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.

Please note, this course is subject to validation.

 

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

Close
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:

  • Launch Week
  • Body Art Modes
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Project 1 – Technical Skills Introduction
  • Opportunity Week
  • Body Art Practices
  • Body Art Histories
  • Project 2 – Technical Skills Development
  • ATOM Activities
  • Personal Learning Experience Digital Outcomes

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:

  • Launch Week
  • Body Art Aesthetics
  • Body Art Ethics
  • Project 3 – Electives
  • Opportunity Week
  • Body Art: Identity, Culture and Society
  • Body Art and Technology
  • Project 4 – Live Project, Placement or Work-based Learning
  • ATOM Activities
  • Personal Learning Experience Digital Outcomes

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:

  • Launch Week
  • Body Art Futures
  • Body Art: Themes and Theories
  • Opportunity Week
  • Final Independent Project

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. 

Facilities

Facilities at UCA Canterbury include large purpose-built studios, used for group tutorials and personal working and a 3D workshop with machines for working in wood, metals, plastics and ceramics. There are also workshops for plaster and rubber casting, glass casting, slumping, fusing and enamelling (kiln), ceramic bisque and gloss firing, low melt metal casting, and carving (wood, stone and polystyrene). Finally, there are printmaking studios for relief and block printing, intaglio and screen-printing.

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Studios, UCA Canterbury

Sculpture workshop, UCA Canterbury

Print studios, UCA Canterbury

Studios, UCA Canterbury

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Entry & portfolio requirements

For these courses we’ll need to see your portfolio for review. We’ll invite you to attend an Applicant Day so you can have your portfolio review in person, meet the course team and learn more about your course. International students will be asked to submit an online portfolio. Further information will be provided once you have applied.

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