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Art & Design

This course multi-disciplinary approach to visual language. The course will introduce you to working creatively in 2D, 3D and time-based media. During this stage, you will have the opportunity to be exploratory and experimental. Only by trying different ways of working will you know where all your strengths, skills and interests lie.

As the course progresses you will become more selective in the type of work you produce, and your acquisition of skills becomes more specialised.

During the second year of the course students elect to study on specialist pathway groups where students can cover options such as:

  • Visual communication - graphic design, illustration, animation, game design and photography
  • Spatial design
  • Interior design and architecture
  • 3D design
  • Ceramics, jewellery, fashion, textiles, product design, transport design, costume and theatre design
  • Fine art - printmaking, painting, sculpture, installation
  • Performance art.

    You will have the opportunity to work with specialist materials and technology in our designated workshop spaces, enabling you to create a dynamic and exciting portfolio suitable for university or apprenticeship and employment interviews.

    Students will also undertake 30 hours' work experience as part of the course in both years of study.
  • Entry requirements

    Minimum requirements - 5 GCSEs at grade C/4 including English and Maths at grade 4. OR Level 2 Diploma at Merit or Distinction in an appropriate subject with GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or Functional Skills equivalent AND a proven interest in art and design.

  • Who is the course for?

    For students interested in creative arts development and a career in creative industries, in areas such as product design, graphic design, fine art, curation, animation, tattoo design, 3D design, architecture, interior design, illustration - this list is non-exhaustive.

  • Study methods

    You will learn about your subjects through practical projects, which will expand both your technical and creative skills. You will be encouraged to develop your study skills including research, analysis and presentation of your creative thinking process. You will have access to practical workshops and art studios but also classroom based activities and computer rooms.

  • How is the course assessed?

    The two-year course consists of 6 units of art and design theory and practice; all units must be passed to achieve the qualification. You will receive support and feedback on your progress regularly. At the end of both the first and second year, students undertake a personal project, which is marked Pass, Merit or Distinction. The full qualification, once completed, attracts the same UCAS points as 3 A-Levels.

  • More information

    This is an Art and Design based course.

  • Where Next – Job Opportunities

    Career opportunities in the creative arts include:

    • Interior design
    • Visual communication
    • Design in digital media
    • Fashion (including marketing and styling)
    • Multimedia
    • Photographic practice
    • Design management
    • Costume
    • Print
    • Advertising
    • Branding
    • Product design
    • Furniture design
    • Photojournalism
    • Film/ theatre sets and costume design
    • Architecture
    • Graphic design
    • Marketing
    • Teacher in arts education.
  • Where Next – Further Studies

    For any career in art and design it is recommended that you go into higher education to do a specialist degree or foundation degree. You will produce a portfolio of work suitable for your aims, including degree applications. We offer a one-year Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (University of the Arts London) and a two-year HNC/D in Graphic Design.

  • How to apply

    To apply for a course either click the APPLY NOW button - fill out the form online and submit

    OR download an application form here and post it to the address on the form.
    When we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an interview time.

Course starting Sep 2024

Starts 2 September 2024

Duration 1 Year(s)

Location Richmond upon Thames Campus