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Access to HE Art and Design Course in Southend-on-Sea

Cost£5,040.00
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyGateway Qualifications awarding body
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About this course

Access to HE Art and Design Course in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus, full-time over one year.

The course covers drawing and painting, colour theory, photography, graphic design, printmaking, and mixed media. You'll also develop academic and presentation skills to prepare for university study. Units include a final major project and visits to exhibitions. Assessment is through assignments, projects, and exhibitions.

You must be aged 19 or over at enrolment. You'll need at least one GCSE at grade C or above in English Language or Maths, or a Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent. You'll finish with the Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design), awarded by Gateway Qualifications and recognised by UK universities.

Who this course is for

This course is for people that would like to study on a Higher Education programme in a wide variety of art and design degree programmes e.g. the Fine Art BA (Hons) but need to gain the required entry qualifications and skills.

Entry requirements

You must be aged 19 or above by the 31st of August 2024. You must have at least one GCSE C/4 or above in either English Language or Maths, or a Level 2 in Functional Skills (evidence of this will be required during the application cycle). Ideally you will have both. However, if you only hold the one, you may work towards the one that you do not have whilst studying for your Access Diploma; this will be dependent on being accepted onto a Level 2 course, either GCSE or Functional Skills.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop drawing and painting skills across a range of styles.
  • You'll study colour theory and apply it to your own work.
  • You'll explore photography and graphic design techniques.
  • You'll practise printmaking and mixed media methods.
  • You'll build academic study skills and presentation skills for university.
  • You'll complete a Visual Research final major project.
  • You'll build a portfolio of varied art and design work.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based classes at South Essex College Southend Campus. Assessment includes assignments, projects, and exhibitions. You'll also take part in gallery and exhibition visits. Some units focus on academic skills, others on practical art and design work. Your portfolio of work forms a key part of what you produce over the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Fine art graduate, progresses to degree-level study in fine art.
  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and media.
  • Photographer, works in commercial, editorial, or portrait photography.
  • Art technician, supports artists and educators in studios or colleges.
  • Creative arts teacher, trains further after completing a degree.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, the natural next step for those focused on studio practice.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, for learners drawn to visual communication and branding.
  • BA (Hons) Photography, for those who specialised in lens-based work.
  • BA (Hons) Illustration, a degree route for those with a strong drawing portfolio.

Most UK universities recognise the Access to HE Diploma as a standard entry qualification.

Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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