Free Access to HE Creative Arts Course in Penzance. Classes run at Penwith College, full-time during the day, over one year. This level 3 access to HE creative arts qualification is designed for adults who want to retrain in art and design and progress to university or art college. You'll explore fine art, drawing, painting, ceramics, and broader art and design subjects. There are no entry requirements for the Course itself. Most universities do ask for GCSE English and Maths at grade 5 alongside the Diploma, and Penwith College may be able to offer GCSE study alongside your timetable.
Who this course is for
This course is designed to develop your creative potential and prepare you for progression to a higher level of study at University or Art College. It is aimed at adult learners who would like the opportunity to retrain in art and design. The course will enable you to gain a broad understanding of subjects within the art and design framework giving students the knowledge, skills and understanding to explore, develop and test their creativity in areas such as fine art, drawing, painting, ceramics, glass, mixed media image creation, specialist design software, textile processes, printmaking and photography. The course will equip you with the opportunity to identify the area of specialism most tailored to your aspirations and ability. There will also be a structured programme of contextual studies which explore art movements and cultural issues associated with your study of art and design practice.
During the course you will be taught required skills across a range of common art and design areas. You will learn how to extend your creative approach to the use and manipulation of a broad range of materials, processes and 'making' skills, as well as how to use tools, equipment and materials appropriate to the required production techniques. The year is structured to allow you to shape an individual route to build your practical skills and creative potential through a series of themed projects, culminating in a Final Major Project and exhibition. You will also work on assignments to generate evidence, produce contextual and historical research, research idea development and show evidence of creative problem solving. This course is the ideal preparation for entry into a diverse range of higher education courses and careers within the creative industries
Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements to come on to the Access Diploma however, most universities require you to have GCSE English Language and Maths at a minimum of grade 5 alongside the Access Diploma in order to progress on to the degree. There may be the opportunity for you to study one GCSE alongside your Diploma timetable.
What you will learn
You'll explore fine art techniques including drawing and painting
You'll develop skills in ceramics and three-dimensional making
You'll build a broad understanding of art and design as a subject area
You'll test and develop your own creative ideas through practical projects
You'll learn how to research and contextualise your creative work
You'll prepare a portfolio and body of work suitable for university application
How you will learn
You'll learn through classroom-based studio sessions at Penwith College. The course is delivered full-time during the day. Assessment is through coursework, projects, and a portfolio of creative work built up over the year. There are no written exams. Your tutors will give feedback throughout to help you develop your work before final submission.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Fine artist or illustrator, working independently or on commission
Graphic designer, creating visual content for print or digital media
Ceramicist or craft maker, producing and selling handmade work
Art technician, supporting studio or gallery operations
Community arts worker, running creative projects for local groups
Museum or gallery assistant, working with collections and visitors
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fine Art, at a university or art college, the most direct next step after this Diploma
BA (Hons) Graphic Design or Illustration, if your work develops in a visual communication direction
BA (Hons) Ceramics or 3D Design, for those focusing on making and materials
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3), if you want a further year of broad practice before committing to a degree specialism
