Creative Media (Visual Effects, Animation and Games)

• What will I study and learn?

  The strength of this course can be found in the multi-disciplinary approach to visual language you will encounter.The early part of 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, jewelry, 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.
  
  

• How is the course assessed?

  The two-year course consists of 6 units of art & 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.

• What skills will I need for the course?

  You will need an enthusiasm for art and design, curiosity and the ability to develop ideas supported by effective research skills. 

• What formal entry requirements will I need?

  • A proven interest and enthusiasm in any area of art and design.
    
    
  • Minimum requirements: 5 GCSEs at grade A*- C/9-4 including English and/or Maths, and ideally an Art, Design or Media subject at grade C/4, ORLevel 2 Diploma at Distinction/Merit plus GCSE English and/or English at grade C/4. 
    
    

  Students who have not passed English or Maths at GCSE or Level 2 Functional Skills will be required to retake the subject as part of their full-time study program. 
  
  

• What could the course lead to in higher education or careers?

  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-yearHNC/D in Graphic Design.
  
  

• Are there any costs involved?

  During the course students will produce a personal portfolio of work. To create a diverse and engaging body of work suitable for higher education and employment interviews it is expected that you will extend standard outcomes with specialist media and materials for which a studio fee is charged. The studio fee is a cover charge so that a variety of specialist materials can be purchased at an economical rate, through educational suppliers and be available for use where appropriate in developing and presenting a personal portfolio.
  
  
  Studio fee - £100 - cover charge for:
  
  A portfolio, high quality cartridge paper, acrylic / oil / watercolour paints, oil pastels, conte chalks, graphite, inks, fabric transfer inks, batik dyes, batik wax, cotton and synthetic fabric, transfer mediums, wool for felting, screen printing, relief printing, a variety of clay, slip and glazes, glasswork, metal casting, balsa wood, plastic work including vacuum forming, photographic processing and printing, foam core board, grey card and mounting card.
  
  
  The studio fee will also cover entry costs for ticketed educational trips to galleries, exhibitions, and guest speakers from industry.
  
  

• How do I apply for this course?

  To apply, please click on the Apply button at the top of the page.

• Are you aged over 19?

  Students aged 19 or over on 31st August directly preceding their academic year may be required to pay tuition fees for that year of study. Advanced Learner Loans may be available for students studying at Level 3. If you are aged 19-23 as of 31 August and this is your first full Level 3 you may not have to pay fees.
  
  
  Students who are 19-24 years old with Education Health and Care Plans (EHCP) issued by the Local Authority are not required to pay course fees (i.e., tuition fees are free).Students will be required to provide a final copy of their EHCP provided by the LA as evidence.
  
  
  Students aged 19 or over who do not have an EHCP are advised to apply for the one-year Access to HE Diploma in Art and Designcourse.