Body Art at UCA

The evolution of body art – from its ancient origins to its contemporary manifestations – is just part of the story on our new BA (Hons) Body Art degree course at UCA Canterbury. 

You’ll critically examine the multifaceted realm of body art – including a comprehensive study of its historical, cultural, and practical dimensions – emphasising its significance as both an artistic medium and a sociocultural phenomenon.

You’ll also engage with a range of topics, from traditional tattooing practices and body modifications, queer culture and individualism, the emerging discourse on transhumanism and the future of body art.  

Alongside theoretical study, you’ll enjoy learning practical approaches, by training in modern tools and techniques as well as methodologies for research and analysis in the field. You’ll also prepare for your future career as you benefit from a range of professional development opportunities along the way. This includes portfolio development to industry marketing strategies, and an understanding of the global body art landscape.

 

 

Course entry options

Select from the following options to find out more about the different study options available for this course:

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Institution code
C93
UCAS code
W191
Campus
UCA Canterbury
Start date(s)
September 2025
Duration
3 years full-time
Entry requirements

112 UCAS points
International equivalent qualifications

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Institution code
C93
UCAS code
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
Close
Institution code
C93
UCAS code
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
Close
Institution code
C93
UCAS code
W192
Campus
UCA Canterbury
Start date(s)
September 2025
Duration
4 years full-time
Entry requirements

112 UCAS points
International equivalent qualifications

Close
Institution code
C93
UCAS code
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
Close
Institution code
C93
Campus
Start date(s)
Duration
Entry requirements
What you'll study

What you'll
study

In your first year, you’ll be introduced to the history, theories and creative techniques of body art, learning about different types of body art, including tattooing, body modification, and transhuman enhancement. You’ll also develop an understanding of the cultural and psychological factors that influence people's decisions to engage in body art, and will critique its cultural significance.

Units in this year of study are as follows:

Body Art Modes
Welcome to Body Art - this unit is your introduction to the course, where you’ll be encouraged to explore the full range of what body art can be. You’ll investigate different modes of using the body as a canvas, site, agenda, performance, form, sculpture, and message. This includes conceptual and experimental approaches, such as casting, photography, performance, drawing on the body, recording, documenting, and activism. The aim is to open your mind to the diverse artistic possibilities within body art.

Body Art Techniques
With an emphasis on drawing, digital imaging, and non-invasive tattoo techniques, you’ll be introduced to key technical skills for body art. You’ll explore both hand-drawn and digital design practices and learn to translate these designs into body art, with a focus on line work, shading, and using non-invasive technologies for body art applications.

Body Art Practices
You’ll dive into the practical exploration of body art techniques, emphasising experimentation and the application of a wide range of creative processes. You’ll explore how body art can serve as a vehicle for cultural, social, and personal expression and be encouraged to push the boundaries of how the body can function as a canvas. Techniques covered include tattooing, body modification (using non-invasive methods), casting, photography, performance, drawing directly on the body, and conceptual installation.

Body Art Histories
This unit explores the rich historical development of body art, tracing its evolution from ancient cultural rituals to contemporary global movements. You’ll study the origins, significance, and transformations of tattooing, body modification, scarification, and other forms of body art across diverse cultures and time periods. The content will also focus on the diverse and intersectional influences that have shaped body art practices, offering an inclusive perspective on how different communities have contributed to its evolution.

In your second year, you’ll delve deeper into the history of body art, particularly in ancient tribal practice. You’ll learn advanced techniques for creating body art and investigate emerging trends in the field. You’ll also examine its role in performance and significance in terms of identity, politics, and social status. Body art as a form of therapy and healing and the core principles of ethics and responsibilities will also be explored in this year.

Units in this year of study are as follows:

Body Art Ethics and Aesthetics
This unit integrates the ethical and aesthetic considerations in body art practice. You’ll explore ethical challenges such as consent, cultural appropriation, and the psychological implications of body modification, alongside examining how aesthetic choices influence identity, transformation, and expression. You’ll think critically about how their work affects others and society and to creatively express these complex ideas through body art.

