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Key details

Course area
Art and Design
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 1
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
25 Stoney Street 25 Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LP
Course code
Parent course code:C022520 Child course code: Q022521

Course introduction

This course is accredited by the University of the Arts London awarding body, Europe's largest specialist arts and design university.

You’ll learn the different aspects of art and design, as well as the experience you’ll need to bring your ideas to life.

The practical sessions will give you skills in drawing, painting, textiles and fashion, ceramics, print-making and graphic design and 3D Design.

Projects will also develop your employability skills in being organised, planning, communicating and working with others, which will support your progression to further study in the Creative Arts.

All students will continue weekly studies of English and Maths (Functional Skills or GCSE) as part of the Programme of Study, at a relevant level, unless you have already achieved GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths.

You can expect to learn in our bustling campus on Stoney Street, with hands-on work and research-based activities.

Our experienced and friendly tutors will help you complete a range of creative projects and assignments and develop your specific interests in art and design.

Different progression opportunities and careers will be explored, with you within art and design, media, photography, and fashion and textiles.

Course information

1 year

Art, Design and Media (Level 1 UAL Diploma)

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 3–1 (D–G), including English Language and Maths at grades 3-1 (D–G) or a relevant Entry 3 vocational qualification and you will also be asked to sit an Initial Assessment.

The Initial Assessment must show that you are ready to study English and Maths at Level 1. If your results are lower than this, don't worry, we'll find the right course for you – the BTEC Level 1 Introductory Diploma in Art and Design may suit you better.

You will be invited to an informal interview at College with an Art and Design Tutor.

We ask you to bring a folder of artwork to show your drawing skills and interest in art and design to the interview. This will help tutors guide you onto the right course and level. Work can be done at School and/or in your own time.

Assessment is based on practical tasks, projects and productions, supported by a record of written evidence.

Choose to follow with further study at Nottingham College on a Level 2 course in your chosen area.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

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

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.

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.