Free Access to HE Creative Arts Course in Ipswich. Classes run at Suffolk New College, full-time during the day. This level 3 access to HE creative arts course is designed for adults aged 19 or over who want to progress to a degree. You need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths and/or English, or a Level 2 qualification with equivalent English and maths. The course runs for one year and covers Art and Design units alongside study skills to prepare you for university. You'll work in well-equipped studios and workshops alongside practising artists.
Who this course is for
This study programme is designed for those who wish to progress onto a degree programme and must be aged 19+ at the time of enrolment. This study programme will give you the entry criteria for university as a mature student. The programme offers Level 3 Art and Design units as well as study skills units to help prepare you for university. Working with practicing artists in our well-equipped studios and workshops will extend your ideas and help you develop your artistic skills. You will also look at how to use research to develop your work and prepare for higher level study.
Entry requirements
Ages 19+ Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above including maths and/or English, or a Level 2 qualification plus maths and/or English at Grade 4 or above.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical artistic skills across a range of Art and Design disciplines.
You'll work with practising artists in studios and workshops to extend your creative ideas.
You'll build the academic study skills universities expect from incoming students.
You'll produce a portfolio of work demonstrating your creative development.
You'll learn to research, plan, and reflect on your own artistic practice.
You'll gain the entry criteria recognised by UK universities for degree-level study.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom and studio setting, full-time during the day. Learning combines practical studio work with taught sessions covering Art and Design units and study skills. Assessment is through coursework and portfolio evidence built up across the year. There are no formal written exams. Your work is assessed against the standards set for the Access to HE Diploma, which is recognised by UK universities.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Suffolk New College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer: create visual content for print and digital media.
Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and media.
Art technician: support artists and designers in studios or schools.
Gallery or museum assistant: support exhibitions and public engagement.
Visual merchandiser: design retail displays and brand environments.
Community arts worker: deliver creative projects in community settings.
Art teacher (with further study): teach art in schools or colleges.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fine Art: the natural next step for practising artists.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design: for those drawn to visual communication and branding.
BA (Hons) Illustration: specialist degree for image-makers and visual storytellers.
BA (Hons) Fashion Design: combines creative and technical skills for the fashion industry.
PGCE in Art and Design (after a degree): for those who want to teach art in secondary schools.