Professional Context
You’ll explore different career pathways, industry standards, and professional networks, developing the skills to effectively navigate the creative sector. You’ll gain insights into the "who, what, where, and how" of your career future - identifying potential employers, clients, networks, and opportunities to establish yourself as a professional.

Body Art: Identity, Society and Culture
You’ll examine how body art practices - including tattooing, piercing, and other forms of body modification - are influenced by and contribute to the construction of individual and collective identities. You’ll look at theoretical frameworks, including cultural studies, sociology, and anthropology, to analyse how body art intersects with issues such as gender, ethnicity, class, and globalisation.

Creative Project
You’ll undertake an independently driven creative project, focusing on the complete creative process - from ideation and concept development to execution. The emphasis is on learning how to generate, refine, and realise an idea through experimentation, reflection, and adaptation. You’ll negotiate the focus of your project with tutors, ensuring alignment with your reative vision while learning to articulate and develop your concepts into a coherent body of work.

If you opt to complete a professional practice year, this will take place in year three. You will undertake a placement within the creative industries to further develop your skills and CV.

While on your Professional Practice Year, you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee for that year. This fee will be determined using government funding regulations. Based on current regulations, we expect this to be a maximum of 20% of the tuition fee rate that you are charged for your second year of study. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during this year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this as you approach your Professional Practice Year.

Please note: If you are an international applicant, you will need to enrol onto the course ‘with Professional Practice Year’. It will not be possible to transfer onto the Professional Practice Year after enrolment

Your final year will see you develop a personal portfolio and preparing for a career in the field, including professional practice and entrepreneurial skills, as well as marketing and promotion. You’ll also undertake advanced research, culminating in the completion of your final major project.

Units in this year of study are as follows:

Body Art Research
You’ll develop advanced research into the practice of body art, allowing you to explore an area of interest. You’ll use creative practice as a means of inquiry and engage deeply with your chosen topic, whether it be cultural, aesthetic, technological, or social aspects of body art. The outcome of this unit will be a substantial research project that may take the form of a visual, performative, or practice-based piece, rather than a traditional written thesis.

New Horizons
This unit presents another opportunity to build upon professional development so you can graduate with confidence. You’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of the creative industries, enabling you to make informed decisions about your professional careers, and learn how to effectively position themselves in the industry, understand the professional requirements, and establish the necessary connections to succeed.

Major Project
The culmination of your studies will be realised through your final Major Project unit, where you’ll develop and produce a substantial body of independent work that reflects your personal interests and ambitions. You’ll define their own creative direction - whether through tattooing, performance art, digital interventions, wearable art, or other body-based practices. The focus is on managing the entire creative process from conception to final presentation.

This course is designed to offer you (if eligible) the opportunity to study part of your degree aboard at a UCA partner university, while still earning credits towards your UCA degree.

For more information please visit the Study Abroad section

Course specifications

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.

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Fees & funding

Fees & financial support

Tuition fees - 2025/26

  • BA course: £9,535

If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2025 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,900. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this.

Tuition fees - 2025/26

If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2025 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,900. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this.

Tuition fees - 2025/26

  • BA course: £17,500

If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2025 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £3,390. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year. The University will provide you with further advice and guidance about this.

Please note: The fees listed on this webpage are correct for the stated academic year only, for details of previous years please see the full fee schedules.

UCA scholarships and fee discounts

At UCA we have a number of scholarships and fee discounts available to assist you with the cost of your studies.

Financial support

There are lots of ways you can access additional financial support to help you fund your studies - both from UCA and from external sources. Discover what support you might qualify for please see our financial support information.

Additional course costs

In addition to the tuition fees there may be other costs for your course. The things that you are likely to need to budget for to get the most out of a creative arts education will include books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips and/or project materials.

These costs will vary according to the nature of your project work and the individual choices that you make. 

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Entry & portfolio requirements

For these courses, we’ll also need to see your portfolio: 

  • UK applicants: We will invite you to attend an Applicant Day so you can have your portfolio review in person.
  • International applicants: We will ask you to submit an online portfolio. 

Further information will be provided once you have applied.

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Select your country to find the equivalent requirements

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