Designed around three distinct stages of development, this dynamic art and design course begins with a broad range of studies allowing you to experience a variety of art & design specialism. Accumulation of skills and knowledge acquired lead to a final major project and end of year publicly viewed exhibition.

You will be encouraged to develop a rich visual language and emphasis is on analysis, creativity and experimentation. The art and design foundation course also aims to develop your practical and critical awareness of the contemporary visual world and related contexts. The Diploma in Art and Design, is taught through a variety of lectures, tutorials, workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers. You will also have the opportunity to travel overseas on a city visit, and make regular trips to museums and galleries in the UK. The course culminates with an end-of-year student exhibition that is open to representatives from art and design industries, schools and the public. Stage One (Exploratory Stage) Exploratory stage introducing core elements of art and design. These include Media Techniques and Processes, Diagnostic Drawing Projects, Research Techniques, Photography, Design Studies, Digital Media and Making and Construction. Stage 2 (Developing Specialist Practice) The second stage allows students to be introduced to a wide range of different types of art & design. Students are challenged to think creatively as they are encouraged to overlap and incorporate different aspects of art and design to produce innovative work. Options include: 3D Design, Graphic Design, Photography, Illustration, Animation, Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles. Stage 3 (Confirmatory Stage) In the final stage, you will continue to focus on a specialist area as you work towards a final year exhibition. This extended period of self-directed work will require your use of skills, knowledge and experiences developed throughout the course. You will complete a Final Project and an End of Year Exhibition.

5 GCSEs A* - C including English Language/Welsh or Maths AND 1 x A Level OR BTEC Level 3 Diploma or NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent). You will be required to provide a portfolio of work during your interview. You must be 18+ years of age.

Mature applicants are welcome and will be subject to a portfolio interview.

Assessment throughout the course is by portfolio. There are formal assessments at the end of each stage.

By the end of this course you will be equipped with an impressive set of qualities that are highly sought after by employers, many of whom you might not necessarily relate to art and design. The course will help you demonstrate a number of competencies and transferable skills including the ability to work independently, organisation and planning, self-motivation and self management, and visual presentation (to name but a few). Learners who successfully complete all parts of the course will be awarded a Diploma in Art and Design. Whilst this is a valuable qualification in its own right and will provide you with excellent employment prospects, you can also apply for a HND or BA (Hons) degree course at university or a teacher training course. Due to the progressive nature of the course many ex-learners have continued onto prestigious undergraduate art and design degrees. Many also opt to undertake teacher training courses and continue to spread their good practice and enthusiasm for art and design.

Purchase of Materials and/or Kit is required for this course. Please discuss this at interview stage with a tutor after you have applied.