Free Access to HE Creative Industries Course in Truro

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyCAVA

About this course

Free Access to HE Creative Industries Course in Truro. Classes run at Truro College, full-time during the day. This level 3 access to HE creative industries qualification takes one year to complete. It's designed for people building a portfolio for university applications in media, photography, or digital arts, as well as those refreshing their practice for career progression. You'll develop creative and critical skills across studio-based and digital work. Truro College recommends GCSE English and Maths at grade 4 or above, though they're happy to discuss your individual circumstances. UK universities recognise this qualification as a route into degree-level study.

Who this course is for

This course aims to serve the needs and ambitions of three main student groups:

Those seeking to build a portfolio for an application to BA(hons) or FdA Foundation Degrees in media, photography or digitally-based arts programmes at Truro and Penwith College or elsewhere.

Semi-professionals seeking to renew their creativity through personal projects and new processes while producing a fresh portfolio of work for career progression.

Learners who require more than an evening course in photography or media in order to develop creative transferable skill sets.

Entry requirements

We recommend that you have GCSE English and Maths at a minimum of Grade 4 (C) before you commence the Access course. However, please contact us to discuss your prior qualifications and planned progression route and we would be happy to advise based on your set of circumstances. It is advisable to check the GCSE requirements for the higher education course you wish to complete following the Access course, as they may have different stipulations.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills in photography, media, or digitally-based arts.
  • You'll build a portfolio of creative work suitable for university applications.
  • You'll explore creative processes and experiment with new techniques.
  • You'll study critical and contextual frameworks relevant to the creative industries.
  • You'll strengthen your ability to plan, develop, and evaluate your own projects.
  • You'll produce written and visual work to degree-entry standard.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based and classroom sessions, practical project work, and portfolio development. Assessment is through assignments, project submissions, and a portfolio of creative work built up across the year. There are no formal written exams. Work is assessed against set criteria, and you'll receive feedback throughout to help you meet the standard required for university entry.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Truro College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Photographer: assistant or freelance roles in commercial or editorial photography.
  • Graphic designer: visual communication work across print and digital.
  • Digital content creator: producing media for brands, agencies, or platforms.
  • Media production assistant: supporting film, TV, or audio projects.
  • Arts administrator: coordinating programmes for galleries or creative organisations.
  • Social media manager: managing visual content and campaigns for clients.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Photography, Media, or Digital Arts: the most direct next step. This Diploma is designed to meet the entry requirements for degree programmes at Truro and Penwith College and universities across the UK.
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art or Illustration: for those whose portfolio work moves toward studio-based practice.
  • Foundation Degree (FdA) in a creative subject: a two-year higher education route if you prefer a more gradual step into degree-level study.

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