Art & Design

Applied - Extended Diploma

In this hands-on and engaging course, you will explore a wide range of Art and Design principles and techniques. As this course is a full time Applied qualification, it suits students who intent to pursue a career in the arts industry.

As an Art and Design student, you’ll develop your creative skills in our studio spaces, and put theory into practice through live briefs and real-life scenarios, ensuring that you not only hone your techniques, you’ll also be ready for your next steps after College.

Specific requirements

You’ll need to meet the entry criteria for your chosen pathway and a Grade 4 in a relevant GCSE Art or Design subject.

For further information on the pathways, please click here.

Your learning experience

As well as studying content across the full complement of Art and Design disciplines, you’ll explore a broad range of techniques which over time will help you identify your specialism. You’ll learn how to do this via the following topics:

• Visual recording and communication
• The creative process
• Materials, techniques and processes in Art and Design
• Developing and realising creative intentions

An enriching experience

Studying Applied Art and Design at HNC is an enriching experience. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and interests, broadening your horizons and building your cultural capital. These experiences are integral to life at HNC and will help you to stand out from the crowd. Some of the experiences our Applied Art and Design students enjoy include:

• Trips to European cities such as Berlin to visit galleries, conduct research and to build cultural capital
• Exhibiting work in an end of year showcase
• Participating in inspirational and valuable guest workshops with local artists and university lecturers
• Taking part in the Sixth Form College Association annual exhibition

Enlightening opportunities

We are proud of the unique experiences that are available to our students both inside and outside of the classroom. Our subject specialists will instil in you a love of learning, and challenge you to develop the required skills you’ll need to achieve the life-changing qualifications that will lead you to your dream career.

Our facilities are state-of-the- art and include spacious Art and Photography Studios, a 3D Design Workshop and specialist Graphic Communication Suites. We enjoy the latest in industry standard equipment and editing software, and our workrooms feature Apple Macs. As part of undertaking real- life briefs you’ll spend time outside of the classroom, putting your skills and knowledge to the test and finding your area of specialism.

How will you be assessed?

Assessment is via examination and coursework.

Where does it lead?

As a full time study programme, this course is usually taken by students who have decided on a career in the creative industries. Many students find they identify their own specialism during the course and choose to pursue this at degree level. Students studying this course can also progress straight to the workplace or opt to pursue a degree level apprenticeship; students have progressed on to a wide range of careers from graphic designer to illustrator. Applied Art and Design students have recently progressed to university to study subjects such as:

• Architecture
• Fine Art
• Animation
• Photography
• Illustration
• Fashion Design

Perfect pairings

Please note, this course is only available as an Extended Diploma. This means it is a full time study programme and therefore is not available to study alongside any other subject

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Good to Know
Many of your projects will be based on industry based scenarios, so whilst you will grow your talents and find your specialism, you’ll also be putting your skills and knowledge into action through a work based context.
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