Art student working in the studio

What You Will Study

The course is divided into modules which are designed to give you a broad overview of the subject area. You will also be provided with the opportunity to specialise in a dedicated subject area, with creative industry focus. A range of teaching and learning methods including seminars, lectures, group work, tutorials and e-Learning are used, with a work-related, problem-solving and research-based approach emphasized. You will engage in practical workshops, theoretical studies, group and individual critiques, lectures and both physical and online exhibitions. Residential trips both home and abroad are an important part of the course but are optional. The cost varies and is dependent on current rates for the destination and current restrictions.

Building on previous knowledge and skills in art and design, the course is structured to provide opportunities across a broad academic and vocational base, progressively deepening your knowledge. The course offers different pathways; graphic communication, photography, fine art and media-based production. Assessments for the course may take a variety of forms, from practical tasks, group work and presentations to formal, written assignments and reports.

Academic and practical skills developed through the course focus on workplace and transferable skills to equip students for progression into employment, developed alongside academic skills such as research, problem analysis and critical thinking to support progression to higher level study. You will develop the ability to work independently and on your own initiative.

You will develop career-ready employment skills which will include:

  • Technical and practical confidence in the use of a wide range of professional-level equipment management of the digital workflow (ideas-artwork-production-reproduction)
  • The ability to manage time effectively and to plan to meet your client’s expectations
  • Awareness of budgets, production costs and charging for time
  • The ability to communicate your ideas to others and present compelling concepts appropriately
  • The capacity to work safely and responsibly throughout the creative process when dealing with clients and other stakeholders
  • How You Will Be Assessed

    You will be expected to write a dissertation of between 8-10,000 words, this will be assessed through presentations, visual work and a written investigation. Your dissertation should be a research investigation relating to your emerging practice.

    An essential part of working in the creative industry is the ability to brand and market yourself and your creative work. You will learn all aspects of setting up and running your own business, from costing to marketing. You will be expected to keep an active website along with a professional social media presence. You will also be expected to source clients and exhibition opportunities along with work experience as part of the course.

  • Entry Requirements

    HND in Art and design related subjects

    Level 5 qualification in related pathway subjects (Graphic Design, Photography, Fine Art, Media Production)

  • Fee Information

    Full-time: £7,400 Part-time: £3,700

  • Further Study

    Progress on to work in a creative industry or go onto further postgraduate studies at a university setting.