Course Overview
This is an exciting and varied full time creative course that will allow you to both develop your specialist skill set and explore a wide range of other art and design disciplines.
The first year of study offers exploration within multiple fields of creative subjects including; photography, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, painting, printmaking, and graphic design.
The second year focuses on your personal specialism and allows you to work towards your strengths and expert knowledge and skill of your subject.
Both year’s cumulate in a presentation of your work in a week long public exhibition held within the art department, alongside the other creative courses.
Topics may include:
- Problem solving
- Resilience
- Embrancing new and digital technologies
- Live briefs with real clients and outcomes
- Art history & theory.
Assessment Methods
This is a full-time vocational course where work is assessed throughout the year via portfolio submissions against a range of tasks, workshops and projects. Your final assignment in both year one and two is awarded a pass, merit, or distinction certificate.
You will also be expected to a complete a week-long work experience placement.
Progression Options
This qualification is equivalent to studying three A Levels. A large percentage of students will go on to study at Higher Education (University) using their specialism to direct a professional creative path. Popular options include creative degrees at Falmouth, UWE, Central St Martins and Brighton on courses such as Video Game design, Photography, Interior Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design and Architecture.
Industries such as theatre, film & TV are large employers (including Aardman and the BBC) with careers in Set and prop design, MUA and costume making. Freelance work has included wedding photography, gallery curation, animators, ceramicists, and advertisers.
Entry Requirements
You will need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and a creative subject such as Art & Design, Photography or Textiles. Equivalent qualifications such as a Level 2 Diploma at Merit or Distinction are also accepted.
A strong portfolio of work is required at interview, including sketchbooks and evidence of final pieces.
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.
