Art & Design

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3D Design BTEC HNC (full-time)

This one year programme is designed to be a diagnostic introduction to contemporary 3-dimensional (3D) design, for example: interior design, product design including jewellery and furniture design. During the course you will have the opportunity to develop methodologies for idea generation and strategies for contemporary making. You will be exposed to new materials employed within the 3D design field like Jesmonite. In addition you will engage in contextual understanding of European design and 3D Design from various cultures. The course is run by design practitioners in the purpose built South Bank Arts Centre. The course is supported by workshops delivered by guest lecturers, cultural visits abroad to Europe and American cities. In addition, we show at several design exhibitions such as New Designers in London. On completion of the 3D Design programme you will have the opportunity to progress to the one year Higher National Diploma in Interior Design or the one year Higher National Diploma in Product Design.

I’ve always loved Art & Design. I studied Art at GCSE and A-Level at school, and then came to Bedford College to study the Art & Design Foundation Diploma (Pre-Degree). This gave me a great insight into studying Art & Design at a higher level. I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to specialise in Graphics or 3D Design, and the Foundation Diploma enabled me to try out both. After choosing 3D Design for my final project, my mind had been made up and I progressed on to the HNC followed by the HND.

When I first started out on the course, I enjoyed making the products more than the initial conception, but now it’s the other way round. I love looking at trends and then designing my own products in CAD – I have always enjoyed drawing and sketching ideas. My favourite projects have been a lamp made from jesmonite and a space saving desk. We get great support from our tutors, and, to be honest, they have been our saviours at times! It’s a really hands on course with plenty of materials available to you.

Last year I managed to secure myself a two day per week internship with Koti Studio near St Neots, which has been great, and I am now applying for full-time jobs in product or furniture design. For me, it’s definitely been a better option than university. My sister studied the Graphic Design HND here and went straight into a full-time job at the end of it; I’m hoping to do exactly that.

Jack - 3D Design HND

Entry requirements

You will need:

32-48 UCAS points with some art, design and media element OR
Art & Design BTEC Level 3 Diploma OR
Art & Design Foundation Diploma (Pre-Degree) OR
Equivalent Level 3 qualification

Entry is subject to a successful interview, where you will be asked to bring along a portfolio of your existing work. Applicants from A-Level courses displaying high levels of creativity will also be considered. We welcome applications from mature students who will considered individually on experience rather than qualifications.

Course content

You will study core and specialist units with the emphasis on building a creative portfolio which can be used:

To develop workshop and design skills
As a vehicle for gaining work with a range of prospective employers
As a possible basis for gaining entrance to a final year on a degree programme.

You will be encouraged to develop a highly individual ideas-based portfolio, pursuing your personal specialist interests from theory to materials and techniques. Students engage regularly with 'live projects' and talks, and have an impressive track record of engaging with commissions and working with established designers and craftspeople.

You will study the following core compulsory units:

Visual communication in art and design
Ideas generation and development in art and design
Contextual and cultural referencing in art and design
Professional practice in art and design.

In addition you will study from a range of specialist units, including:

Design principles
Product design
Design for performing arts
Specialist 3D technology and processes
Interior design
Properties of 3D material
Product design
Critical study in art and design
Professional studies in art and design
Lighting
Digital image creation & development.

Some of these units are likely to be combined to form a Final Major Project with unit five, Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation. As the course progresses you will be expected to develop more independence and autonomy, and negotiate a personal learning plan to support your practice.

Assessment methods

During the course you will work with a range of specialist lecturers (including practising artists and designers) in well-equipped studios and workshops. Project briefs will be set for each assignment, and you are encouraged to develop a personal response to each task. All activities are supported through one-to-one tutorials and group discussions to inform personal progress and aid assessment. Assessment will be continuous throughout the course, with assignments being graded at the end of each task.

Qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design (3D Design)

Further study and career options

On successful completion of the HNC, you can progress on to our own 3D Design BTEC HND, or choose to enter employment in a field such as jewellery design or model making.

Additional information

Additional costs

You will need a minimum of £100 per year for materials, dependent on project requirements.
Resource fee of £150 to cover: Jesmonite, sheet acrylic, timber, sheet/tube/bar brass.
Train fares for (optional) visits to the Design Museum and Material Lab in London.

Material Lab are run and funded by the UK’s leading tile manufacturer Johnson Tiles. They responded to what the art and design community desired: a place where inspiration and creativity go hand in hand, where you can immerse yourself in surface coverings of every kind no matter what it’s made from. Plastic, leather, vinyl, ceramic, paper, textile, glass… if it’s on the wall or the floor they've got it covered.

To enrol on this course you must apply through the University & Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) using the institution code BEDF B23 and the course code 192W. Visit www.ucas.com or call us on 01234 291000 for more information.

Please note: You will be required to attend college 2 days per week (Days to be confirmed)

Course Information & How to Apply

You will need to complete a UCAS online application form to apply for this course, available at www.ucas.com. The codes needed are located in the 'Additional information' section above. Please call the College on 01234 291000 if you have any queries about your application.