Course Overview
This course provides a dynamic and flexible creative experience, allowing students to explore a wide range of disciplines and shape their future in the arts.
Whether you’re returning to education or have recently completed A Levels or a Level 3 qualification, this course expands your skillset, builds confidence, and develops your creative portfolio, preparing you for Higher Education in the Creative Arts or a career in the thriving creative industries.
Encouraging an experimental approach to learning, this one-year course helps you refine your individual skills and determine your future direction as a creative practitioner. Over three terms, you’ll have the opportunity to specialise in areas such as fashion and textiles, fine art, sculpture, graphic design or photography.
The curriculum combines projects and workshops tailored to your interests, fostering a professional and success-driven learning environment. You’ll have your own workspace and be encouraged to work independently both in college and at home, with guidance from our specialist staff.
A work placement is a required part of the course, and students can take advantage of residential trips in the UK and abroad, as well as day trips. Previous cohorts have visited London, New York, Los Angeles, Norway, Berlin, and Paris, among others.
This University of the Arts London (UAL) qualification carries UCAS points, supporting entry to degree-level study while earning a globally recognised creative qualification. Alongside the high-quality portfolio you’ll develop, you will be well-prepared to progress onto a degree in a variety of subjects including fine art, graphic design, creative media, architecture, illustration, animation, fashion, or interiors. Many graduates have also moved directly into employment, applying their creative talents across diverse industries.
Materials
Students will receive a materials list before the course start date. Additional specialised materials may be required as studies progress.
Assessment Methods
This studio-based course involves continuous assessment and external moderation. It begins with broad exposure to various art and design disciplines before transitioning into more specialised work. Progress is monitored through tutorials and group critiques, with opportunities for external exhibitions and live projects.
The final Level 4 unit bridges the gap to higher education and determines your overall grade.
Progression Options
This course increases your chances of securing a place on a Creative Arts degree, either at University Centre Somerset or top institutions across the UK, and equips you with the confidence. skills and ability to launch your own creative career.
Entry Requirements
Completion of a Creative Level 3 qualification, A Levels or an accepted equivalent is vital. Entry is subject to a successful interview.
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.