About the course
Thinking about a career in the Creative Industries? Not sure which pathway you would like to take? Whether you're an aspiring musician or producer, interested in art or graphic design, would love to create video games or be part of the thriving immersive technologies industry this is the course for you.
A dynamic course that combines a fun experience in which you will develop practical skills using industry-standard equipment with research and writing skills to prepare you for degree level study.
Your lecturers are qualified industry professionals with up-to-date technical experience, which they will pass on to you. You will be studying in the University Studies studios and computing labs and will also be part of a thriving creative community.
There are many options to engage with industry and projects that allow you to gain experience along with your final qualification.
Entry requirements
Applicants must be 19 years of age or older on 31st August prior to the course beginning. Entry is by interview and successful completion of a task within a given timeframe.
Applicants will need to be motivated and be able to manage their own time.
Applicants would benefit from having both English and Maths at GCSE grade C/4 or above. If you have not achieved either of these qualifications, we highly recommend that should be working towards this, as it would most likely be an entry requirement for a university after the course has completed. We can give you further details at interview if you require either of these qualifications.
Learners will need to have a mature and responsible outlook, as they will be required to work with a high degree of independence throughout much of the course.
Qualifications
This is a unique opportunity to achieve a qualification that gives entry to Higher Education. The qualification is the CAVA Access to Higher Education Programme at Level 3 that can be completed from Pass grade to Distinction level.
What you'll learn (core modules)
Learners will be timetabled for one full day and two evenings per week with independent study days which will support research, experimentation, investigation and industry experience. The course covers core areas of the creative industries that will allow you to progress to degree level studies or to progress in the industry. These units are delivered by professionals with a wealth of experience in both industry and academia in their specialist subject areas. In addition to a range of creative units, there are a number of HE study units that will equip you with the tools required to study at the higher levels that a degree programme demands.
How will I be assessed?
The main assessment will be by collation of practical portfolio work with some reports, presentations and a final exhibition.
Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)
The course is delivered at:
University Studies Campus
73 Western Way
Bury St Edmunds
Suffolk IP33 3TB
Where will this course take me?
On successful completion you can automatically progress onto a number of honours degree programmes here at University Studies including BA (Hons) Art Practice, BA (Hons) Commercial Music Production, BA(Hons) Graphic Communication, BA (Hons) Video Games Design, BA (Hons) Interactive, Immersive and Entertainment Technology. Future career pathways include teaching, illustrator, artist, typographer, music producer, sound designer, composer, performance artist, graphic designer, animator, creative director, games developer, project manager, e-sports professional, games designer.
How much will it cost?
Funding is available via Student Finance England in addition to other funding methods.
The course fees are waived if the student is under 24 years of age and has not completed a full Level 3 qualification.
Students over 24 years can finance their course through an Advanced Learner Loan.
If you need help with funding
For further information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please head to our information page: Advanced Learner Loan
I'm interested. What should I do now?
Please apply online, or email us to find out more: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Days & times
Please contact us for dates and further information