Level 3 in Art and Digital Design: Fine Art, 3D, Textiles & Graphics

You will need 4 GCSE's at grade 4-9 including an Art-based subject. Or a relevant Level 2 qualification.

Primarily, you will learn through practical lessons in well-appointed studios.
You will find out what is happening in the art and design world by visiting exhibitions, museums and galleries. Additionally, further independent contextual research will be encouraged.

There are no external exams on this course. Assessment is made from a series of course work projects, completed throughout the duration of the two year course.

GCSE Maths and English are vital stepping stones for your academic and professional journey. Achieving a good grade in these subjects not only fulfils most college entry requirements but also equips you with essential skills critical in almost every field. Whether you're calculating percentages in business, crafting compelling arguments, or simply managing daily tasks, these core subjects enhance your problem-solving and communication abilities, setting a solid foundation for your future studies and career success. Start your college course with confidence by securing these key qualifications.

Placement opportunities are an integral part of our curriculum, designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and the professional world. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge to real workplace challenges, enhancing their academic learning with practical skills. Tailored to complement your studies, placements are offered in a range of industries, from innovative local startups to leading global corporations.
By actively participating in these structured and supportive environments, students not only observe but also contribute meaningfully to the workings of their chosen field. This hands-on approach boosts confidence and provides a competitive advantage in the job market. The insights and experience gained are often transformative, arming students with the necessary tools for a successful and dynamic career. These opportunities are crafted to ensure you emerge as a well-rounded professional, ready to make significant contributions in your future endeavours.

At Sunderland College our commitment to your future goes beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to providing you with real-world experiences and industry insights that will prepare you not just to enter, but to excel in your chosen field. Here’s how we connect you with the industry:

• Placement Opportunities: Dive into your future career with our hands-on placement opportunities. These are not just work experiences, but gateways to potential employment and invaluable learning. They’re a core part of our courses, offering you a chance to apply academic theories in real-world scenarios.
• Networking Events: Build your professional network early. Our placement and careers fairs are your chance to meet and impress potential employers. These events are designed to help you forge significant industry connections that can enhance your career prospects. Attend talks, engage in discussions, and explore apprenticeship opportunities with employers who are eager to meet fresh talent.
• Expert Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with talks from specialist speakers. These industry leaders share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the field, giving you the inside track on what to expect and how to thrive.
• Skills Competitions: Showcase your abilities in our exciting skills competitions. Held throughout the academic year, these competitions are not just about winning – they are about learning, growing, and pushing your limits. They offer a fun, competitive environment to enhance what you learn in class and develop essential industry skills.

The aim of this course is to give students the necessary skills and experience needed for progression to employment, or a higher education course (Foundation Diploma/HNC/Degree) in art and design.

This course is aimed at school leavers with some background in art and design. It will focus primarily on art, design and textiles, and will explore skills such as:

- Design and concept development
- Critical and contextual awareness
- Communication through art and Design
- Materials, techniques and processes in art and design

Year 1 - Module A:

A1 - Skills Development- Exploring and developing art and design skills. In this unit, you will explore a range of skills and processes in the graphic design field. This will be hand-based practice as well as digital computer skills with industry software.

A2- Creative Project - This unit is a response to skill learnt in A1. You will use these skills to create a body of work with a final outcome linked to industry.

Year 2 - Module B:

B1 - Personal Progression - The aim of this unit is to set you up ready for your next steps in the industry or further education. You will research into all areas, such as universities, jobs and self-employment. From there you will discover your personal attributes, long-term goals and attend a mock interview to build your confidence. To complete the unit you will prepare a portfolio to support your progression.

B2 - Creative Industry Response (FMP) - The FMP encompasses all of the units completed on the course. You will write a brief linked to industry and your chosen progression. A body of work will be produced with experiments, development of ideas and a final outcome. The work will then be exhibited at our end of year show.