This course is for you if you want to develop and improve your art & design skills for a future career in the visual arts. It will allow you to explore and sample a range of art and design industries, such as interior design and architecture, illustration, fine art painting and also some aspects of graphic design.
The course begins with a focus on developing your drawing skills, which support all the other assignments and specialisms investigated as the course progresses. At the end of the course, you will devise your own Final Major Project, developing particular areas of interest in greater detail and focusing on your strengths in preparation for progression to higher education or employment.
Units studied in Year 1 are: Unit 1 - The Creative Process Unit 2 - Developing Creative Practise Unit 3 - Responding to a Set Brief
Units studied in Year 2 are: Unit 4 - Researching a Specialist Industry Practice Unit 5 - Specialist Technical Skills Development Unit 6 - Specialist Creative Outcome
As a London college, we are able to arrange visits to museums and galleries throughout your studies. Student work is regularly displayed across the college and at the end of the course your work will be shown at a public exhibition.
Your Study Programme will include the main course, a weekly tutorial, work experience placement/employability skills development, and English and Maths as required.
You will need: Four GCSEs grade 4 or above, including English Language and a subject relevant to your chosen area of study.
Students with full Level 2 vocational qualifications with an overall Merit/Distinction in Art and Design will be considered alongside 2 GCSEs grade 4 and above including GCSE English Language.
NB - In certain circumstances (e.g. overseas applicants) applicant may be accepted without this if they demonstrate the necessary level of literacy in diagnostic testing completed during enrolment. In such cases, students will be required to study GCSE English as part of their Study Programme.
You will also need to attend a college interview and present a portfolio of work demonstrating your drawing and painting.
Student assessment is based on course work, both practical and written. Your work is assessed by the teaching team, and externally moderated by UAL.
Year 1
You will complete the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practise: Art , Design & Communication Edexcel (equivalent to 1.5 A levels), requiring you to complete 3 core units.
Year 2
You will complete the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practise: Art , Design & Communication Edexcel (equivalent to 3 full A levels), requiring you to complete a further 3 core units.
NB - Please note that learners are required to achieve the Diploma before progression into Year 2 to complete the full Extended Diploma.
Following the completion of the Year 2 course, you may choose to continue your education, progressing to degree level Arts qualifications at university or art schools, or to enter employment in the visual arts industries.
Previous students have progressed to a range of creative and arts-based HE courses and careers, including fine art, interior design, animation, graphic design, photography, illustration, interactive media, web design, games design and film/TV special effects.
You will have timetabled classes over four days each week, including a group tutorial with your personal tutor who will support and encourage you throughout the duration of the course.
You will learn in dedicated art and design studios. We also have computer rooms, equipped with industry standard software packages, including the Adobe Creative Suite.
You will also be required to attend FS/GCSE Maths classes if you have yet to achieve a GCSE Grade 4 in the subject.
If you will be aged 16 to 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your studies and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, your course will be free.
You may be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs â please click here for more information.
