or professional internships. The unit will be delivered across multiple points through the academic semester into the Special Term.	2	40
FA3611	Thinking, Making, Writing 1 This unit will build upon the skills and knowledge gained during your previous semesters of study and will foreground the interdependence between thinking, making, and writing. The connection between theory, research and practice, and its importance for the articulation of enquiry and creation of artwork will be explored in this unit	1	60
FA3621	Thinking, Making, Writing 2 This unit asks you to position your work and engage with publics. This will require you to define and take control of the context in which you see your work operating in order to establish an awareness of how you might practice beyond this programme. You will be expected to write a critical analysis about your research and practice and locate your position in relation to your identified site and audience.	2	60

entry requirements

Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Portfolio and Statement of Intent
All applicants are to demonstrate their artistic potential through the submission of the following:
1. Statement of Intent of about 500 words outlining the applicant’s interest(s) of practice and/or work the applicant aims to produce in the course of study.
2. A portfolio which consists of 5 best examples of the applicant’s creative works. Each of these works should be supported by up to 3 visuals of development works. These works should demonstrate creativity, passion, and curiosity and are a reflection of the applicant’s view of the world.

Video Submission (3 minutes)
This video allows you to share your creativity, skills, and enthusiasm for our programme, allowing us to understand your potential and enthusiasm. Please follow these guidelines to create your 3-minute video.
1. Introduction
  - Begin by introducing yourself (mention your name and programme you are applying to)
  - Share your motivation for applying this programme and how you envision it contributing to your creative goals
2. Portfolio Highlight
  - Choose ONE artwork (from your portfolio submission), mention the artwork title and present the details - articulate your inspiration and intention behind this specific work
3. Conclusion
  - Explain why you believe you are a strong candidate for the programme
  - Highlight the value you believe you can bring to our learning community
4. Submission Details
  - Duration: up to 3 minutes
  - Format: MP4
  - File size: Less than 200MB
  - No edits, filters or voice over to be used

Group Interview
All applicants are to attend a group interview where they are expected to communicate.

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Educational Qualifications

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is either one of the following qualifications:

Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level: Minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Local Polytechnic Diploma
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
NUS High School Diploma
Equivalent of Year 12 qualification

Applicants with a relevant diploma from NAFA, LASALLE or a recognised institution may be considered for direct entry into the second year of the Bachelor programme subject to availability of places.

Conditional Offers for Degree Admission
You may use the latest results available to apply for the programme if you have not received your final examination results. You will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following results, as applicable:

GCE A-Level results with minimum 2 A-Level/ H2 subjects with a pass in General Paper
Polytechnic Diploma certificate and transcript
IB Diploma certificate and transcript
Final result slip/Proof of completion of Year 12

If you fail to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements, your conditional offer will be withdrawn.

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases.

The programme team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional references
A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit, but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case. In such cases, approval by the University of the Arts London will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

English Language Proficiency

All classes are taught in English. The minimum English Language proficiency requirement: IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Click here for other acceptable English language qualifications.

How to Apply

Get started on your quest to become an art & design professional today!

Apply online

Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents

Send documents listed in the checklist to [email protected] for verification within five working days from the application date.

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) at the cashier counter in NAFA or online

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) at the cashier counter in NAFA or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students. Applicants who are paying online will be required to upload the above documents during application.

Upload your portfolio

Upload your portfolio here.

Receive an email

You will receive an email from the Student Admissions Office on the details of your portfolio interview upon receipt of all required documents and portfolio.

Application outcome

Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fine Art

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fine Art

Lead the Way as an Art Professional in Singapore and Beyond

Students' Work

Modules

entry requirements

Portfolio and Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)

English Language Proficiency

How to Apply