Course overview

Realise your creative potential as you explore and develop your art and design skills through a range of specialist areas.

We will help enhance your knowledge of art and design history and cover a range of specialisms which will enable you to build a comprehensive portfolio of artwork that will prepare you for your next steps in higher education or within the industry.

Throughout your first year you will learn how to develop a variety of techniques and skills, using a wide range of materials. You will generate and refine ideas and outcomes in response to project briefs and understand how to present ideas effectively to different audiences, creating your own visual language.

The course offers a variety of options taught by specialist staff including drawing, painting, mixed media, 3D design, ceramics, printmaking and contextual studies.

You will undertake a number of internal assessments throughout which will determine your final unit first year grade.

In year two, you will have the opportunity to focus your creativity, strengths, skills and knowledge into one of the course specialist areas, allowing you to really develop your knowledge of materials and techniques. You will have more independence in terms of writing your own briefs and choosing personal outcomes which will help as you begin to plan, produce and exhibit your work at the end of the course at the college exhibition.

You will also prepare a portfolio of your work which you can present during interviews for higher education or employment routes.

As part of your study programme you also get the opportunity to complete a maths and/or English GCSE if you have not already achieved a grade 4 or above.

What else do I need to know?

Gallery and exhibition visits will be offered which you will be expected to attend as an essential part of your development in art and design. Live briefs and competitions will be undertaken too. There are detailed online resources to support you on this course and an Additional Learning Support Team if required.

Course Code

NFVAR01P

Course Level

Level 3

Study Mode

Full-Time

Course Type

Vocational Courses

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What are the entry requirements?

You will need a minimum of four GCSE's, grade 4-9 in subjects relevant to the course you’d like to study, including maths and/or English Language at grade 4 or above. Alternatively, you'll have a Level 2 Certificate with overall Merit in a relevant subject. If you do not hold an Art related GCSE, you will need to present a good portfolio.

If you do not have a minimum GCSE grade 4 for Maths / English, you would study these as a part of your tiemtabled study programme. These structured weekly sessions will help you to improve your skills in these vital subject/s. In addition, Maths & English development is integrated into practical course sessions and assignments.

You will be expected to bring relevant examples of your artwork to the application interview to help staff assess your suitability for art and design study.

How is it assessed?

This is a hands on, practical qualification and you will be assessed throughout the programme at key assessment points. This will involve research, project work, sketchbooks, practical work, design and drawing sheets, presentations and contextual studies notes and essays. All assessments will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

What financial support is on offer?

This course is free for anyone aged 16 – 18. If you are outside this age group please contact 01782 254188.
College Maintenance Allowance (CMA): Anyone with a household income under £23,000 can receive up to £20 per week financial support to help pay for travel and meals and meet the costs of essential trips, books, stationery and equipment. The payments will be subject to full attendance on your course. A range of other financial support is available, depending on your personal circumstances. For more details visit www.nscg.ac.uk/finance

What can I do next?

On completion of the course you will gain the BTEC Extended Diploma which is accepted by universities for entry onto their courses such as: Photography, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Marketing, Media and Promotion, Crafts, Illustration, Fine Art, Art History and Costume Design. The qualification is also designed to prepare learners for appropriate direct employment in the vocational sector, and is suitable for those who have decided that they wish to enter a particular specialist area of work in the areas of Art and Design. It also gives you the opportunity to develop a range of techniques, personal skills and attributes essential for successful performance in working life.