St.Thomas Aquinas College United States

Visual Art

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Next Intake TBA

Course Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Visual Art at St. Thomas Aquinas College invites you to explore your creative potential and develop a strong foundation in artistic practice and art history. This undergraduate degree is ideal for aspiring artists and cultural commentators who wish to understand and contribute to the visual world. You will engage with core disciplines including drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, and printmaking, alongside critical studies in art history. This program is designed to foster your individual artistic voice and prepare you for a dynamic career in the creative industries.

You will study this program full-time on campus over four years, immersing yourself in a curriculum that balances studio practice with theoretical knowledge. The syllabus outlines a progressive journey, from foundational skills in 2D Design and Drawing Skills & Processes to advanced explorations in Digital Media, Sculpture, and Painting. Throughout your degree, you will have opportunities for practical experience, including an internship in your senior year, and you will develop a professional portfolio. Upon graduation, you will be well-prepared for diverse career paths as a practicing artist, curator, gallery professional, or for further postgraduate study.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This Visual Art course sequence provides a comprehensive foundation in artistic principles and practices. Students will explore 2D design, drawing, painting, and digital media, alongside art history surveys and specialized topics. The curriculum progresses through foundational skills, intermediate techniques, and advanced studio work, culminating in internships and portfolio development. This program aims to cultivate a strong understanding of visual language and creative problem-solving across various artistic disciplines.

1 FALL ONE – FIRST YEAR

2D Design Major Requirement
Drawing Skills & Processes Major Requirement
Intro to Painting or ART 215 Major Requirement
First Year Seminar Stage Requirement / Foundations 1
Academic Writing I Stage Requirement

2 SPRING ONE – FIRST YEAR

Digital Studio Major Requirement
Intro to Mass Media or ART 204 Major Requirement
Art History Survey Major Requirement
Quantitative Lit OR Scientific Reasoning Stage Requirement
Academic Writing 2 Stage Requirement

3 FALL TWO – SOPHOMORE

Digital Literacy & The Photographic Image Major Requirement
Intro to Printmaking or ART 202 Major Requirement
Quantitative Lit OR Scientific Reasoning Stage Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 1 Stage Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 2 Stage Requirement

4 SPRING TWO – SOPHOMORE

Digital Literacy & The Photographic Image Major Requirement
Drawing for Art & Design Major Requirement
Buddhist & Hindu Art OR Other Art History Course Major Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 3 Stage Requirement
Breadth & Proficiency 4 Stage Requirement

5 FALL THREE – JUNIOR

Art Since 1945 OR Other Art History Major Requirement
Intro to Sculpture Major Requirement
Documentary Photography Major Requirement
Gateway Course 1 Stage Requirement
Gateway Course 2 Stage Requirement

6 SPRING THREE – JUNIOR

Intermediate Painting Major Requirement
Digital Media Major Requirement
Figure Drawing Major Requirement
Race, Sex & Gender OR Other Art History Major Requirement
Gateway Course 3 Stage Requirement

7 FALL FOUR – SENIOR

Internship Major Requirement
Photo Concepts Major Requirement
Intro to Ceramics Major Requirement
Advanced Printmaking Major Requirement
Advanced Sculpture Major Requirement

8 SPRING FOUR – SENIOR

Portfolio in Art Major Requirement
Conceptual Drawing Portfolio Major Requirement
Advanced Painting Major Requirement
Web Design Major Requirement
Intro to Creative Technology Major Requirement

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,160.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 140,640.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on Sparkill Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

96%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Amusement & Recreation ServicesBroadcasting & TelevisionGaming & Interactive MediaJournalism & ReportingMedia Research & AnalyticsMusic & Performing ArtsPhotojournalism & Visual MediaSports & AthleticsStreaming & Digital ContentTalent & Artist Management

Top Employers Hiring for this course

NBCUniversal

Warner Bros

Why Study Visual Art at St.Thomas Aquinas College

What makes this program stand out

Very Fast Application response time

St.Thomas Aquinas College typically responds to applications within 1 - 2 days, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at St.Thomas Aquinas College in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Visual Art at St.Thomas Aquinas College

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks. No separate work permits are needed for on-campus jobs.

What English language score do I need for this course?

English proficiency tests accepted include Duolingo, TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE with specific score requirements. Make sure to meet these benchmarks to gain admission to the program.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as a community art director, museum curator, art therapist, or fashion merchandiser.

What will I actually study in this course?

STAC’s Visual Art program includes foundational courses in drawing, painting, and photography, alongside electives tailored to your interests. Internships are encouraged to provide hands-on experience and strengthen your portfolio.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Visual Art program at STAC has an intake month in September. Make sure to apply early to secure your place in this exciting program.
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