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Key details

Course areas
Access to Higher Education and EmploymentArt and Design
Student type
Courses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Start date

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location
25 Stoney Street 25 Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LP
Course code
Parent course code:C000280 Child course code: Q001619
Apply now

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you are aged 19+ and want to build and develop your skills and interests in new areas, to prepare for further study. You will need to be able to commit to working in college 3 days a week. 

You’ll be studying right in the heart of the city’s Creative Quarter in the historical Lace Market, where you'll build both your artistic and digital creative skills develop interest in new areas which will stretch you as an artist.

You will be given the opportunity to develop your own creative practice through being introduced to and exploring a variety of techniques and processes such as:

  • Fine art
  • Graphics
  • Fashion and textiles design
  • Applied arts
  • 3D Design
  • Photography
  • Product design/furniture design
  • Interior design and architecture
  • Illustration

You’ll gain an awareness of contemporary visual practice and develop a portfolio in your chosen specialist field.

All students will study the Introduction to Access course to assess and prepare you for either a Pre-Access course or the Access Diploma.

You’ll have the opportunity to take part in one of our brilliant end of year showcases where you’ll be able to exhibit your work to the public.

All our tutors have many years of experience in the industry and will be able to advise you on your potential career paths and university courses.

Course information

1 year

CAVA Access to HE Diploma: Creative Industries

You must be aged 19+ to apply for this course.

As the majority of our Access students are returning to learning as adults, we consider a range of experience when accepting students onto an Access programme.

All students will be assessed to see what level they are learning at, particularly the level of English and maths skills, as these will be key to success whilst on a programme at Nottingham College.

Your experience and level of study will be assessed at interview and this will determine your offer of a place at College.

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9 – 4 /A* –C including English and maths (equivalents may be considered), or Level 2 BTEC Diploma in a related subject at Merit. Plus a relevant portfolio of work or a demonstrated passion for the subject area. A GCSE in Maths and English is preferable.

All students will start on a 2-week Introduction to Access Course that will introduce the course, creative practice, theory and study skills. At the end of this 2-week Introduction to Access Course tutors will assess each students’ abilities and tutors will be able to decide if progression onto the full Access Course is the right choice in terms of student’s commitment and intentions to progress to Higher Education. If progression to Access is not suitable, a place on the 1 Year Pre-Access Art and Design will be offered.

Additional short courses will run throughout the year to support 19+ student’s skills onto a full-time Access/Pre-Access Course.

It is not possible to study both GCSE English and Maths while on this course.

You will need to bring evidence of art work to an informal interview.

Artwork can be any creative work you have previously produced:

  • Drawings
  • Sketches
  • Painting
  • Fashion and textiles
  • Photography
  • 3D work

You are encouraged to showcase your interests and strengths.

You will undergo continuous assessment as you progress through your course modules and you’ll also need to produce a portfolio of evidence for your work.

There are a whole host of exciting careers and degrees open to you including: graphic design, textile design, fashion design, interior design, fine art and illustration or other creative subjects.

You can even go on to university-level study here at Nottingham College, including:

  • Graphic design
  • Textiles
  • Fashion
  • Interior design
  • Fine art
  • Illustration
  • Another creative subject area

You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of your Access to HE course. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks.

If you progress on to degree level study and complete a full degree, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe. This means you do not have to repay it.

You may be able to study this course for free if you are aged 19-23 and planning to study towards your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3.

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

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Artists

Potential Earnings

£64,650.85

Average Earnings

£34,571.20

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Architecture and Planning

People in these occupations design construction projects, prepare technical drawings and blueprints, survey land, and plan land use.

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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