Art and Design

Course Information

Introduction

This qualification prepares you to study an art or design course at university. You will develop specialist techniques within a supportive environment that aims to nurture your own practice while encouraging you to explore your critical thinking skills ready for progression.

Overview

This course is for 19+ people who want to pursue a career in the creative industries in art and design, fine art, graphic design, photography, fashion design and other pathways too.

Our programmes are taught in a studio environment by artists, designers and industry specialists with current national and international creative practices.

Our projects will challenge you to develop interdisciplinary skills and to become autonomous and independent creative students. Additionally, your communication, personal and academic study skills will also improve in readiness for Higher Education and with this, we aim to give our students and graduates competitive and creative advantages when they progress.

It will prepare you for Higher Education and applying for University courses in a chosen specialism. During the programme, you will be guided through the application process for universities and be helped and advised on building a compelling portfolio of your work in response to the set projects.

On the course, you will explore your creative ideas, build a portfolio and exhibit your work. You will have access to workshops where you can learn new creative digital design skills utilising Apple iMacs and Adobe software, along with accessing more traditional creative art techniques and processes.

Who is this course for?

Those who are skilled in art or want to develop to pursue a degree in the arts.

Course units/modules

The course focuses on your individual creative practice and aims to develop your practical and critical thinking skills. Through a combination of set and self directed briefs, you will have the opportunity to explore a range of specialist art and design workshops including painting, printmaking, textiles, sculpture, photography and contextual studies. The course also aims to help you make the right decision when choosing and applying for a degree in the Creative Arts.

Benefits and skills

You will be taught by tutors with a wide range of specialist skills who will support you through the process of applying for HE.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be 19 or older. You do not need a prior formal academic qualification in the arts to be accepted onto the course. Through a portfolio shown at the interview, you must demonstrate your creative skills, curiosity for the subject, and a commitment to your study. The programme is taught over two days with an expectation of a further 6 hours of independent study to be conducted by students.

GCSE English and maths (grades 4 or C) are entry requirements, but other qualifications including Functional Skills may also be considered. This can be discussed further at the interview stage.

Available apprenticeships and progression options

Artist Journalist, Animator, Digital Designer, Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer Textile Designer.