Course Overview
This exciting course is for students who are looking to pursue a specialist career in the creative industries. These industries recruit adaptable, innovative and entrepreneurial people who are skilled in both traditional and digital skills, motivated and collaborative in their approach. Preparing you for a career as a creative practitioner we’ll encourage you to be curious about the world and take a creative and reflective approach in your work. You will develop and learn by constantly trying out new ideas and solutions, creating independent work and developing a deep knowledge of, and confidence in, your subject area. Over the first two terms you’ll have the opportunity to experiment and discover your strengths by exploring different workshops and resource areas in photography, painting, sculpture, print, illustration and digital media, fashion, textiles and 3D. In the second year you will focus on developing a high level of specialist expertise in fine art, graphic communication, textiles and fashion, theatre arts, photography, 3D design including craft, and interior and product design. You will learn in industry-standard studios and workshops and be taught by experienced and dedicated lecturers who are themselves creative practitioners with relevant professional experience, supported by technicians. The course includes visits to local and London-based exhibitions and opportunities to take part in competitions and public events.
What will I learn?
You will focus on developing your art, design and communication skills – from research and media exploration through to idea generation and resolution of final responses. The course will challenge you creatively through exciting design briefs, project themes and ‘live’ opportunities, while encouraging you to build an awareness of sustainability issues. You will build up practical evidence underpinned by theory that will reflect your individual strengths and interests in the creative industries.
You will learn transferable skills through:
• Drawing and sketchbook work, designing and prototyping
• Exploration of digital software
• Application of research and contextual studies
• Material, media and print manipulation in 2D and 3D
• Work experience and ‘live’ design projects
• Portfolio building
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
You will mainly be assessed through coursework, with a final project culminating in an exhibition. You will study nine units during the course.
Entry Requirements
• 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C) including English and maths (or equivalent) or Merit or Distinction in a related subject at Level 2.
• A recent portfolio of work.
• A good reference.
• A satisfactory interview.
Additional Costs and Information
You will be required to pay a studio fee of £175.00 (each year), payable at the beginning of the year via the online shop. This will give you access to additional materials in the design and construction workshops, and cover sketchbooks and trips (eg. to exhibitions in London).
What Could I Do Next?
The course aims to prepare you to progress on to further and higher education such as the Foundation Art and Design (pre degree) course. Alternatively, you could go on to a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship in Design or directly into employment. Past students have gone on to a wide variety of prestigious degree courses, followed by employment in roles such as graphic designer, illustrator, fashion stylist, product designer, photographer, fine artist and curator.
