Fine Art Higher National Diploma

This course is validated by Birmingham City University.
This exciting course will give you the crucial skills that you will need to become a professional artist working within the creative industries. You will have the opportunity to explore practical and personal responses to ideas and concepts through a variety of creative approaches and disciplines including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, installation, sculpture, digital artwork and printmaking.
In the first year (level 4) of the programme you will be actively involved in a series of skill building workshops in addition to modules designed to help you think critically and creatively. In the second year (level 5) you will gain the independence to develop your personal practice to reflect your own themes and interests. Across both years you will widen your knowledge through the exploration of contextual studies which focus on late 20th century art history and engage in debates regarding contemporary art theory and practice. You will be inspired by regular visits to contemporary art galleries and links with practising artists and curators through seminars. This course will also provide you with the chance to undertake ambitious exhibitions of your own at external venues, culminating each year in the graduation exhibition. You will study business and professional practice modules to develop your freelance and entrepreneurial skills through researching spaces, fundraising, marketing and curating your shows.
You will have access to your own studio space supported by excellent and spacious facilities for lens-based experimentation, casting, ceramics and glass, woodwork, metalwork, silk screen, etching, vacuum-forming, laser cutting, printed and constructed textiles and other materials. This is fully supported by onsite technicians with open workshop access and Apple iMac suites.