BA Art

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
• DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.

Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.

Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.

Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.

Graduates from the BA Art program at the University of Reading are well-equipped to pursue a variety of rewarding careers across multiple sectors. The versatility of the program allows students to explore a wide range of career paths, ranging from traditional artistic roles to positions within the art industry, education, and even broader creative industries. 

Visual Artist (Freelance or Gallery-Based): Many graduates from the BA Art program choose to pursue careers as independent visual artists. With expertise in various artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and digital media, graduates can create their own works, exhibit in galleries, and sell their pieces. As freelance artists, they have the freedom to explore their creative interests and develop their personal artistic voices.

Art Curator or Exhibition Organizer: Graduates who are interested in the organizational side of the art world may choose to become art curators or exhibition organizers. These professionals are responsible for managing art collections, designing exhibitions, and working with artists, museums, galleries, and cultural institutions. Curators often engage in the planning, selection, and installation of artwork while researching and interpreting art collections for public viewing.

Art Therapist: With a strong understanding of art and psychology, some graduates pursue a career as an art therapist. Art therapy is a therapeutic practice that uses creative expression to help individuals explore emotions, reduce stress, and work through psychological issues. Art therapists work in hospitals, schools, rehabilitation centers, and private practices, assisting individuals with mental health challenges or developmental disabilities.

Art Educator or Lecturer: Graduates interested in teaching may choose to become art educators at various levels, including primary, secondary, or higher education. With further postgraduate qualifications, graduates can teach art history, theory, and practice in universities or colleges. As an art educator, you can inspire and guide the next generation of artists while shaping their creative and critical thinking abilities.

Art Director in Advertising or Media: For graduates interested in the commercial side of art, becoming an art director in advertising, media, or the entertainment industry is an exciting option. Art directors manage the visual aspects of marketing campaigns, advertisements, TV shows, or films. They oversee the design of visual elements and ensure that the creative vision is brought to life effectively. This role combines creativity with strategic thinking, making it an ideal career for art graduates with an interest in communication and media.

Museum or Gallery Educator: Graduates may pursue roles in museum or gallery education, where they design and implement programs to engage the public with art collections. These educators help visitors understand and appreciate art through workshops, tours, and educational materials. They often work closely with curators and other museum staff to create learning experiences that connect people with art on a deeper level.

Graphic Designer: For those interested in a more digital or commercial approach to art, graphic design offers an exciting career path. Graphic designers work in a variety of industries, including publishing, advertising, branding, and digital media. With skills in visual communication, art graduates can create logos, advertisements, websites, and other visual content for brands and businesses.

Art Auction Houses and Art Dealers: Graduates with an interest in the business side of art may pursue careers in auction houses or as art dealers. These professionals are involved in selling and buying art, facilitating auctions, and advising clients on art investment. Working in this sector provides a unique opportunity to combine art expertise with sales and business acumen.

Freelance Illustrator or Digital Artist: Some graduates choose to specialize in illustration or digital art. As freelance illustrators, they can work on projects such as books, magazines, advertisements, animations, and video games. Digital artists may also work in the entertainment industry, designing characters, environments, or visual effects for movies, TV shows, or video games.

Public Artist or Art Installer: Graduates with an interest in creating large-scale, public works of art or installations can pursue careers as public artists or art installers. Public artists design and create art for public spaces such as parks, streets, and plazas, while art installers are responsible for setting up and displaying art in public exhibitions or permanent installations.