Do you have a passion for art, are curious to explore, and aspire to new challenges? Then this specialist course could be for you.
You’ll work with an encouraging and supportive creative team to find your own unique style before specialising in your own preferred pathway:
We work closely with industry professionals in order to provide an opportunity to build a valuable network right from the start. Competitions, collaborative working and live projects give you the confidence and skills to progress into employment or university.
You will learn through experimentation and exploration by engaging in practical and theory sessions, work on live briefs with industry specialists, discover the work of other artists and designers, find opportunities for career and progression routes and visit galleries and places of cultural and educational interest.
In year 1 you will build skills and confidence in the creative process exploring a range of practical skills using a range of materials and techniques – drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, graphics and illustration.
We give regular feedback, designed to help you be the best you can building to your final major project, a body of work that shows your strengths and personal interests, based around the areas in which you excel and reflecting your research, contextual design, presentation and, of course, your practical skills.
In year 2 you’ll advance your skill set and professional qualities building towards the extended final major project, showcasing how far you have come. Assessed on your professional portfolio of work, you will be ready to progress to university or the other exciting next steps in your creative career.
On completion of this course, you will have produced a strong and broad portfolio of work that you can then share with potential employers or to gain further studies at University.
Our students have progressed in the following creative careers:
The standard entry requirements for this course are:
5 GCSE grade 4 or above (grade A*-C), including English and Maths and a creative subject studied at GCSE. You will have a chat with our teachers and you’ll need to bring a portfolio of work to this (this can be digital).
Applicants who do not meet all the course entry requirements, may still be considered. If not able to continue with their application to this course, an alternative course will be explored and further advice and guidance offered.
Throughout this qualification you will build skills, competencies and confidence in the creative process, understanding how to reflect on your practice and unlock your creative potential.
We’ll give you regular feedback, designed to help you be the best you can, be it in practical work, concept development and design or how you creatively problem solve.
You are graded at the end of each year. In year one this is the final major project, a body of work that shows your strengths and personal interests and is based around where you excel. Reflecting your research, contextual design, presentation and, of course, your practical skills.
Top-up onto the extended diploma in year two and you will advance your skill set and professional qualities building towards the extended final major project, showcasing how far you have come.
Assessed on your professional portfolio of work, you will be ready to progress to university or the other exciting next steps in your creative career.
As a team we are highly motivated and positive and believe that an open mind and a can do attitude is the best way for you to get the most out of your learning.
We work closely with our students and often learn from each other to embrace creativity, share new ideas and celebrate at the end of year with an exhibition of the fantastic work produced.
Live projects are an exciting and important part of the course. You’ll work on live commissions or receive work placements with external companies.
Our network of employer partnership includes:
This is an amazing opportunity to show you can work to a live brief with your own style of work; perfect to add to your CV.
“We were amazed at the work the students produced.” Newcastle Crown Court
“It was great working with the college on this project to commemorate these iconic structures, which have been a familiar sight in Redheugh for more than a century.” Northern Gas Networks
Our team will support you throughout the course to help you to decide on your next steps, whether that is into work or onto university or further study. After the course, you can progress onto an appropriate Level 3 or 4 foundation course or university programme.
The college has award-winning careers advisers, offering one to one help with UCAS applications or advice on routes into employment or starting your own freelance career.
The course attracts up to 168 UCAS points if fully completed.
“I am able to express myself on this course which is good.” Jamie
“The improvement in my personal work is amazing!! I love the course and all the new things I’ve learnt.” Melissa
“The facilities are fantastic and the staff are very supportive and encouraging. I would not hesitate to recommend it to others. I have learnt a great deal and it has given me confidence to apply to university. It has been a dream come true.” Linda
“A vibrant and positive environment to work in. Purposeful and enthusiastic creative minds to work with all year. I Love it!” Kafui Avornyo, Teacher.
“I work with a fantastic team our skills, knowledge and personal attributes contribute to ensuring our students are provided with exceptional teaching and exciting innovative projects. There is always a real buzz in the department.” Sharon Fenwick, Curriculum Leader.
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
Knowledge
Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Median Salary
£32,656
Averge Qualifications
Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
£10,950
Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
£32,487
Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
£33,166
Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
£67,398
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
£21,718
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
JOIN OUR SPORTS ACADEMIES
Eight specialist sport academies, all offering first class training, coaching and playing opportunities for everyone, regardless of what you study.
Connect with our Academy socials:
Enrolment Event
Monday 16 March 2026
Say Hello to HE Music
Monday 23 March 2026
UPCOMING EVENTS.
Find out about all our upcoming events here. Simply sign up and come along.
View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.