Course Overview

This course is designed for students with a strong interest in Art and Design and will provide a grounding in fine art drawing and painting skills, alongside printmaking, photo fashion, textiles, graphic design, 2D, 3D and 4D media, before specialising in a particular field.

You will be supported in your studies by excellent purpose-built studio facilities and a team of specialist tutors. Throughout the course your work will be informed by the study of historical and contemporary artists, and students are encouraged to generate primary research materials and explore visual culture in their projects. You will compile a portfolio of work across the two years to help provide access into higher education and employment.

All students will participate in exhibitions at the local Bridgwater art galleries and the College end of year exhibition. Students will also participate in visits to local and national museums and galleries and may have the opportunity to attend trips and residentials, visiting speakers and work experience opportunities. Previous groups have visited New York, St Ives, London, and European destinations. Work placements and work readiness activities take place throughout the course to ensure you are ready to progress in your creative studies or enter the workplace.

The course encourages students to develop transferable skills for further development including independent enquiry, reflective learning, problem solving, creative thinking and self-management.

Topics may include:

• Visual culture (art history and theory)
• Drawing
• Photography
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Installation
• Printmaking
• Fashion & textiles
• Digital design
• Performance art.

Progression Options

On successful completion, you could study our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design pre-degree programme or apply to university to study a degree in subjects such as textiles, interior design, photography, architecture, game design, animation, illustration, digital design, fine art, education, set design, media makeup, costume design or applied arts. Some of these options are available at our own University Centre Somerset. Alternatively, you could find employment at junior level or a Creative Apprenticeship in a range of creative areas.