Level 4 Art, Design and Media Foundation Course in Chesterfield. Classes run full-time during the day at Chesterfield College. If you're 16 to 18 years old, the course may be free. If you're 19 or over, an Adult Learner Loan may be available to cover fees. This one-year art, design and media foundation qualification builds on Level 3 creative study and develops your practice across art, design and media disciplines. You'll work with a portfolio throughout and explore your creative direction at an advanced level.
Who this course is for
This qualification is aimed at those with advanced prior experience of Art & Design at Level 3 or above or those individuals who are looking to advance or stimulate or reinvigorate their own Art & Design practice
Entry requirements
2 A-Levels at grade C and above or a Level 3 Extended Diploma in a creative subject and GCSE Maths & English plus a portfolio of creative work available to discuss at interview.
What you will learn
You'll develop your creative practice across art, design and media disciplines at an advanced level.
You'll build and refine a professional portfolio of creative work.
You'll explore specialist areas within art, design and media to find your creative direction.
You'll develop critical and contextual thinking about your own work and the work of others.
You'll apply research skills to inform and strengthen your creative projects.
You'll experiment with materials, processes and techniques relevant to your chosen specialism.
How you will learn
Learning is classroom based, full-time during the day. You'll be assessed through a portfolio of creative work built up over the year, alongside projects, practical assignments and critical written or verbal responses. Assessment is continuous rather than exam-based, with your portfolio central to demonstrating your progress and creative development.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Chesterfield College will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need a portfolio of creative work to discuss at your interview before the course begins.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Junior graphic designer: entry-level studio and agency roles
Illustrator: freelance or in-house illustration work
Visual merchandiser: creating displays for retail environments
Photography assistant: supporting shoots in commercial or editorial settings
Art technician: supporting creative departments in schools or colleges
Digital content creator: producing visual content for brands and media
Set or prop maker: working in theatre, film or television production
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or related creative degree: the most common next step, with this Diploma designed to prepare you for degree-level study at university.
BA (Hons) Photography or Film and Media Production: if your practice has moved toward lens-based or screen media during the course.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Creative Media or Art and Design: a two-year vocational higher education route if you prefer a more applied path before committing to a full degree.
