About the course
This course will give students a broad and creative education in the exciting world of Digital Arts. Within The School of Art and Design students will work with a variety of digital image-making software and techniques. For individuals wanting to express their individual ideas and learn new skills for graphic novels, games design, special effects, illustration, animation and design - this is for you!
The School of Art and Design has a fantastic reputation and history of student achievement and progression. This will be a brilliant route into creating a future from something you love!
Entry requirements
Entry is by interview. Candidates will need at least two GCSEs grade C (4) or above. Having studied Art and Design or Graphic Design at GCSE is a considerable advantage. Applicants will have the opportunity to discuss the course content and requirements during interview and provide a portfolio of work demonstrating their creative ability. Applicants will need to be motivated and reliable. Students will also need to have a mature and responsible outlook, as they will be required to work to a high standard throughout the course.
Qualifications
Successful students will achieve the prestigious UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design (Digital Arts pathway - internal). Students achieving this qualification are expected to progress to one of our level 3 digital courses. These include Games Design, Graphic Design, Fashion Media & Promotion, Animation, Illustration, Interactive Media, Model Making, Photography or Art and Design (General). These level 3 qualifications are what universities and employers are looking for.
What you'll learn (core modules)
Taught by a dedicated team of professional lecturers this will be a fast-paced course that will develop your creative confidence and digital skills. Students will study a range of digital techniques in drawing, illustration, typography, character design, animation, motion graphics, games design, 3D design and image manipulation. Students will explore a variety of workshops to build varied skills, then develop more refined outcomes and complete a self-initiated project brief. Students work with state-of-the-art Apple Mac computers, drawing tablets, digital cameras and software - such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. Assignments will involve structured teaching of skills and an expectation to develop ideas and outcomes in a personal way. Students will study a range of digital work from around the world. Visits and presentations by professional digital artists will enrich the course further.
See some of the work our students have created on Instagram @lch_l2_digital_arts
Any student aged 16 to 19 who does not hold a GCSE A* to C (9 to 4 on the new grading structure) or equivalent qualifications in Maths and English by age 16 will need to continue to study these subjects in each academic year.
Benefits, skills and character strengths
In the School of Art and Design we have a culture of outstanding standards. All courses require resilience, determination to succeed and professional conduct. Full attendance and meeting assignment deadlines is critical to success. We are preparing individuals for university education and employment. Building character strengths and ambition underpins everything we do.
How will I be assessed?
There are no 'exams' for any of our qualifications within the School of Art and Design. Assessment is of presentation of the set assignments by the different lecturers. 1-1 recorded feedback and targets are given at key milestones. All work is assessed and verified internally. The Final Major Project in term 3 is moderated externally. Final qualifications are awarded at either a Pass, Merit or Distinction level.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
All aspects of the timetable are delivered in Leonardo House - a purpose-built Art School on the Bury St. Edmunds campus. Lessons are within specialist studios and workshops. These include 3D workshops, laser cutting/3D printing suite, fashion studios, a darkroom, photographic studios, ceramics workshop, drawing rooms, printmaking studio, interior design studio and 4 Apple Mac suites with over 120 I-Macs and 40 MacBooks.
Where will the course take me?
You will gain valuable skills across all creative specialisms, fully preparing you for progression onto a Level 3 course of your choice, these include: Graphic Design; Fashion Media and Promotion; Interactive Media and Model Making; Visual Special effects; General Art and Design; Fashion and Textiles; Games Design and Development & Photography. These courses provide the relevant UCAS points and portfolio standards to gain entry into university or employment.
Will I need any materials or equipment?
Students will need a range of basic art and design equipment (pens, notebook etc) and an external hard-drive/USB stick. A tablet and pen, digital camera, laptop/computer that can support Adobe CC is optional but not essential as all digital equipment needed is provided for use onsite. A fee for trips and enrichment is collected at the start of the year.
Days & times
Starting September 2021