Access to HE Diploma (Art and Design)

Develops the ability to write about art and design in an academic register, structuring arguments about visual work, using critical vocabulary accurately and referencing sources appropriately. These skills underpin the analytical and contextual written work required throughout the diploma.

Equips learners with strategies for engaging with art criticism, design theory and cultural commentary, alongside effective note-making methods that support research and essay writing. Understanding how language constructs meaning in different contexts is a central focus.

Introduces the principles of colour theory, examining how hue, saturation and value interact and how colour harmony and contrast can be applied purposefully in creative work. Learners explore a range of colour schemes and consider their psychological and cultural significance.

Develops technical drawing skills in perspective, including one-point, two-point and multi-point systems, and explores how perspective can be used expressively as well as technically. Learners produce perspective drawings that demonstrate spatial awareness and compositional control.

Builds foundational drawing skills through the exploration of media, materials and compositional strategies, developing observational accuracy and an individual approach to mark-making. Learners apply the formal elements of art — line, tone, texture, form, colour and space — in their own practice.

Explores visual language as a means of communication and personal expression, encouraging learners to develop ideas through sustained sketchbook practice that reflects analytical inquiry and visual curiosity. The sketchbook is established as a central tool for research, experimentation and development.

Situates creative practice within its historical and cultural context, examining how social, political and intellectual movements have shaped the development of art and design from ancient times to the present. Learners develop their own contextual research skills and learn to articulate ideas using appropriate art historical vocabulary.

Encourages systematic exploration of a range of media, materials and processes, assessing their properties and suitability for specific creative purposes. Learners also consider health and safety in studio practice and develop an informed approach to material selection in their own work.

Develops learners’ ability to combine diverse media and materials creatively, producing works of art that demonstrate technical skill, conceptual intent and an awareness of how mixed media approaches have been used by contemporary and historical artists.

Examines the history and theory of symbol and sign design, and guides learners through the process of creating and evaluating visual identities including corporate logo systems. Learners present finished work professionally and reflect critically on their design decisions.

Develops practical photography skills including control of light, exposure and white balance, alongside an introduction to image editing software. Learners explore a variety of themes and styles through a series of photographs, presenting a cohesive body of work that demonstrates creative and technical growth.

Focuses on the research and ideation process, encouraging learners to generate, record and develop creative ideas from a range of starting points using both primary and secondary sources. Learners evaluate their ideas critically and refine them into resolved creative samples.

Introduces the principles of three-dimensional design by guiding learners from initial brief and research through to the production of a three-dimensional realisation. Learners explore spatial relationships, materials and structural considerations in the development of their work.

Provides an extended opportunity to develop and complete a self-directed art or design project, from initial research and idea development through to production and critical reflection. This unit demonstrates the learner’s ability to sustain a creative idea to a high standard of finish.

Guides learners through the process of selecting, presenting and contextualising their best work in a professional portfolio, alongside the development of a personal statement. This unit directly supports university application and is particularly important for art schools that require a portfolio submission.