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This course is a lively and fun programme of study related to the creative arts sector that is suited to students who have a general interest and aptitude in creative subjects and who are interested in progressing further. The aim of the course is to broaden and deepen students' understanding of careers in art, craft, media and photography.

The mandatory units of the course will explore employment potential not only in art and design, but also in media, whilst students develop specific skill in art and design through project work. Students will explore a variety of areas of art and design such as photography, graphic design, 3D crafts, textiles, painting, printmaking, 3D design, digital art and set design.

Dedicated tutorial support will encourage you to develop relevant life and work skills, and build your confidence in your abilities and talents. At the end of the course, you will produce a final major project and will mount an exhibition of your work.

**On completion of this course, you will achieve a Level 1 UAL Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

  • What will I study?

    The units you will study are likely to include:

    Core Units:

    1. Introduction to materials, processes and skills in art, design and media
    2. Introduction to contextual research in art, design and media
    3. Introduction to communication skills in art, design and media
    4. Solving 2D creative problems
    5. Solving 3D creative problems
    6. Solving time-based creative problems
    7. Art, design and media project
  • Who is this course for?

    This course is ideal if you have an interest in Art, Design and Media and wish to gain a Level 1 qualification.

  • How is the course assessed?

    All units are assessed through project work. Assessment is ongoing throughout the year with overall grades being awarded for all units at the end of the course. The course is made up of seven units. The specialist units enable you to study particular areas in more depth.

    Students must achieve a pass grade in each unit to qualify for a qualification grade.

  • Your Study Programme

    If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    • A range of different artists, crafts and designers both from current art practise and in art history and other cultures
    • The creative industries relevant to a specific chosen area of focused interest

    • Sustainable practise in the creative industries and how this can be applied to student's own studio practise.
  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    • Develop specialist skills in a range of art and design materials, techniques and processes relevant to the chosen course of study

    • Develop skills in applying design ideas, problem solving and to be able to apply them to specific design project briefs

    • Develop skills in presenting art work in a portfolio of work, both digital and practical to prepare for progression to employment or university.
  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    • To be able to plan and organise your own work to meet industry standards and expectations in the creative industries and to meet specific timescales

    • To be able to work as a reflective practitioner, evaluating and analysing work practise and action plan to make changes and improvements to own work practise

    • To be able to take responsibility for your own work through project management and development, responding to feedback from potential clients or stakeholders.
  • General info

    Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol.

    There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.

  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    The aim of the course is to give students the skills and understanding they need to progress to a Level 2 qualifications in Art & Design (or other creative vocational areas) or to employment.

  • Entry Requirements for new students

    4 GCSEs at Grade 2. Show a portfolio of art work demonstrating your skills and particular interest in art. This can include GCSE work & personal work produced at home. The level of course you enrol on will be based on the quality of your artwork.

  • Admissions Process

    We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
    Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.