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Whether you are returning after a break, developing a portfolio for further study, or taking time to reconnect with making, this course will help you find your creative voice, develop ideas and techniques, explore creative careers and exhibit your work.
Over 30 weeks, you will explore a wide range of materials, tools and techniques. You will build skills and confidence through practical experiments, sketchbook work, research and creative projects.
Applications for 2026 are now open – on the you can click the ‘Apply’ button on the right, complete your details and select available interview dates to book. Please note you will be sent an application form which must be completed before your interview date.
For your interview you will be required to put together a digital portfolio of your recent sketches / artwork that you have created. Due to limited interview timing we ask for a small handful of images; no more than 10 maximum, this is to give the interviewer an accurate impression of your experience within art; the more recent your work, the better!
Please note that interviews are online and take place via Zoom.
Course Structure
Unit 1: Use materials, tools and equipment to develop craft techniques
Explore the visual and tactile qualities of materials. Use marker pens, pencils, charcoal, ink, paint, papers, quick dry clay and digital media.
Develop techniques through printmaking, drawing and painting, collage, books, moving image, photography and 3D sculpture using found and simple materials including quick dry clay, wire and cardboard.
Present and reflect on outcomes, techniques, materials, tools and equipment with your tutor and peers.
Understand risk assessment for art and design, and learn to work safely with materials, tools and equipment.
Unit 2: Develop craft ideas
Use primary and secondary sources to develop ideas. Explore colour, shape, form, imagery, composition, message and function.
Explore development routes using different physical and digital media and processes. Combine materials and techniques. Document and evaluate successes and next steps.
Present project ideas, participate in peer feedback and adapt ideas through evaluation. Select and complete a preferred idea.
Unit 3: Investigate creative enterprise and employment opportunities
Explore enterprises, markets and employment opportunities within your chosen art and design area.
Research artists, creative organisations and successful enterprises. Explore stakeholders, risk, reward and financial tools.
Produce a project proposal, budget, risk assessment, marketing plan and marketing content.
Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses and areas for development. Produce an action plan for career aspirations.
Unit 4: Create, present and evaluate a final art and design item
Develop chosen ideas into a final project. Prepare a proposal with sketches, material tests, scale, presentation and safety notes.
Create a production schedule. Identify tools, materials, equipment, constraints and alternatives.
Produce the final art and design item. Record the process, evaluate your work and solve technical problems.
Plan and present the final item through an exhibition or digital presentation. Write an artist or design statement.
Evaluate the creative process and final outcome. Complete the portfolio and identify progression routes.
Learning Outcomes
Students will gain:
New techniques and greater confidence in using a broad range of materials, tools and processes.
A stronger creative voice and a clearer identity as an artist.
Experience of sketchbook work, research, idea development, peer critique and evaluation.
A portfolio and a completed final art and design piece.
An understanding of creative enterprise, employment and progression opportunities.
Working in a supportive studio environment, you will learn through practical demonstrations, hands-on exercises, research and creative projects.
You will generate ideas from different sources, develop your artistic language and participate in peer critiques. You will receive personal tutorials, regular assessments and feedback on progress.
You will work on four units with clear aims and outcomes. Assessment includes group and one-to-one tutorials, self-assessment, formal assessment and a final portfolio of evidence showing your experimentation, development and achievements for each unit.
Students will need a sketchbook and a selection of general art materials, costing approximately £40. Many materials will be provided for testing ideas and learning new skills.
Students will also need to supply materials for additional and personal projects. A bursary fund may assist with fees, materials and travel expenses. Please ask for details.
You will be expected to develop your creative practice outside the course. Homework may include practical and written work. You should allow at least one additional day a week.
Research is an important part of creative practice. You will research artists and styles and will be encouraged to visit exhibitions.
Learners successfully completing this course can apply to Level 3 pathways, including for the UAL Level 3 Foundation in Art & Design at Mary Ward Centre.
Other options include short courses, portfolio development and creative employment routes.
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.