Access to Higher Education: Creative Arts (19+) - Full-time

CAVA Access to Higher Education Diploma: Creative Arts

You must be aged 19+ to apply for this course.

As the majority of our Access students are returning to learning as adults, we consider a range of experience when accepting students onto an Access programme.

All students will be assessed to see what level they are learning at, particularly the level of English and maths skills, as these will be key to success whilst on a programme at Nottingham College.

Your experience and level of study will be assessed at interview and this will determine your offer of a place at College.

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 – 4 /A* –C including English and maths (equivalents may be considered), or Level 2 BTEC Diploma in a related subject at Merit. Plus a relevant portfolio of work or a demonstrated passion for the subject area. A GCSE in Maths and English is preferable.

All students will start on a 2-week Introduction to Access Course that will introduce the course, creative practice, theory and study skills. At the end of this 2-week Introduction to Access Course tutors will assess each students’ abilities and tutors will be able to decide if progression onto the full Access Course is the right choice in terms of student’s commitment and intentions to progress to Higher Education. If progression to Access is not suitable, a place on the 1 Year Pre-Access Art and Design will be offered.

Additional short courses will run throughout the year to support 19+ student’s skills onto a full-time Access/Pre-Access Course.

It is not possible to study both GCSE English and Maths while on this course.

You will need to bring evidence of art work to an informal interview.

Artwork can be any creative work you have previously produced:

• Drawings
• Sketches
• Painting
• Fashion and textiles
• Photography
• 3D work

You are encouraged to showcase your interests and strengths.

You will undergo continuous assessment as you progress through your course modules and you’ll also need to produce a portfolio of evidence for your work.

There are a whole host of exciting careers and degrees open to you including: graphic design, textile design, fashion design, interior design, fine art and illustration or other creative subjects.

You can even go on to university-level study here at Nottingham College, including:

• Graphic design
• Textiles
• Fashion
• Interior design
• Fine art
• Illustration
• Another creative subject area

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.

Subject to eligibility you may be able to study this course for free, funded through the Adult Education Budget. Upon receipt of your application, we will assess your eligibility and advise you of your next steps.

Please note: Course funding information is accurate as of 22/02/2023 and is subject to change.

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.