Course Overview
Please note: this course has two pathways:
- Pathway 1: Fine Art, Photography / Fashion & Textiles
- Pathway 2: Makeup Artistry.
Pathway 1: Fine Art, Photography / Fashion & Textiles
This course is designed for students with a strong interest in art, design, fine art, fashion and textiles, and will provide a grounding in fine art drawing and painting skills, alongside paper-based and fabric-based printmaking, fashion garment construction, illustration, digital design, interior design, editorial and communication, 3D design, sculpture and installation art. You will be supported in your studies by excellent purpose-built workshops and studio facilities with a team of specialist tutors and technicians.
Throughout the course your work will be informed by the study of historical and contemporary artists and designers, 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 real life projects linked to roles in the creative industries and the end of year exhibition.
Students will also participate in visits to local and national museums and galleries and have the opportunity to attend trips and residentials, visiting speakers and work experience opportunities. Previous groups have visited New York, St Ives, London, Norway, and other European destinations.
Work placements, live community projects and work readiness take place throughout the course to ensure you are ready to progress towards an exciting career in the booming creative industries. The course encourages students to develop transferable skills to further their creative studies or enter the workplace including independent enquiry, reflective learning, problem-solving, creative thinking and self-management.
Topics may include:
- Visual culture (art and design history and theory)
- Drawing
- Fine art painting
- Printmaking
- Fashion garment construction
- Illustration
- Digital design
- Interior design
- Communication
- 3D design
- Sculpture
- Installation art
- Photography.
The creative industries rank among the world’s fastest-growing sectors. They provide high-quality employment, drive innovation, and support civic and social wellbeing. According to the UK Government, in recent years they have generated more value to the UK economy than the life sciences, aerospace and automotive industries combined. Much of the growth potential lies in areas that combine technology with creativity.
Materials
Students will need to purchase essential items for use on the course. Details will be provided to students to prior to the course start date.
Pathway 2: Makeup Artistry
This course is designed for students with a strong interest in Makeup Artistry, prosthetic FX and hairwork specialisms for TV and film and will provide a grounding in relevant art and design skills, 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 appropriate artists, other research and exploration of visual culture. You will compile a portfolio of work across the two years to help provide access into our degree in Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making or other Higher Education offers.
All students will participate in the College end of year exhibition. There may be opportunities to enhance learning through local education visits, client projects, guest speakers and work experience opportunities. Previous groups have visited New York, St Ives, London, Los Angeles and Malaysia. 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:
- Makeup culture
- Editorial makeup
- Special FX makeup
- Theatrical hair and makeup
- Sculpting and mould making
- Fabrication
- Drawing, photography & painting
- Digital design.
Assessment Methods
Pathway 1: Fine Art, Photography / Fashion & Textiles
Students are continually assessed through practical and written assignments and are externally assessed through an exam project in year 1. All other units are internally assessed and externally moderated throughout the course.
A range of feedback methods will be provided to students such as discussion, tutorials and written assignment feedback.
Pathway 2: Makeup Artistry
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
Pathway 1: Fine Art, Photography / Fashion & Textiles
On successful completion of the course, you could progress to our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design pre-degree programme or head straight to university to study a full degree.
Previously, students have progressed to university to study subjects such as textiles, interior design, photography, architecture, game design, animation, illustration, fashion design, graphic design, fine art, education, set design, media make-up, costume design or applied arts. Some of these options are available at University Centre Somerset.
Alternatively, you could find employment at junior level or start a creative apprenticeship in a range of areas.
Pathway 2: Makeup Artistry
On successful completion, you could study our Makeup Artistry, Prosthetic FX and Wig Making degree programme (levels 4, 5 and 6) or apply to university to study a related degree. 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.
Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 4 range including maths and English, or an appropriate Level 2 qualification at Merit grade. Entry will also be subject to a successful interview and evidence of creative work in a portfolio on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can apply directly on any of the UCS College Group websites, whether you wish to study at Bridgwater College, Cannington College, Strode College, or Taunton College. Simply use our “Find a Course” feature and follow the on-screen instructions – be sure to have your important information to hand.
We aim to offer a careers service that is accessible to everyone. We will seek to equip all our students with the skills and knowledge that will enable them to operate confidently, effectively, and independently in life and work. All students have the opportunity to meet with a Careers Advisor for 1:1 career support.
The Student Experience Team can mentor and signpost students who are struggling with a range of issues that are negatively impacting their day-to-day life. The Student Experience Team works closely with the Safeguarding & Lifestyle Teams to promote proactive wellbeing enrichment sessions. The team can refer on to counselling when appropriate.
We provide top-quality workshops and teaching areas across our Colleges for subjects such as art, design and media, hair and beauty, catering, automotive engineering and construction. You can review our campus facilities by navigating to the “College Life” section of our websites.
For us, the success of our students always comes first. By investing in our built environment, we are investing in your future.
All of our students will have a personal tutor to support them with their academic progress and personal development. The tutorial programme consists of 1:1 support, group tutorials and guest speakers, plus targeted online resources which complement the UCS College Group Advantage scheme.
The Safeguarding Team can offer advice and guidance on anything that may be affecting your young person and their studies – no problem is too big or too small!
Please email our Safeguarding team at staysafe@ucscollegegroup.ac.uk. If you query is urgent, please come to the College Reception and ask to speak to a Safeguarding Officer.
If you cannot find an answer to your question in this FAQ section, you can ask us a question by visiting our Contact Us page.
