This is an in-depth, full-time, art and design course, where you will explore specialist techniques and processes associated with areas such as design, sculpture, fine art, photography, print making, illustration and textile, fashion and surface pattern design. 

Students will be expected to have five GCSEs at grade 9-4, or a Merit in a relevant vocational Level 2 Diploma (or equivalent). In addition, students will be expected to have GCSE grade 4 in English Language and preferably Art & Design and a minimum of grade 3 in Mathematics.

Please note, it is necessary to have studied Art & Design at GCSE to study Art, Design and Communication. However, all prospective students are invited for an art assessment, this is completed on campus in June.  This two hour workshop is designed to test skills and fluency when handling the formal elements and creative interpretation of a theme. Any student who does not have GCSE Art & Design but completes the workshop to a high standard may be accepted on the course.

There are six units to this course:

Unit 1: Creative Process, Developing 
Unit 2: Creative Practise 
Unit 3: Responding to a Set Brief 
Unit 4: Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
Unit 5: Specialist Technical Skills Development
Unit 6: Specialist Creative Outcome

You will study Units 1-3 in year one and the Units 4-6 in year two. 

Throughout the course you will explore a wide range of projects, what makes this course unique is that most if not all of these projects are live briefs, you will work with real clients, gaining sought after industry experience in an area of the visual arts you are most interested in pursuing as a career. You will build a portfolio of work that will give you access to universities, apprenticeships and the workplace.

You will study Units 1-3 in year one and the Units 4-6 in year two. 

All units are internally assessed however units 3 and 6 are externally moderated. 

Students must successfully pass all units to gain this qualification. Students will only be able to graduate to the second year of this course if they successfully complete the units from the first year.

Exam Board: UAL 

There is the opportunity for some students to do a substantive placement of 350 hours or 50 days’ work experience and (where applicable), all other students will complete a minimum of one-week work placement during the summer term. Throughout the academic year there will be several day trips to galleries, artist studios and city visits to gather and practise your observational recording techniques. Some will be enriching, but for those that are compulsory, travel costs will be met by The Sixth Form. Throughout the year there will be opportunities to take part in enrichment workshops delivered by the course teachers which cover all areas of art and design to further develop your creative making skills and broaden your knowledge of art and design.

The course is equivalent to three A Levels, qualifying entry onto a relevant degree course. We have an excellent level of progression to higher education. Students’ portfolios are more well-rounded and fuller than those of a student who chooses to study one or two art and design subjects at A Level. The course is most suitable for those students who know their future lies within art and design.

Many students go on to study art and design at pre-degree foundation level, or a BA degree. Students have gained employment in many areas of art and design such as interior design, surface pattern design, graphic design, industrial and commercial product design, as well as photography, animation, film/video, advertising and illustration.

Kits available through Cass Arts, link details will be provided at the start of term. Students can edit the basket to add/delete items you may already have or would like to purchase in addition to the media and materials recommended by the course tutor.