What does it include?

During year 1 you will rotate through the following pathways: Animation, Interactive Graphics, Fashion and Textiles and Photography – The experiences in these disciplines will be underpinned by Visual Studies and Contextual Studies. In the final term of year 1 you will be given the opportunity to elect a specialist pathway which will form the focus of your year 2 specialism.

Year 1

Projects will focus on the development of your visual language skills with particular emphasis placed on observational drawing and contextual research as a starting point for developing your knowledge and technical skill in 4 areas of study. You will regularly visit museums and galleries to inform your approach to making 2D & 3Dwork.

Year 2

You will be able develop a specialist Pathway in: Animation, Interactive Graphics, Fashion and Textiles or Photography.

The course has a history of residential visits to support learning with the most recent being to Paris. Visiting lecturers who will deliver specific and specialist knowledge will enhance your learning and skills. Learning takes place in purpose built design studios. You will explore the potential of materials to create design using both traditional and digital techniques and technology.

We believe that supporting you so that you can pursue a future in design is important, so the course will include helping you to improve and develop your communication skills with additional Key Skills qualification study. You will receive group and individual tutorial support to keep you on track and if needed additional learning support is available.

What do I need to get onto it?

Applicants should possess relevant level 2 qualifications: 4 GCSEs at grade C including English, or an equivalent vocational qualification with a merit grade or relevant previous experience.

Entry onto the course is by interview commencing in February. Applicants will need to bring some recent artwork that they have produced and would like to talk about in the interview (sketchbooks would be also be good). At the interview you will need to demonstrate potential to benefit from this course.

If you don't think that you have the right qualification, but think this is the right course for you then apply or come along to the college to see how we can support you.

Where does it lead?

When students successfully complete this course they can expect to progress to further study at BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, HND/HNC, Foundation Degree, BA (Hons) Degree courses or pursue employment.

NB: Day-time programmes of study are available on a full-time basis, or part-time for those in receipt of DSS benefits and needing to satisfy the conditions of availability for work.

The Application & Interview Process

After your application is received, you will be invited to the college for an interview and expected to demonstrate yourself as an enthusiastic, professional member of the student group.

We will write to you before the interview, requesting anything that you may be required to bring with you. This could be some previous work or projects you have been involved in.

You must provide a positive reference from either your school teacher/form tutor or a previous employer.

You must also bring your grade certificates for completed qualifications and any predicted grades that you have for pending qualifications.

You should also bring a pen and have some questions prepared about the course you are applying for.

Remember you are applying for a place on a competitive course and should be displaying the skills required to impress and succeed in achieving a place on that course.

How is the Course assessed?

You will be assessed continually through practical project work, coursework, written assignments and through giving presentations.

A commitment to high attendance and punctuality is essential to completing the course successfully. You will be subject to a performance review with your tutor if your attendance drops below 90%.

You must keep your attendance high and submitting work within deadlines is a condition of the course.

You will be provided with feedback and support on how to improve grades from your lecturer as long as you meet your submission deadlines. You will receive a grade and supportive feedback within 3 weeks of a successful deadline submission.

Assignments are planned at the beginning of each year to avoid deadlines clashing however sometimes there are busier times of the year. You are however given more than a sufficient amount of time to complete projects/assignments and providing you meet your deadlines you will not be overworked.

If you fall behind you will be subject to performance tutorials with your tutor and be given a plan to support you to getting back on track however completion of work is your own responsibility and meeting deadlines is a compulsory part of your achievement. If you miss deadlines you will not have feedback and grades returned within a short time frame, as your tutors will have other assignments from the course schedule needing marked.

Where does it lead?

Progression into higher education study on HNC or Foundation Degree in Photography at City of Westminster College

UCAS applications to HE institutions to study HND/HNC, Foundation Degree or BA(Hons) courses or possible career opportunities in the creative industries

Apprenticeships programmes within the Creative Media Sector subject to successful applications.

Facilities

All of our courses have access to the same facilities however you will use them in different capacities throughout your experience.

At level 3 you will be required to become a self-managed learner building on skills you have developed at previous levels. The expectation at level 3 is that you are mature, professional, reflective and motivated. You should be able to seek appropriate support where required and complete work independently without excuse.

The school of Visual Arts has a variety of resources and facilities exclusive to its courses including;

• Photographic studios
• Colour and Black and White darkroom
• Digital Mac rooms with Create Suite software
• Textiles studio
• Drawing studios

Awarding Body

EdExcel

You can find all programme details with the following link:

http://www.edexcel.com/quals/nationals10/art/Pages/default.aspx

For further information and to apply

If you wish to apply for this course, please complete a College application form.

If you need help before choosing your course, please contact our Information & Advice Centre or come along to one of our Open days.