Higher National Certificate in Art, Design & Photography

Higher Education

Start Date:	Duration:	Level:	Study mode:	Course Location:	Course Type:
September	1 Year	Level 4	Full-Time	Bede Campus	University Level Qualification	Apply	Enquire

What’s it all about?

Immerse yourself in a dynamic programme designed to elevate your creative prowess and pave the way for a flourishing career in the visual arts. This course offers an intensive exploration of diverse artistic disciplines, including fine art, textiles, graphics, and photography, allowing you to refine your unique artistic voice. Benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, such as a 200-seat commercial theatre, sound and lighting studios, recording studio, music practice rooms, art studios, kilns, and sewing machines, all housed within a vibrant Arts Academy. Engage with a curriculum that seamlessly blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring you are well-prepared to meet the demands of the creative industries. Collaborate with a network of esteemed partners, including Sunderland Culture, Sunderland Empire, and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, providing invaluable real-world experience and professional connections. Embrace this opportunity to transform your passion into a profession and make your mark in the world of art and design.

What do you need to apply for the course?

You will need a minimum of 32 UCAS points and Level 3 qualification such as A-Levels or BTEC in a creative subject, or extensive, relevant work experience.

Here’s how to apply depending on your plans:

• If you’re applying to multiple Higher Education providers, submit your application through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) by the specified deadline for the relevant recruitment cycle. This ensures your application reaches all your chosen institutions efficiently.
• If this College is your only choice, you can begin the process by selecting the “Apply” button at the top of this course page, which will take you to the online application form for a simple and direct experience.
• For detailed information on UCAS applications and deadlines, https://www.ucas.com/applying .

*Course costs

Study level	Cost	Additional fees
HE	Please enquire	Course Fee: £6,165.00 Please note that all fees are subject to change and will be confirmed upon enrolment. Further information about financial support can be found on our page here : https://sunderlandcollege.ac.uk/experience/financial-support/higher-education-financial-support/ You will need to provide your own stationery. You could purchase books from the recommended reading list, however, they are available to borrow from the college’s Learning Centre. There will be additional costs for trips to galleries, both locally and internationally. However, these trips are not mandatory.

How will you be assessed?

You will learn through a range of lectures, seminars, workshops, individual tutorials, exhibition and gallery visits and self-directed study. You will be assessed on practical course work, annotations, essays, sketchbooks and presentations.

You will be provided with verbal 1:1 sessions with your lecturers and will be provided written feedback for each unit.

Aims

This course is aimed for those who have a passion in Art & Design or Photography, who want to extend their learning past BTEC Level 3 and A Level. Equally, this course is also aimed for mature students who have an interest or have studied these subjects previously and would like to expand their knowledge and skills.

Modules

You will complete 8 units which currently include -

- Professional Development (Core)
- Contextual Studies (Core)
- Individual Project (Pearson set)
- Techniques & Processes (Core)
- Material Practices (Mandatory)
- Media Practices (Mandatory)
- Photographic Practices
- Location Photography

What’s next?

Upon completing this programme, you’ll be well-positioned to advance your studies or step directly into the creative industry. Many graduates choose to pursue a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a full Bachelor’s degree in specialised fields such as fine art, graphic design, or photography, further honing their expertise. Alternatively, the comprehensive skill set and professional portfolio developed during the course equip you for diverse roles within the creative sector, including positions as a professional artist, graphic designer, photographer, or roles in arts administration and education. With a strong emphasis on both practical skills and industry connections, this qualification opens doors to a vibrant and fulfilling career in the arts.