Where will this course lead?

This course is for 19+ who want to pursue a career in the creative industries in graphic design, photography or media by preparing you for higher education and applying for university courses in a chosen specialism.

You will develop skills in various areas, including graphics, media, digital art and photography, and critical and analytical skills. In addition, your communication, personal and academic study skills will also be improved in readiness for Higher Education.

What will I study?

To achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design), learners must achieve 60 credits in total. 

• Analogue Photography (3 credits)
• Using a Workshop (3 credits)
• Exploring Digital Media Workshop (3 credits)
• Preparing for Application and Interview (6 credits)
• Contextual Studies (6 credits)
• Academic Writing Skills (3 credits)
• Reading and Note Making (3 credits)
• Media and Materials Development (6 credits)
• Colour Theory and Design (6 credits)
• Digital Photography (6 credits)
• Short Documentary (6 credits)
• Major Project (9 credits)

How will this course be delivered?

The units will be delivered by specialist staff by completing set assignment briefs. Teaching is delivered through practical workshops, lectures, one-to-one tutorial support, guest lecturers and educational visits.

The Access to Higher Education programme is 10 hours per week. The majority of classes run from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday to Friday. There will also be approximately 15 hours of independent study time per week.

What qualifications will I get?

Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma: Art & Design. Awarded by Skills and Education Group Access

How will I be assessed?

Assignment briefs will be set throughout the academic year with multiple assessment points where students will receive feedback on their progress.

All student work is internally assessed by staff who deliver the unit and then verified by internal and external moderators.

How do I get a place on the course?

Places on the course will be offered through interviews. In addition, you will be asked to show a creative portfolio of your work to demonstrate your drive, ability to study and creative intentions and ability.

What are the entry requirements?

Applicants must be 19 or older. You do not need a prior formal academic qualification in the arts to be accepted onto the course however, if you are serious about studying on this programme, you are expected to demonstrate your creative flair, enthusiasm, and a firm commitment to your study during the interview stage.

It is essential that you hold a minimum of a level 2 qualification in English and Maths.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. Also, if you need help completing your application, please let us know, and we can help with this too.

What else do I need to know?

There will be visits to art galleries, museums and places of interest during the course.

Please note that when you enrol, you are accepting that the course content and module descriptions are accurate at the time of publishing and that the course content as described is based on what is possible to deliver under the government advice and social distancing rules at that particular time. In the event of changes made to those rules by national or local government, the College may need to make further alterations to the published course content. By enrolling with the College, you will be confirming that you are content to proceed with the course as detailed at that time and on the basis that the programme may be subject to reasonable change

What Can I do after this course?

If you intend to enter Higher Education, you should study this course to study degrees in disciplines such as graphics, photography, media, digital illustration or other visual communication pathways. All applications are via UCAS and are subject to course requirements.

*Free if you meet eligibility criteria, otherwise a fee will apply.

What can I do after this course?

Upon successful completion of the programme students will be entitled to internally progress to HE courses relevant to their specialism. Students can also apply externally to HE courses which have graphics, photography, media or visual communication pathways. All applications are via UCAS and subject to course requirements which will be available on course websites.