About the course
About The School of Art, Design & Digital-Creative / Leonardo Creative House
We hope you apply and join one of our courses. You will belong to the biggest curriculum area at West Suffolk College - The School of Art, Design and Digital-Creative. We are thriving, fun and ambitious. Studying ONE subject that you truly connect with (with no exams) is a liberating joy. You will love it!
This year we have over 500 students studying a broad range of creative courses across different levels. We are fortunate to have our own purpose-built building - 'Leonardo House' - on the main campus. Over many years we have all worked hard to be considered one of the very best Further Education creative centres in the UK. We care about what we do and strive to develop the next generation of professionals for the UK and global Creative Industries. Our culture is one of very high standards and freedom of individual expression. You will be working with like-minded individuals and professional specialist staff. Being part of Leonardo Creative House is a great thing. With hard work you will thrive and progress to a rewarding future.
Derek Johnson - Director of The School of Art & Design / Leonardo Creative House
The course
Our Level 2 Digital Arts course is a busy, inspiring and imaginative educational adventure. The work produced by students is amazing and there is always a real buzz in the studios. The course will lead you into the thriving UK and global creative-digital industries - if you work hard. Working alongside others with similar interests and ambitions is a special thing - building friendships and business relationships that can last a lifetime.
Students work on a variety of assignments that target imagination, digital skills, individual expression and professional standards. You will be taught by skilled professional artists and designers. You will become fluent with creative software and processes with speed. Bringing you personality to your work is key. On this course you will produce outcomes that you will be truly proud of. The assignments encourage individual flair and fascinations to flourish. Timetabled sessions are structured and pacey. Developing your work and grades outside college is absolutely vital to your success.
Students will be required to build an online business presence to showcase their work and skills. You will also exhibit your work throughout the year and at or End of Year Show.
What you need to get a place
For level 2 students usually have a minimum of two GCSEs at grade 4 or above, We are highly flexible to individual circumstances. Applicants do not need to have studied art and design preciously. At interview (do not worry it is a very pleasant meeting!) we will discuss levels and your entry skills. All will be fine!
What the course covers
Creative and Technical skills:
- 2D digital illustration and design skills
- Animation skills
- Digital art with various software - including Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- 3D digital software
- Photography
- Use of hardware such as a graphics tablet
- Idea generation
- Exploration and experimentation of media and processes
- Independent development of studio work into own unique outcomes
- Contextual studies - historical and modern creative practice and wider world inspirations
Professional Skills:
- Working on 'live' assignments
- Meeting deadlines
- Working with focus and independence
- Communication
- Presentation of outcomes
- Online professional social media profile
How will I be assessed?
All courses and levels are assessed against submitted coursework by a deadline - work with NO sat exams. All are assessed at Pass, Merit, Distinction levels against the qualification unit criteria.
We are proud to be a University of the Arts London (UAL) accredited college. This is the largest creative awarding body in Europe.
Where will it take me?
Level 2 students progress to 3. We deliver a broad range of outstanding and specialist creative courses at level 3.
Level 3 students progress to university or employment. Annually about 75% of our level 3 students decide to progress to university. They all successfully gain places. Our students progress to the very finest universities such as Chelsea, Central Saint Martins, Manchester, Nottingham Trent, London College of Fashion, Norwich, Southampton and many others.
Outstanding aspects and highlights
We love doing as many enriching things as possible. This ensures your educational experience is varied, challenging and positive. Recently Digital Arts students have:
- Various local and national trips and residentials
- Visits to the studio and foundry of Laurence Edwards - internationally renowned sculptor
- Various exhibitions - online and in a gallery format
- Undertaken street art at Brick Lane in London
- Been selected and exhibited for the prestigious UAL 'Origins' exhibition in London
- Presented nationally on the UAL 'Student Takeover' Instagram
- 'Live' assignments and paid freelance work opportunities
Days & times
Starting September 2023
Days & times
Starting September 2023