Course Overview
If you have an interest in developing your knowledge and understanding of the creative, business or digital sector, then this may be the course for you. With a strong focus on building the foundations for transferable industry skills across a wide range of industries and progression to Level 3 programmes, you will learn how creativity, project management and digital skills can be used to supercharge your career and support local economic growth. You will understand how these industry-relevant skills can be useful in your future career and how those careers can help shape the way organisations innovate, grow and compete – from small creative ventures to major corporations.
With the right attitude to study and with a strong focus on essential skills in English and maths, you will be in a good position to progress to two-year Level 3 courses such as the Extended Diploma in Art & Design, T Levels in Accounting, Content Creation, Digital Software Development, or an Apprenticeship.
The course is normally split into pathways and each have a number of focused lessons on Art & Design or Business & Digital alongside common skills development in:
- Professional attitudes and behaviours
- English, maths, and digital skills
- Skills for successful study
- Knowledge and skills for the workplace
- Industry-relevant technical knowledge and skills.
Creative & Digital Pathway
The creative industries are one of the UK’s fastest growing sectors with opportunities for careers in this region growing all the time. This pathway supports the transition from school into T Levels or a Level 3 course through building study skills in subject areas such as English and maths, graphic design, video, animation and photography right through to fashion, textiles, painting, drawing and sculpture.
This course focuses on the creative aspects of 2D and 3D design using both digital and traditional methods, building confidence with ideas and concepts and the skills to implement them. You will finish the course with an exciting digital portfolio that can take you on to the next exciting steps and toward a fulfilling creative career that you enjoy. Alongside these, you will study the various creative industries and specialise in one for your Major Project at the end of the course.
Business & Digital Software Pathway
If you’re interested in building a career in business or the digital sector, then this pathway may be the one for you. Designed to help you take your next step into technical education, this course gives you the skills, confidence, and experience employers are looking for.
In addition to creative skills, you will develop practical business knowledge, learn how to use industry-relevant digital software, and build strong study skills to support your future success. These skills are in high demand across the South West, with growing opportunities in areas such as accounting, digital content creation, software development, and broader business services. Throughout the course, you’ll gain experience using digital tools, working on real-world tasks, and developing the professional behaviours needed for the workplace.
Assessment Methods
Assessment methods include practical projects, written assignments, presentations and observation. You will be encouraged to evaluate your own work and the work of others, and to set targets for yourself in relation to your work and general progress.
Progression Options
You could progress to a Level 3 T Level in Content Creation, Software Development or Systems Support & Security or a Level 3 in Applied Art & Design or Fashion Business & Retail, subject to successful interview.
Alternatively, creative apprenticeships are another popular option.
Entry Requirements
You need five GCSEs in the 9 to 3 grade range including English, or an appropriate Level 1 qualification. Entry will also be subject to a successful interview and you may be asked to provide a portfolio of your work.
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.
