Art & Design | Level 1
Why this course?
Based within the exciting and vibrant Creative Industries department, our art & design courses provide you with the opportunity to build your skills in a wide variety of subjects including drawing, photography, painting, printmaking, 3D, textiles, fashion, graphics, illustration and digital skills. You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of techniques and processes in order to find your area of specialism. Industry based projects and work experience are a key feature of the art & design course, enabling you to to develop employability skills with the confidence to progress in the creative industries.
- Opportunities to gain valuable work experience with external clients
- Highly experienced teaching team
- Strong track record of progression to prestigious universities
- Fantastic facilities and your own studio space
Entry requirements
To start at this level you need at least 2 GCSEs at grade 2 (F) or above, preferably including English and maths, and a portfolio of your creative work.
Your portfolio of work must show your interest and enthusiasm for the subject area. You may be expected to talk about a favourite artist or designer, a piece of art work which has inspired you, or how you have developed your ideas. You will be required to bring sketch books, evidence of research and observational drawings, examples of developmental work, as well as some final pieces. We are also interested in looking at work you have completed in your own time, your hobbies and any work experience you have completed.
About this course
We will support you to research different artists and designers, and develop language and literacy skills through writing about your own work and ideas development.
We can also help you to identify your strengths and interests, whilst supporting you to improve in all areas required for progression in the creative industries.
You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of techniques and processes in order to find your area of specialism. Industry based projects and work experience are a key feature of the art & design course, enabling you to to develop employability skills with the confidence to progress in the creative industries.
Topics include
- Introduction to art, design and media skills
- Digital skills, such as Photoshop
- Drawing, painting and printmaking
- 3D/photography/fashion and textiles
Assessment
To pass the course you must pass all of the units.
An overall grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction is awarded for the final qualification.
Parental/carer consultations during the year are welcomed and valued. There are a number of consultation evenings scheduled throughout the year which provide the opportunity for parents/carers to gain feedback on their son/daughters’ progress made at college.
In addition to studying art and design, if you do not have GCSE grade 3 or above in English or maths you will study for a relevant English and/or maths qualification (Functional Skill or GCSE).
Facilities
The Creative Industries department at Brighton MET has an extensive and well-equipped range of practical working environments and art studios.
- Extensive and well-equipped range of practical working environments and art studios
- 3D printer, laser cutting machine, large scale ink jet printer, Canon EOS DSLR cameras, Mac animation suite, photographic suite
- Printmaking workshop (screen, lino, metal and dry point etching)
- Plaster, ceramics and glass workshops
- 3D wood, metal and plastics workshop including a forge, a pattern cutting room and fashion studios
Why the MET?
You will have the opportunity to work on real live projects commissioned by internal and external clients, and be nominated for the competitive and highly regarded annual UAL Origins Exhibition.
The MET's vibrant Visual Arts department has a broad range of staff who are all practising artists and designers involved in Brighton’s buzzing art and design scene. Our staff are here help you realise your potential.
Our experienced teaching staff are passionate about their areas of expertise and are committed to helping you to attain your learning goals and meet your personal aims.
You will work in artists’ studios with access to our 3D workshop, darkroom, printmaking studio, Mac suites and pattern cutting room.
Without a doubt, one of the reasons we know you will love studying at Brighton MET is the location of our Central Campus. Right in the heart of Brighton’s world-famous North Laine, the College is within walking distance of all the city’s main amenities – the award-winning city library, the independent shops and eateries and the beach.
After this course
Further study
This course prepares you to go on to a more advanced course such as the UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design, or UAL Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media.
Successful completion of a Level 2 course can lead onto study at Level 3 and then onto university, employment or an apprenticeship.
Future careers
- Graphic designer
- Illustrator
- Web designer
- Animator
- Fashion designer or maker
- Textiles designer, maker for printed, woven, embroidered fashion or furnishing fabrics
- 3D designer, maker, jewellery designer or product designer
- Interior designer
Work experience
Work experience enables you to develop links with employers, and put all of your skills, knowledge and experience into practice. It provides excellent portfolio content where you can demonstrate how you have taken your learning and applied it in a real setting. This will ensure you have a professional portfolio and provides the extra engagement employers and universities want to see.
Work experience can take a variety of forms such as work with an external company or work related experience working on live projects e.g. commissioned work from an internal or external client.
Your tutors will help and support you to find work experience, however you may wish to use your own contacts to secure your placement.
We encourage all students to take part in volunteering – this is great for your CV and demonstrates your willingness to give back something to your community.
Course fees and finance
This course is free (you do not have to pay fees) if:
- You are a UK citizen, hold EU Settlement Status or have a visa which could qualify you for home status.
- AND you are under 19 on 31 August in the year you are studying.
More information about fees for college courses and financial support for 16-19 year olds can be found here. Please speak to our Admissions team if you have any further queries: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
Additional costs
Some equipment and materials are provided by the college to enable you to complete each project. However, you will be required to purchase additional art kit and materials.
We also recommend you budget for £10 per week for any other consumable materials you may need appropriate to the development of your work.
There will be one trip in the year which will cost approximately £20.
Other courses you may be interested in …
Art & design course covering drawing, photography, painting, printmaking, 3D, textiles, fashion, graphics, illustration and digital skills.
This course gives a thorough introduction to the creative industries using a range of practices, and supports you to move onto Level 3.