Access to HE Art & Design (Pre-Degree Foundation)

Open Awards
Study Area: 19+
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Part Time

Course Overview

The Access to HE Diploma: Art & Design provides an opportunity for anyone without the necessary qualifications to step up to Higher Education.

The aim of the Access to HE Diploma: Art & Design course is to produce fully rounded, enthusiastic, confident and creative students who can successfully engage with the complex boundaries of higher education in Art & Design. 

This one year course is aimed at mature students  who want the chance to progress onto a degree level qualification, even if they may not have A Levels. 

All students are supported by a system of individual and group tutorials. Attendance is two days per week (over one year). As the course is at Level 3, commitment is essential. In addition to your work at College you will be required to undertake independent study and research.

Start Date

Start Dates: Week Beginning 8th September 2025

12 hours per week

Monday & Tuesday

9:30am – 3:30pm

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

Applicants with no formal qualifications will be considered following the outcome of a guidance interview and on their portfolio of work. Candidates will be required to show a portfolio of work, enthusiasm and a commitment to the course at an interview.

  • Applicants who are  aged 18 will be considered based on interview

Progression

You may progress on to a BA Honours Degree, Foundation Degree or HND, self-employment or  become a freelance artist or designer.

Ideal courses would be the University Centre’s FD Art and Design and FD Graphic Media Communication both of which lead to a one year full honours degree top up.

Assessment Methods

Each unit will be assessed by a portfolio of visual evidence, a personal sketchbook, a presentation, essay/reports, a file of evidence/research and written evaluations and presentations.

Course Fees

Tuition Fee: £3,928

Registration Fee: £200

An Advanced Learner Loan is available to cover the cost of the Tuition Fee on this course. The Registration Fee is a separate fee, which you may not need to pay depending on your circumstances. Advice will be given about this during enrolment.

When you complete a HE qualification the Advanced Learner Loan is written off and you will not need to repay it.

Please contact Advice & Guidance for more information on 01422 399367 or see the Finance and Funding page.

Awarding Body

This diploma is validated and approved by Open Awards.

Career Opportunities

  • Photographer 
  • Fashion Designer 
  • Graphic Designer 
  • Game Design, Web design, Motion Graphics, interactive design 
  • Theatre Design, Fashion Design 
  • Product Design 
  • Architecture 
  • Illustration 
  • Graphic Design 
  • Special Effects Design 
  • Fine Art 
  • Sculpture 
  • Teacher Training 

Access to HE Art & Design (Pre-Degree Foundation)

Study Area: 19+
Duration: 1 Year
Attendance: Part Time
Unsure of which course to pick?

Calderdale College has a set of standard entry requirements. Apply for the course you want to study and we will help you get there.

There are a lot of courses available – work focused, practical and academic so it is important to think about the future and whether you want to proceed to university, move onto another course or get a job. We offer BTECs, Apprenticeships, T Levels, NVQs, VRQs, Degree Level Courses and more.

If you’re still not sure, don’t worry, just speak to a member of our advice and guidance team who will advise you.

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