The information on this course page is for the 2025/26 academic year, starting in September 2025. If available, you may also apply for a January 2025 start by following the link on the course page.

Art and Contemporary Practices BA (Hons)

Course code W190

What is special about this course?

Explore your creative identity and engage your imagination, working on collaborative projects, participatory art, community initiatives, digital creation, relational practices, curation, art and education, public art, and more. Interpret and contextualise theory, creative, and technical skills to produce effective contemporary art that builds engagement between the art world and the wider community. 

Set your sights on a successful career, focusing on employment in your chosen field, with opportunities to explore the evolving possibilities for art and creativity within the full context of contemporary art, health, recreation, and education.

Special features

  • Emphasis is on each individual student interpreting and contextualising theory, creative and technical skills to produce effective art that engages within the art world and wider community and context of contemporary art
  • Your studio practice, work placements and collaborative projects will give you the opportunity to define your own creative identity and explore the evolving opportunities for art and creativity within the full context of contemporary art, health, recreation and education
  • Develop your individual artistic practice in direct connection to the current professional pathways commonly inhabited by contemporary artists today
  • Modules focus on working in collaboration with others in professional settings, providing the necessary theoretical and practical skills to bring to life creative practices and help define your identity as a professional practitioner in art and contemporary practices
  • Many former students have gone on to employment in the arts 
  • There will be opportunities for national and international trips to enhance your experience

Accommodation

We offer modern student accommodation at a number of our locations.

Entry requirements

  • Entry to year 1, HNC, is 1 Scottish Higher at grade C or above OR
  • 1 A level at grade D or above
  • Alternatively, NC Art and Design OR
  • Foundation Apprenticeship Creative and Digital Media
  • We will consider individual competence in art, design or lens based skills evidenced by a portfolio of your work and you may be required to attend an interview

Advanced entry

  • Entry to year 2 may be possible with the HNC Contemporary Art Practice, with a B or above in the Graded Unit, or equivalent
  • Entry to year 3 may be possible with the HND Contemporary Art Practice, including a Graded Unit result of B or above, or equivalent
  • This is a Category 2 PVG course: PVG Scheme membership is required for specific optional modules/unit(s), where there is guaranteed contact with vulnerable groups in optional module/unit(s), but an alternative pathway exists to achieve target qualification. For further information visit our PVG scheme webpage

Access routes

  • To year 1: NC Art and Design

During my third year placement at the Dundee Contemporary Art Centre print studio I learned a variety of printing techniques. I also helped Tayside Health Trust deliver an animation course to individuals suffering from brain trauma. What an amazing experience to be able to apply my learning to the public.

Matthew studied the BA (Hons) Contemporary Art and Contextualised Practice at UHI Perth. 

Apply for Art and Contemporary Practices BA (Hons)

I want to start in Aug/Sep 2025

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.