Practical Vs Theory

Course overview

This course will build on your existing art or design skills whilst allowing you to explore the more challenging elements such as drawing, illustration, mixed media painting, print making, interior design and animation. In addition, you will experiment building your photographic and Photoshop skills. You will explore your creativity by managing your own Final Project independently, and final outcome.

What Does The Programme Include

You will have access to detailed weekly step-by-step plans and notes to help you with your research, reviewing your own work and creating a stunning portfolio to take with you to University or employment.

Each project will gradually build skills of the one before, so your final project will demonstrate a higher level of skill and thinking, to support your potential transition to a Level 3 Art & Design course.

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at grades 3/D or above, including English or maths, and either and art or design based subject. You will also need to bring a portfolio of work to your interview to demonstrate your artistic strengths.

Need to re-sit? No problem. If you don’t achieve a Grade 4/C in GCSE maths and English, you’ll resit the exams with us and we’ll help you prepare.

Worried about your grades?

Whatever your results, we want to assure you that extenuating circumstances will be considered should you not have the grades indicated above.

We will review each application on a case-by-case basis to ensure you get a place on the course most suitable for you.

One of the ways we do this is through a very effective ‘6 weeks to success programme’ that operates from the first day you start your course. This includes support such as (but not limited to):

Allowing you to change courses if you change your mind in the first 6 weeks
Moving you between course levels if you are finding your current level too easy /too hard
Incorporating English and maths GCSE resits in to your timetable if you don’t meet the grades you need
One-to-one reviews with your academic tutor to ensure you are progressing and achieving well

Our course enquiries and admissions team are available remotely throughout this unprecedented period. They can be contacted at enquiries@stamford.ac.uk should you have any further questions.

How The Course Will Be Assessed

Projects will be assessed as you complete them, and you will receive detailed feedback and a set of targets as to where you need to develop your skills as you begin the next project. This structure will help you steadily improve your art and design skills and arrive at the final project with a far greater level of self-confidence.

Additional Information

You will require an initial art pack costing £40 in September. Although no formal work experience is required you are encouraged to take up opportunities to develop your professional knowledge through placements, competitions and communicating with practitioners in the field.

Potential Future Career

On successful completion of this course, you can progress onto the Art and Design, Photography, Graphic Design, Creative Media Production or Fashion Extended Diploma Level 3.

Course Content

You will study a range of units including:

Unit 1: Introduction to Materials, Processes and Technical Skills in Art & Design.
Unit 2: Introduction to Contextual Research in Art & Design.
Unit 3: Introduction to communication skills in art & design
Unit 4: Solving 2D creative problems
Unit 5: Solving 3D Creative Problems
Unit 6: Solve Time-Based Creative Problems
Unit 7: Developing and Producing a Personal Project in Art & Design