Course Overview

This course is designed for students with a strong interest in a range of different Art and Design specialisms and will provide a grounding in fine art drawing and painting skills, alongside printmaking, photography fashion, textiles, 2D, 3D and 4D media, before specialising final outcomes in a particular field.

You will be supported in your studies by excellent purpose-built studios, workshops and a team of dedicated 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 external exhibitions at local venues and the College end of year exhibition. There will be opportunities to enhance learning local through education visits, client projects, guest speakers and work experience opportunities. Previous groups have visited New York, St Ives, London, Madrid and Norway. 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
• Visual merchandising
• Editorial, film and theatrical make-up & hair
  

Assessment Methods

Unit 1: Diagnostic Investigation in Art & Design: formative coursework projects and an externally assessed summative examined project in the first year of study. Unit 2: Specialist Practice in Art & Design: formative coursework projects and an internally assessed summative final project in the second year of study.

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 in the thriving creative industries or a Creative Apprenticeship in a range of creative areas.