- FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
- EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
- SAFEGUARDING POLICY
- LEARNER VOICE POLICY
- ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
An access course is a great opportunity if you have been out of education for a while or do not have the qualifications you think you need to achieve a University level qualification. This one year programme introduces students with a limited experience in arts and design, to the range of opportunities available within the creative industries. Specifically designed for the mature students (19+), you will cover a range of disciplines including drawing, painting, design, printmaking, art history and photography. Throughout the year you will be working on developing a portfolio which may enable you to progress on to higher education. The end of the year will culminate in a final exhibition of work. The course is part time to fit in with those who have work or family commitments so you will be expected to provide additional work from home in your own time, approximately 10 hours a week. Recent routes of progression have included: BA (Hons) in Surface Pattern and Textiles, BA (Hons) Fine Art, HND Fine Art, Foundation Degrees in Product Design and Graphic Design and HNC in Design Crafts.
Assessment will be continuous throughout the course. The Access Certificate is awarded to those students who gain 60 credits.
Students over the age of 19 who can show evidence of their ability in the form of a small portfolio of drawings, an open mind and a keen interest and commitment to art.
If you are 24 years of age or older and don't already hold a level 3 qualification, then in most cases you will be eligible to receive an advanced learning loan from the student loan company to pay your fees.
The government has recently announced that access learners who then go on to successfully complete a higher education course will have this debt cancelled.
For more information about 24+ Advanced Learning Loans, please click here.
If you are under 24 years of age and do not hold a level 3 qualification already, there will usually be no tuition fee to pay.
If you are under 24 years of age but you do hold a level 3 qualification, the normal tuition fee is £1500. This can be divided into instalments upon request.
For further guidance and advice contact the Careers team on 01823 366 331, or email enquiries@somerset.ac.uk