Arts Practice BTEC HNC (full-time)
The one year HNC in Art Practice will allow you to explore your artistic practice through a broad diagnostic introduction to contemporary art. For example, painting, printmaking, sculpture or in an interdisciplinary way. In addition, you will develop methodologies for idea generation within an art context. The course will also introduce you to the philosophy and sociology of art. Art theory and contextual studies are delivered along side your practical art work. The course is run by art practitioners and they put an emphasis on professional practice through live projects and by enabling you to submit work to national art competitions, for example the Jerwood Drawing Prize. From this HNC course you can progress onto our 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
During this course you will study the following core compulsory units:
- Visual Communication
- Ideas Generation and Development
- Contextual and Cultural Referencing
- Professional Practice.
You will also study from a range of specialist units, including:
- Digital Image Creation and Development
- Exhibition of Art Work
- Management of Art Exhibitions
- Fine Art Painting
- Fine Art Sculpture
- Fine Art Printmaking
- Time-based Artwork
- Fine Art Ready-mades
- Site-specific Art Work
- Commissioned Art Work
- Drawing in Fine Art
- Development of a Fine Art Identity
- Development of a Fine Art Language
- Personal Development Through Drawing.
Some of these units are likely to be combined to form a final major project with unit five, Project Design, Implementation and Evaluation. In total you will study eight units on this course.
The course benefits from a guest speaker programme and students also have the opportunity to travel abroad on cultural visits for example Berlin or Amsterdam or New York.
Assessment methods
You will work with a range of specialist lecturers, including practising designers, in well-equipped studios and workshops. Project briefs are 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 you of personal progress and to aid assessment. Assessment is continuous throughout the course, with assignments graded at the end of each project.
Qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Art and Design
Further study and career options
Course progression:
Art & Design (Art Practice) BTEC HND
Career progression:
- Teacher Training at Bedford College
- Art Practitioner
- Illustrator
- Gallery Curator
- Conservation
Additional information
Additional costs
- Provision of basic art & design equipment such as: paint brushes, clay, plaster, wood, canvas, and any additional consumable materials demanded by personal project requirements.
- Resource fee of £150 to cover acrylic paint, oil paint, mediums, and printing/ink costs.
- Train fares for visits by train to London (normally up to two a year).
- A digital camera is advantageous but not essential.
To enrol on this course you must apply through the University & Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) using the institution code B23 and the course code AD01. Visit www.ucas.com or call us on 01234 291000 for more information.
Pay by instalments
The College offers an instalment plan for Further Education and Higher Education courses to students where the total amount payable at the point of enrolment is £200 or more. Within the scheme there is an ability to pay up to 7 instalments, depending on the length of the courses and the final payment must be paid at least a month before the end of the course.
Please note: You will be required to attend college 2 days per week (days to be confirmed)