Access to Higher Education Diploma – Art and Design

This programme aims to provide a firm foundation for study at degree level.

Study skills and educational guidance form essential parts of the course.

Tutorial sessions support learners and offer guidance with the UCAS process and study skills.

The Diploma is taught by subject specialist teaching staff in a supportive environment to develop the academic skills necessary to progress onto higher education. You will have homework and assignment work set each week with strict deadlines.

Although you only need to attend College part time, you’re expected to dedicate up to 20 hours per week to self-study, making it equivalent to a full time commitment.

Additional support is available for students for particular difficulties/needs.

There is also:

• A Learning Support Team
• Learning Resource Centres (LRCs)
• Future Steps Team
• Adult Advice Team
• Designated study space specifically for our Higher Education and Access to Higher Education students

Funding
Funding and Advanced Learner Loans are available for this course. Click here to view Funding Options A and C.
A bursary may also be available. For further information on your funding options, please phone 01392 400170 or email adultadvice@exe-coll.ac.uk for advice.

The course comprises units of study in a range of art and design disciplines.

Units may include:

• Ceramics Working with Clay
• Colour Theory and Application
• Contextual Studies in Art and Design
• Final Major Project – Artefact and Exhibition
• Graphic Design
• History of Art and Design
• Observed Drawing
• Perspective Drawing
• Photography Skills
• Portfolio and Progression
• Preparing an Exhibition in Art and Design
• Textiles
• Working with 3D Media

Study Skills

• Academic Study Techniques
• Presentation Skills
• Producing a Written Assignment
• Progressing to Higher Education

The modules are chosen to give a broad-based understanding of art and design and a grounding in a range of skills in preparation for University.

Please note, these are subject to change.

Students may also be enrolled on a supplementary IT course, at no extra cost. Essential Digital Skills has been designed to enhance and polish IT skills for use in the real world and is vital for university and future careers.

Progression routes
Past students have gone on to work in or study various subjects, including: Animation, Photography, Textile Design, Graphic Design, Fine Art, Illustration, Architecture, Conservation, Fashion and Games Design.

GCSE English Grade C (or Grade 4) or above or IELTS score of 6.5 overall and no less than 6.5 in any other section for all International and non-speaking English students. The test should be no older than 2 years prior to the start of the programme. You can also access English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) or adult GCSE English courses at the College.

Some universities will also require you to have GCSE Maths grade C or grade 4 or above before applying; this will mean you will need to complete this before starting the Access Diploma. Please check this before applying to the Access Diploma.

The Art and Design Department has eighteen art studios, a print workshop, a ceramics workshop, a 3D workshop, photographic darkrooms, Photoshop and PremierPro software on PCs. You will also have access to the College Learning Resource Centres (LRCs). There are study areas specifically for Access to Higher Education and Higher Education students.

As well as the course fees, applicants need to factor in food, travel, books and stationery and printing costs. Applications for our College Bursary Fund are advisable for applicants who know that they may struggle financially. There will also be UCAS fees, you will need to buy several large sketchbooks.

Please be aware that there are no car parking facilities at Exeter College city centre sites, but public car parks are available across the city.