Skip to main content
Nottingham College logo

Key Details

Course Area:

Art and Design

Student Type:

16 - 18 | 19+ student

Course Type:

Full-time FE course

Course Introduction

If you love a creative challenge, have a keen eye for detail and have a growing talent for drawing, painting and designing this course is perfect for you, especially if you need to re-take GCSE English and/or GCSE Maths.

You’ll learn how to explore your interest in art and design using different 2D and 3D materials and methods.

Practical activities include:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Graphic design
  • Model-making
  • Textiles
  • Print-making
  • Digital design

You will also learn how to develop your ideas into works of art that you’re proud of. You will be supported to develop individual areas of interests in your creative work, through discussion, research and ongoing evaluation. This is an ideal springboard to develop your creative talents.

All students will continue weekly studies of English and Maths (Functional Skills or GCSE) as part of the Proramme of Study at a relevant level, unless you have already achieved GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths. These are essential skills and qualifications for future progression.

You can expect lots of opportunities to visit art galleries and exhibitions, both locally and nationally. You’ll also take part in a yearly studio-based art show, live project briefs and competitions.

You will develop employability skills in presenting your work, communicating with others, working within teams, selling your work, and problem solving. You will building an understanding of different career paths in the Creative Industries which will prepare you progress to further study at Level 3 or an Apprenticeship.

Course Information

UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design

Level 2

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9–3 (A*–D), including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9–4 (A*–C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (C) or above. You will preferably need a GCSE Grade 3 in Art/Design and Technology/Textiles/Photography.

You will be invited to an informal interview to meet Art and Design Tutors and you will need to bring evidence of art work from your GCSE in Art/Design and Technology/Textiles/Photography or art work done in your own time to this interview. This will help tutors guide you onto the right course and level.

Assessment is continuous sketchbooks and projects with a final assessment in Term 3 through a Final Major Project.

Choose to follow with further study at Nottingham College on a Level 3 Art and Design, Fashion and Textiles or Photography and Digital Media course. We will help you with your next steps.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

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