NC Art and Design

Course Description

Everyone has the potential to be creative and there are many professions in which good art and design skills are essential. Whether you are a school leaver or a mature student, this very practical, full time course provides an excellent opportunity to broaden and develop your skills and explore a number of creative disciplines.

The course is particularly suitable for individuals wishing to develop an art portfolio for application to art college, but can be tailored for those who are less confident in their ability but keen to learn.  It will provide an opportunity to assess this subject as a vocation. The course focuses on developing key skills and includes study of the following ;

  • drawing skills including life drawing and analytical drawing
  • line and tone techniques, colour and composition
  • painting
  • textiles 
  • printmaking
  • digital media
  • 3D art forms
  • sketchbook development

Critical and analytical skills will be developed through research into the work of other artists. Project work whilst on the course will provide students with the opportunity to develop their design skills, researching, developing ideas and concepts before producing a piece of final art work.

Students will have the time and space to produce an extensive portfolio of visual work for application to HE programmes. Wherever possible, visits to galleries and art college open days will be incorporated into the course and students will be encouraged to participate in exhibitions.

In addition, the opportunity to study Art or English up to Higher level is an option, or to improve  IT or numeracy skills.  Access to the course on a part time basis may be possible at the discretion of the tutor.   Click to download PDF Course Information Sheet.

Entry requirements

Entry to this course is by application and is at the discretion of the college. Download our Application Form or get one from your nearest college learning centre or telephone Admissions on 01599 566770 .

You should have completed a minimum of 4 years of secondary education and have 3 Standard Grades at General Level, or Intermediate 1 English and Mathematics/Numeracy. It would be useful to also have some previous experience of an art or design course and all applicants must be able to demonstrate a strong desire and commitment to study. If you are a mature student, your previous experience may qualify you for this course.  Please arrange an appointment with a member of College staff to discuss your eligibility.

Qualifications

Following successful completion of the required number of units, you will be awarded a College Certificate listing all the SQA units achieved at SCQF level 5 or 6. In addition if you have undertaken Art or an English qualification, you will receive certification at the level achieved.

Attendance

This full time course requires minimum attendance of 21 hours per week for the full year. Timetable details are given at the beginning of the course. Classes are generally scheduled between the hours of 9am and 6pm but some classes may finish after this time.

Start Date and Venue

The course begins in August at our Portree campus and will run subject to viable numbers.  Call your nearest college learning centre for further details - Portree Learning Centre (01478 614833), Auchtertyre Learning Centre (01599 566775), Sabhal Mòr Ostaig Learning Centre (01471 888430).

Progression

This course also provides well articulated progression routes to higher study in the areas of art and design. It also provides students with  good foundation skills that could be useful in many job roles, or for self employment.

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Cost

Each unit costs £80 and there would be a minimum of 14 units within the full time course, however course Fees are waivered for all full time courses.  You may also be eligible for a bursary or Education Maintenance Allowance. We can find this out for you on application.

All units within this course are approved by ILA Scotland. Ask your college learning centre for more information on how to apply for this funding or call ILA Scotland free on 0808 100 1090.

How to Apply

You can download our Application Form or pick one up and get some help to complete it at your nearest college learning centre.  Once completed, you should return your Application to our Admissions Department, the address is on the Form.