COURSE OVERVIEW
Duration: 2 Years Full-Time
Entry Requirements: 4 GCSEs (9-4/A*-C)
(if you have maths/english at grade D/3 you would be required to work towards grade C/4 for these qualifications alongside your course)
UCAS points: up to 168 (depending on grade outcome)
Campus: Middlesbrough
Experiment, explore and define your creative identity. This dynamic course is designed for artists, makers and visual thinkers ready to take their skills to the next level.
Why Choose This Course?
• Explore a wide range of art and design disciplines before specialising
• Work in specialist studios with access to ceramics, printmaking and photography
• Build a portfolio that supports progression to HE or creative careers
• Learn from practising artists and designers
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern School of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.
COURSE DETAILS
This two-year course offers a broad and inspiring foundation in visual arts and design. Perfect for students who enjoy working across different media and want to explore multiple creative pathways before specialising, it’s a space to challenge yourself, build your confidence, and refine your ideas.
You will work across drawing, painting, printmaking, textiles, photography, 3D and digital media - learning how to develop your ideas from concept to final outcome. Through exciting project briefs and creative challenges, you’ll build a diverse portfolio that reflects your style, ambition and strengths.
You will also visit galleries, hear from visiting artists and designers, and take part in workshops and exhibitions that expand your understanding of the creative industries. The course culminates in a final major project and public summer show where your work is professionally displayed.
Our expert tutors - many of whom are practising creatives - will support you every step of the way, preparing you for university, foundation study or employment in the arts.
Where Could It Take You?
• Fine Artist
• Illustrator
• Printmaker
• Textile Designer
• Ceramicist or 3D Artist Art Therapist (with further study)
• Community Arts Worker
• Exhibition Designer
• Gallery or Museum Assistant
• Art Teacher (with further study)
• Arts Administrator
• Freelance Creative
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
"I have personally opened up within my course, creating something for my final major project that during my first year would have been a very distant dream”
"I have personally opened up within my course, creating something for my final major project that during my first year would have been a very distant dream”
Ofsted Outstanding
The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus has been given another ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted. Following an intensive four-day inspection by six inspectors the School’s further education provision has retained the top rating it has held since 2009.
