Art and Design Diploma

Course information

Do you love Art or Design? Are you an inventive, creative person? Would you like to broaden your skills and learn how to develop your ideas, so that you could one day earn a living from your creativity?

This course is perfect for students who like to study in a practical, hands-on way. You will explore a wide range of materials, processes and technical skills, as well as developing good study skills, communication skills, employability skills and self-confidence.

The qualification is structured to provide time for gallery visits, collaborative projects and work experience, alongside regular sketchbook work, contextual studies, specialist workshops and portfolio building. The timetable also allows you to study for your Maths and English GCSE’s should you need to.

The course begins with fun projects and a variety of workshops with the aim of developing skills. Over time you will be able to steer projects to be themed to your own interests or chosen art or design specialism. You will soon become a more independent learner who is able to come up with original ideas, write your own project proposals, develop sketchbook pages and create finished pieces that you are proud of.

If you choose to study at our St Austell campus you will work as part of The Creative and Digital Academy, collaborating on a wide range of projects, performances and exhibitions with fellow creativity. Our vibrant and diverse spaces mean you’ll be engaging with musicians, dancers, gamers, filmmakers and actors, all working together to grow the creative landscape in Cornwall.

If you choose to study at our Camborne campus you will be based in our bright and spacious art studio. Developing your creativity in a friendly and inspiring place, where students are encouraged to experiment freely, to express their individuality, to try out new ways of working and to broaden their ideas through slide-shows, discussions and research.

What You Will Learn

This one-year course allows you to experiment with Drawing, Painting, Collage, Ceramics and Mixed media, 3D, Textiles, Graphic Design, Photoshop editing, and Photography.

You will be encouraged to try everything with an open mind, so that we can then help you find your talent and support you in developing your specialism. Projects are varied and are designed for you to be able to personalise them so that you can develop an individual style. While doing this you will learn about yourself, the world and your place in it, as well as learning about a diverse mix of Artists and Designers, how they make their art and where your future might fit into the Creative Industries.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for external applicants and school leavers
• Three or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, or successful completion of a relevant Level 1 qualification.

Entry requirements for existing learners with the Cornwall College Group
• Successful completion of previous course and, where relevant, progress in maths and/or English.

You will need at least 4 GCSE’s at Grade 3 or above, including either English or Maths.

Work Experience

As part of your course, you will be required to carry out external Work Experience and/or an Industry Placement.

Assessment

You will be assessed throughout the year on your skills development, personal development and project work using a Pass, Merit and Distinction grading system.

Progression

After a year on the Level 2, you will be self-confident, good at communicating, knowledgeable about artists and how their work can inspire your own ideas, you will have a good range of art and design skills and you will be in a strong position to progress onto the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design or choose from any other of our creative courses.

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our Camborne campus

Cornwall College St Austell

Cornwall College St Austell

Set at the top of St Austell, with incredible views over the bay, our campus boasts ground-breaking facilities and exceptional student spaces. The Keay Theatre area plays host to our famous Altitude Dance Academy and performing arts, while our award-winning student restaurant Cloisters is recognised as one of the best in the country. Brand new electric vehicle training labs set within our modern construction and engineering buildings showcase just some of the incredible opportunities for people in St Austell and beyond.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our St Austell campus

Events

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
• 26 Apr 25

Open Event Taster Event

Cornwall College St Austell

Open Event & Taster at St Austell Campus

• 8 Feb 25
• 8 May 25