Practical Vs Theory
Course overview
Gain a career in the creative industry with this attractive alternative to A Levels. Deepen your knowledge of art and design and experiment with a range of specialisms. You will explore visual language, research skills, projec proposal and realisation, and build your critical and contextual awareness through live projects. You will have the opportunity to take part in weekly life drawing classes to develop your observational, figurative and mixed media skills- skills highly sought after by prestigious art universities.
What Does The Programme Include
Throughout this course you will develop and apply a broad range of transferable skills, so you will be able to demonstrate:
- Initiative
- Independent inquiry
- Creative thinking
- Reflective learning
- Team working
- Self-management
- Effective participation
- Problem solving
- Communication
Our specialist lecturers deliver regular rotating workshops covering a wide range of topics to ensure you gain a variety of skills to apply to your projects.
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. You will also have the opportunity to respond to a live brief and exhibit at Stamford Arts Centre.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grades 4/C or above including English and preferably maths, and an arts-based subject at grade 6/B or above.
Alternatively a Merit in a relevant Level 2 Diploma, and a GCSE grade 4/C or a pass for functional skills Level 2 English. You will also need to bring a portfolio of artwork to your interview to demonstrate your artistic strengths. A Merit in your first year is required to enter the second year Extended Diploma.
Need to re-sit? No problem. If you don’t achieve a Grade 4/C in GCSE maths or 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
Asssesment is completed through a portfolio of evidence which will be internally assessed. You can utilise your portfolio to take to University or job interviews to showcase your abilities.
Additional Information
There is an annual £60 studio fee for this course payable in September which ensures that you have access to the appropriate materials. You will also be expected to provide various materials necessary for the successful completion of coursework including sketch books, mount board etc.
Potential Future Career
Former students have progressed on to some of the top creative Universities int he country including Savannah College of Art and Design, Chelsea College of Art and Design and Central Saint Martins. You could progress to study a degree in Art, Design, Fashion or Photography at University, the Foundation Degrees in either Graphic Design or Creative and Editorial Photography at University Centre Stamford, or the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
Course Content
In Year 1 you will study a range of units including:
Unit 01: The Creative Process
In this unit, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the creative process as a creative tool used and adapted by professionals across a full spectrum of creative practices.
Unit 02: Developing Creative Practice
This unit requires you to gain knowledge of a range of 2D, 3D and 4D creative practices and explore and use materials, methods, techniques and processes in a safe and professional manner.
Unit 03: Responding to a set Brief
You will learn how to manage and fulfil the expectations of an exciting and industry relevant project brief.
Year 2 modules include:
Unit 04: Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
Unit 05: Specialist Technical skills Development
Unit 06: Specialist Creative Outcome
