CAVA Access to He Diploma (Creative Arts)

Course information

Are you are a creative person? Have you been thinking about returning to education, to study for a degree in art and design, but don’t feel that you are quite ready? If the answer to these questions is yes, then this is the course for you!

The Access courses are designed to support mature learners (19+) so that they can progress confidently onto a degree at the end of the year. You will be supported with that application through UCAS. This course is just one year of study, so it is intense and fast paced, but at the same time it will introduce you to an exciting range of creative skills and ideas. As it is only one year, learners are expected to spend between 5-8 hours home study a week.

In the first two terms you will have an introduction to: 2D skills, mixed media, colour theory, print, photography, graphic design, textiles, life drawing, 3D skills and ceramics. These will be taught by specialist staff mainly through a series of practical workshops. You will also develop your research, writing, and other study skills through the theory units; all of which are designed to prepare you for study in Higher Education.

In the third term you will be able to write your own brief and display the work in our end of year exhibition.

You will have your own generous studio space for the duration of the course, where you can create and display your work. In addition you will be able to use the dedicated workshops for Photography, Print, 3D and Ceramics.

This level 3 qualification is all about engaging, supporting and developing your skills and ideas, to enable you to gain the confidence to progress onto a creative arts degree.

Paying for the course
If you’re studying a level 3 qualification, you can pay personally, OR apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs (fees) of an Access course at a college in England. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

You can check if you’re eligible by going to https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan   website, before you apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course, once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it.

The age for entry is 19+.

Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA)

What You Will Learn

To allow for a rich and immersive learning experience, students will work freely across a range of technical skills areas which reflect a diverse range of specialist areas and incorporate current industry practice. This will include drawing skills, painting, colour theory, printing, textiles, 3D study, ceramics and photography.

You will learn and develop creative skills across a wide range of art and design disciplines in a creative environment. You’ll explore new materials, skills and processes to really enhance your understanding of art and design. The course aims to enhance independent learning, develop your communication and negotiation skills through collaborative projects. It will promote research methods, idea development, exploration of materials, techniques and processes, evaluation and reflection through lectures, demonstrations and tutorials. You will discover lots of different disciplines to see which area most interests you.

You will also have the opportunity to visit art galleries, see the work that the degree students are doing here at the campus and build a portfolio of work to take to interviews in H.E.

In addition to this you will be able to develop your digital skills in Word, PowerPoint, and Photoshop. Enabling you to present your ideas and your work confidently.

Entry Requirements

There are no specific entry requirements, but you will need to have a good standard of literacy. It is desirable for you to have a grade 4 in English. You will also need to be creative, in some way, have enthusiasm, commitment and a desire to further your education in the arts. If you are under 24 and do not have English GCSE, you will be expected to study for that alongside your course.

The age for entry is 19+

Assessment

The qualification consists of a series of assignments, for each subject taught on the course. You will receive an assignment brief (instructions) telling you why and what you will be learning. The brief will also include the details of the evidence required for assessment (criteria) that must be met in order to pass. Most of the assignments are then graded Pass, Merit or Distinction, but some are just a Pass. The details of this will be explained more fully when you start the course. You need to pass all the assignments to gain the Access Diploma. Work to be assessed will be in sketchbooks, as well as the 2D and 3D practical artworks. Assessment will be carried out on written texts and PowerPoints for the theory units.

Progression

The progression possibilities, in the creative arts are extensive – it is the fastest growing area of the UK economy! Our students progress onto a wide range of degree courses, including the interdisciplinary FdA in Art & Design Practice here at the Cornwall College Camborne campus. Others have applied successfully for degree level courses in: Fine Art, Animation, Prop making, Architecture, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Photography, Product and Craft Design, amongst others. Many have completed their degree and set up their own businesses. Others have chosen associated careers, such as; teaching, gallery assistant, or working with community arts projects.

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

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