This one year course is designed for mature learners, post ‘A’ Level students or anyone interested in broadening their knowledge of Art & Design. It will prepare you to progress to Higher Education or for a career in Art & Design, and is designed to fit around the school run.
This course will give you the opportunity to sample a wide variety of practical materials, techniques and processes in order to help decide which area of Art & Design you might wish to pursue. It will also help you to develop an understanding of visual language and give you a broad, firm, foundation in visual and technical Art & Design Skills in both two and three dimensions whilst developing self-confidence, self-reliance, self-motivation, self- awareness, problem solving, meaningful self-expression and critical analysis skills.
WHAT WILL I DO
During the course you will study many areas of Art & Design including:- Fine Art, Painting, Sculpture, Mixed Media, Photography, 3D Design, Graphic Design and 4D Time-Based Media. Art & Design will be placed in its historical and contemporary context through a range of practical projects, lectures, seminars and visits. We adopt a broad approach which enables you to develop informed decisions about your future.
The course is divided into 3 stages:- Exploratory; Pathway; and Confirmatory. You must pass each stage before progressing to the next stage.
Exploratory (Stage 1)
Gives you the chance to explore and experiment in the major areas of Art & Design:- lens-based media, printmaking, drawing, painting, sculpture, contextual studies, fine art, 3D design and computer graphics as well as gaining research and critical analysis skills. This stage is assessed continuously through work produced to briefs.
Pathway (Stage 2)
You must pass the Exploratory Stage before progressing to this stage.
This is still a time for exploration, experimentation and challenging preconceptions, but at this stage you will have decided on the specialist pathway you intend to follow. Your research and practical work will become more focused and more personal in your specialist area.
Confirmatory (Stage 3)
You must pass the Exploratory and Pathway Stage before you can progress to this stage.
This is your chance to show us what you are made of. This stage concludes with a major project, the outcome of which will be displayed in an exhibition. You will be working to a brief that you set yourself and agree with the external assessor, who will also visit the exhibition and confirm your final course grade.
As an Art & Design student you will have access to all of our Art, Design & Media facilities, which include dedicated studios for Art & Design, Ceramics and Print. A Film & Television Studio and Video Editing Suites. A Photography Studio, Black & White Dark Room, Developing Suite and Apple Mac Suites.
This course is studied full-time for one academic year, normally from September to the following June. There may be some flexibility with regard to hours for mature students.
You must be 16 years old or over (we welcome mature students)
You must have at least one GCE A Level and 3 GCSE’s Grade A*-C
You should also have a recent portfolio of work which demonstrates your enthusiasm for the subject, which you should bring with you to your interview.
You must also pass a diagnostic screener in English at Level 2.
In exceptional circumstances and subject to portfolio and interview students may be accepted onto the course without the formal qualifications. This is particularly so of mature students, where other qualification or experience may be credited.
Successful completion of the course would allow you to progress to Higher Education to study any aspect of Art & Design.
Full time Courses are free for those who are under 19 on 31 August of the year they start their course. For others, fees may vary depending on personal circumstances. Please enquire for details.
In 2010/11 fees will not exceed £700.00.
International and EU Students, please contact the International Office on +44 (0)1205 313212 or enquiry@boston.ac.uk for details on Fees.
There is a studio fee of £30.00, payable by November, and you may be asked to pay for educational visits. You will also be expected to provide your own personal media materials e.g. mini DV tapes, SD cards, external hard drives, camera film, printing costs.
Where courses last for more than one year, only the first year"s fees are shown.
You can apply for this course by applying online, by filling out an application form from the College prospectus or by contacting the Information Officer on 01205 313218 for further information.
The Information on this Course Information Sheet is correct at time of print, but can be subject to change at anytime.