Painting & Printmaking (Hons)
Glasgow Campus, United Kingdom
BA (Hons) Fine Art - Painting & Printmaking
Glasgow School of Art
Fine Art - Painting & Printmaking
Program Overview: Painting & Printmaking at Glasgow School of Art
Painting and Printmaking is the largest specialist programme within the School of Fine Art at the Glasgow School of Art. The programme of study is both practical and theoretical, focusing on enquiry and production in a lively studio environment where students are led by their own research and supported to draw together form, content, and contextualisation.
The programme aims to equip you with material and technical knowledges, critical insights, and tools of communication, supporting you to shape and pursue careers in the visual arts or related cultural fields. Each year is designed to build upon the previous year in terms of technical development, content, reflection, and research.
Students connect with the histories and legacies of art-making alongside contemporary discourse, before developing personal and collective study paths in the final year. The programme is led by a team of dedicated practising artists, writers, curators, and researchers who nurture a dynamic, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
Key Program Highlights
- Largest specialist programme within the School of Fine Art, offering dedicated studio space and access to extensive printmaking workshops including etching, lithography, and silkscreen facilities.
- Taught at one of Europe's leading art schools, ranked 8th in the world for Art and Design in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2026.
- Located in Glasgow, one of Europe's most vibrant creative cities, with access to numerous cultural spaces and exhibition venues that enrich your artistic practice.
- All GSA degrees are validated by the University of Glasgow, and the school offers an extensive exchange programme with approximately 75 leading art, design, and architecture schools worldwide.
Curriculum & Modules
The Painting and Printmaking curriculum is structured around studio practice, workshop-based technical learning, and critical studies. Each year builds progressively on the previous one, developing your technical skills, critical awareness, and independent research capabilities across four stages of study.
An introductory stage focused on developing foundational skills in painting and printmaking techniques, exploring materials, processes, and formats within a supportive studio environment.
Building on Year 1, this stage deepens technical and conceptual engagement with painting and printmaking, encouraging experimentation and the development of an individual artistic voice.
Students consolidate their practice through sustained independent research, refining their studio work and contextualising it within broader contemporary art discourse and historical legacies.
The final year culminates in a self-directed programme of work and a public-facing Degree Show exhibition, demonstrating the resolution and maturity of your artistic practice.
Interdisciplinary credit-bearing courses running throughout all four stages, bringing together students from different departments to research and discuss key ideas that inform art-making, reception, and understanding.
Elective & Workshop Areas
Admission Requirements
Admission to the Painting and Printmaking programme at Glasgow School of Art is competitive and portfolio-based. Your application is assessed holistically, considering your digital portfolio, academic profile, and personal statement. Contact Uni4Edu to begin your application process and receive guidance on preparing a strong submission.
Academic Requirements
- Scottish HighersBBCC including a literate subject (e.g. English, History, Philosophy)
- A LevelsBBC, plus GCSE English at grade A/7
- Irish Leaving CertificateFour Highers at H2 or above, subjects as per Scottish Highers requirements
- Digital PortfolioRequired for all applicants; must demonstrate creative ability, visual thinking, and engagement with art-making processes
- InterviewShortlisted candidates may be invited for an interview based on portfolio and application scoring
English Language Requirements
- IELTS (UKVI Academic)Overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all components
- Alternative TestsOther UKVI-approved English language tests accepted; contact Uni4Edu for the full list of accepted qualifications
- ExemptionsNationals of, or degree holders from, countries on the approved UKVI exemption list may be exempt from English language testing
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The Glasgow School of Art offers a range of scholarships for both home and international students, including tuition fee reductions and maintenance grants. International Merit Scholarships are awarded based on the overall strength of an application, including portfolio, academic profile, and personal statement. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on available funding opportunities.
GSA International Merit Scholarship
Tuition fee reduction (amount varies by year)Awarded to international fee-paying students based on the overall strength of their application. These scholarships recognise excellence in portfolio, academic achievement, and personal statement quality.
GSA Financial Support Scholarships
Varies (contribution toward fees or maintenance grant)Need-based scholarships requiring a separate application. Some offer contributions toward tuition fees, while others provide a maintenance grant to support living costs during your studies.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Painting and Printmaking programme at GSA are prepared for diverse careers across the visual arts and creative industries. The programme creates assured and specialist fine art graduates with individual creative identities, ready for employment, self-employment, and postgraduate study. Glasgow's thriving creative ecosystem means many graduates choose to remain in the city, contributing to one of the UK's largest creative communities.
Potential Career Paths
Where Graduates Work
Rankings & Recognition
The Glasgow School of Art is internationally recognised as one of Europe's leading institutions for creative education. Founded in 1845, GSA has been consistently ranked in the top 20 art and design institutions worldwide for over a decade, and is the only institution in Scotland to achieve this distinction.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art & Design | QS World University Rankings | #8 globally, #3 in UK (2026) |
| Arts, Drama & Music | Complete University Guide | #7 in UK |
| Architecture | The Guardian University Guide | #28 in UK (2024) |
| Art & Design (Reputation) | QS Subject Rankings | Top 20 globally for 11 consecutive years |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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