Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a specialist arts school for Higher Education?
- A specialist arts school focuses entirely on creative subjects such as film, theatre, design, costume and visual arts. This allows for hands-on teaching, specialist facilities and strong industry links.
The Northern School of Art is a specialist arts education provider offering Higher Education courses designed to prepare students for professional creative careers, with learning shaped around real creative practice rather than purely academic study.
Find out more about The Northern School of Art! - Are arts degrees worth it for creative careers?
- Arts degrees are worth it when they are practical, industry focused and portfolio led. Creative employers usually value skills, experience and the quality of your work over exam results alone.
Higher Education courses at The Northern School of Art are designed to help students build professional skills, develop strong portfolios and prepare for employment or freelance careers in the creative industries.
Discover more about what our students and graduates are up to! - Are arts degrees practical or mostly academic?
- This depends on where and what you study. Some arts degrees are more theory based, while others focus on practical skills and creative work. Specialist arts schools place a strong emphasis on learning by doing.
Higher Education courses at The Northern School of Art are practice based, with assessment focused on projects, coursework and portfolio development rather than traditional exams.
View our facilities! - Do you need a portfolio to apply for an arts degree?
- Most arts degrees ask for a portfolio of creative work as part of the application process. This might include coursework, personal projects or other relevant creative work.
At The Northern School of Art, portfolios are used to understand your creative ability and potential, and to make sure the course is right for you, rather than to exclude applicants.
Read our portfolio guidance! - What is the difference between a general university and a specialist arts school?
- General universities teach a wide range of subjects, while specialist arts schools focus only on creative disciplines. This often means smaller class sizes, more contact time and access to specialist creative facilities.
Students at The Northern School of Art study in an environment designed specifically for creative practice, supported by tutors with real industry experience.
Find out more about The Northern School of Art! - Can you get a job in the creative industries after studying art?
- Graduates from arts Higher Education courses go on to work in areas such as film and television, theatre, design, costume, visual arts and creative freelance roles. Career success is usually linked to practical experience, industry knowledge and the strength of your portfolio.
The Northern School of Art places a strong focus on employability and preparing students for careers in the creative industries.
Find out more about our industry partners!