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Access to HE Creative Arts Course in Saint Austell – Cornwall College St Austell

Cost£3,928.00
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Oct 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA
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About this course

Access to HE Diploma (Creative Arts) in Saint Austell. Classes run at Cornwall College St Austell, part-time during the day.

The course runs over one year. You'll work through practical workshops in a wide range of creative disciplines, building a strong portfolio as you go. Units cover drawing, mixed media, photography, and digital design. You'll also develop the study skills you need for higher education, and get support with your UCAS application. If you're under 24 and don't hold a GCSE in English, you'll study for that alongside the course.

You'll finish with an Access to HE Diploma in Creative Arts, recognised by UK universities as a route into degree-level study.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal if you want to return to education and progress to a degree in art and design but need confidence and a strong portfolio first. You’ll learn through practical workshops across a wide range of creative disciplines and develop study skills that support higher education. You’ll be supported with UCAS as you prepare your application and next steps. The final term lets you write your own brief and exhibit your work to showcase your development.

Entry requirements

There are no specific entry requirements, but you will need to have a good standard of literacy. It is desirable for you to have a grade 4 in English. You will also need to be creative, in some way, have enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to further your education in the arts. If you are under 24 and do not have English GCSE, you will be expected to study for that alongside your course.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills across a wide range of creative disciplines, including drawing, painting, and mixed media.
  • You'll build a professional portfolio to support university applications.
  • You'll explore photography and digital design techniques.
  • You'll write your own creative brief and exhibit your finished work.
  • You'll develop academic study skills suited to higher education.
  • You'll get guidance on your UCAS application and next steps.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical workshops in the studio. Assessment is through a portfolio of creative work, written assignments, and a self-directed project in the final term. You'll present and exhibit your work as part of the course. There is no formal written exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Cornwall College St Austell will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for books, magazines, and advertising.
  • Photographer, works in commercial, editorial, or portrait photography.
  • Art and design assistant, supports creative projects in studios or agencies.
  • Visual merchandiser, designs retail displays and in-store environments.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Fine Art or Illustration, the natural next step after this Diploma for most learners.
  • BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, for those who want to focus on digital and visual communication.
  • BA (Hons) in Photography, for learners who specialise in that discipline during the course.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, an alternative if you want another year of broad creative study before committing to a degree.
Apply on cornwall.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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