Art and Design

If you’re keen to have a career in the art world, this course can help you on your way.

For entry to this course you’ll need:

• A real passion for art and design
• One Higher, preferably Art and Design with English at National 5 or above OR a relevant NC course at SCQF Level 6 or equivalent, such as Art and Design
• An interview with us
• A portfolio of your work

If you don’t have formal qualifications, but have appropriate experience or training, then we’ll also consider you for a place, so please call us for a chat.

Imagine a world without art. What a colourless, uninteresting world that would be. In this course you’ll develop skills in many of the art and design areas which so enhance all our lives, as well as create a portfolio for progression.

Here’s just some of what you’ll be doing:

• Painting - experimenting with transparent and opaque painting techniques.
• Drawing - including observational in monochrome and colour, and developmental for ideas and concepts.
• Photography - learning about camera controls, composition, lighting and exposure.
• Printmaking - producing professional quality print, through the use of plates, stencils or screens.
• Jewellery - creating your own range of designs and producing finished pieces.
• Ceramics - learning about the handbuilt process, then designing and producing your own piece.
• Mixed media - expanding your creative and technical skills through other media.

There’s also a bit of theory and contextual studies too:

• You’ll explore the creative process, from the development of visual language to critical evaluation.
• You’ll look at art and design context, both historical and contemporary, so you’ll go on a journey from the Renaissance Period right the way through Pop Art to the present day.

You’ll also have the chance to:

• Work on live briefs for community projects or local businesses.
• Exhibit your work, including external venues such as Mclaurin Art Gallery at Rozelle House.
• Take part in competitions, such as creating sculptures in the grounds of GSK in Irvine.
• Go on trips to galleries and exhibitions, like the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh or Kelvingrove in Glasgow.
• Take part in workshops with local, practising artists.
• Be involved in the Creative Department’s Annual End of Year Show.

When you successfully complete this course, you’ll have the choice of:

• Moving onto HND Art and Design

Exploring your future career options including: Practising Artist, Community Arts, Youth Arts Worker, Jewellery Designer, Art Therapist, Fine Art Photographer, Teacher. With additional qualifications, you may be able to progress to a degree programme such as BA Digital Art at UWS, or a degree course at e.g. Glasgow School of Art, Edinburgh School of Art, Duncan of Jordanstone in Dundee or Gray’s School of Art in Aberdeen.

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