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Level 4 HNC in Art and Design in Wakefield – Wakefield College

Cost£7,400
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Level 4 HNC in Art and Design in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day, over one year. You'll build on your existing creative practice and explore a wide range of disciplines to develop your own specialist direction. The course combines practical studio work with contextual and professional development, preparing you for employment or further study in the creative industries. Entry requires a minimum 64 UCAS tariff points from A Levels or a Level 3 Diploma in a related subject, plus GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above. All applicants attend an interview and bring a portfolio.

Who this course is for

In Partnership with Connected Campus and Screen Yorkshire This is a two-year full-time programme at Levels 4 and 5. In year one you will complete a Higher National Certificate in Art & Design (Photography) at Level 4. On completion of your Higher National Certificate, you will complete a Higher National Diploma in Art & Design (Photography) at Level 5. On the Higher National Programme we will encourage and support you to develop your own style and vision in photography, and help you prepare for your future career. If you have a passion for image-making this course will support you by providing learning that develops your practical skills and theoretical knowledge, allowing you to build a thoughtful and visually creative portfolio of work. Set projects are worked on with support from tutors, peers, and portfolio feedback. We have a selection of client briefs from around the local area, and work closely with visiting professional photographers who provide guest lectures, workshops and portfolio reviews. Throughout the course you will be encouraged to exhibit your work and enter various competitions. We have an industry standard studio with specialist lighting, up to date digital software and black and white darkroom facilities. A variety of teaching and learning methods will be used that encourage and facilitate learners’ creative and artistic development and bring together, wherever possible, practice and theory. Methods used will encourage both independent and collaborative learning through use of practical workshops, interactive lectures, resource-based learning, individual and group work, tutorials, discussion and critiques. Individual or group projects will culminate in exhibitions. Students will critically reflect on their own performance and that of others. Residentials, visiting professionals, attendance of exhibitions and other related events will be used to broaden learners’ concepts and practice.

Entry requirements

Minimum 64 UCAS tariff points from A Levels. OR Level 3 diploma in a related subject. OR An Access to Higher Education (19+) qualification.

AND

GCSE at Grade 9-4 in English Language (or equivalent qualification) is required.

Those with previous experience or learning that is relevant may be eligible via our Accredited Prior Learning (APL) process.

All applicants are required to attend an interview, you will also need to bring with you a portfolio of photographic practice.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop your own creative practice across a range of art and design disciplines.
  • You'll build contextual awareness to support and inform your work.
  • You'll refine a specialist pathway that reflects your own artistic direction.
  • You'll gain professional and employment-focused skills relevant to the creative industries.
  • You'll produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates your development and practice.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom and studio environment at Wakefield College. Learning is delivered through practical projects, studio sessions, and critical and contextual study. Assessment is based on coursework, portfolio submissions, and project work rather than written exams. You'll attend an interview before the course begins and bring a portfolio of existing work as part of the application process.

What you will need to bring

You'll need to bring a portfolio of your work to your interview before the course starts. Wakefield College will confirm any materials or equipment you need before you begin.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: creating visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator: producing artwork for publishing, advertising, and editorial clients.
  • Visual artist: developing and exhibiting independent creative practice.
  • Art technician: supporting studios, galleries, or educational settings.
  • Creative arts assistant: working in arts organisations or community projects.
  • Set or prop designer: creating visual environments for theatre, film, or TV.

What you could study next

  • Level 5 HND in Art and Design (Pearson Edexcel): the natural next step after the HNC, deepening your specialism and often accepted for top-up entry onto a BA Honours degree.
  • BA (Hons) in Fine Art or Graphic Design: a full undergraduate degree at a university, building on your HNC for a career in the creative industries or postgraduate study.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
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