Course Overview
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.
Make-up Artistry Pathway
You will compile a portfolio of work across the two years to help provide a clear pathway into our degree with University Centre Somerset in make-up artistry, prosthetic FX and wig making or other higher education offers.
Assessment Methods
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.
Progression Options
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.
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.
