Creative Arts with Contemporary Art & Design BA (Hons) top-up
You’ll be based in a studio space nestled alongside the Dean Clough gallery, with a thriving community of practicing artists on your doorstep, and exposure to the professional art world. UCAS Code: WR21
Entry Requirements: HND or Foundation Degree FdA (240 Credits) or equivalent
Course Info
Calderdale College is in the heart of a thriving and vibrant creative community. This one year top-up degree programme will be embedded into the creative scene in Calderdale whilst extending and applying specialist knowledge in a range of art and design practices.
The aim of the course is to first and foremost deliver a higher vocational education course that prepares the learner for employment within your chosen discipline and industry.
The delivery of this art and design qualification allows graduates to emerge with a degree award that develop their skills and knowledge.
The modules of study on this course include:
- Creative Focus (40 Credits)
- Professional Practice and Employability (20 Credits)
- Major Project (60 Credits)
- OR
- Professional Practice Teaching (20 Credits) AND Final Major Project Teaching
Using the modules to expand and gain discipline led explorations and experimentation to complete a qualification that has purposefully impacted on personal and professional development.
Teaching
You will be based in the renowned Dean Clough site, in a studio space nestled alongside the gallery spaces, the thriving community of practicing artists on your doorstep, and exposure to the professional art world. Teaching on the course is delivered through a variety of methods, including: practical workshops, media and material demonstrations, visits to local and national events and working with successful practitioners from the creative industries.
Your teaching will include tutor- and student-led sessions, with discussions, activities, group-work, seminars, and one-to-one tutorial opportunities. You will be in an enriching and immersive learning environment, which will enhance your development as a critical thinker.
One of the key strengths of our teaching at the University Centre is the amount of time we dedicate to supporting you as an individual student to help you get the best out of your programme. One-to-one tutorials with your tutor are important as they allow you to raise any particular issues you may be facing. Your tutor will be as supportive as possible in helping you work through these issues.
Lecturer Profiles
Course Leader: Yve Houghton, BA (Hons), PGCE, MA, has had an extensive career in design management, and has been running her own textile design consultancy for many years. Commissions over the years have included international blue-chip companies, hotel chains, banks, car manufacturers and organisations such as the International Wool Secretariat. She has collaborated with prominent designers and artists including Jeff Banks, Peter Howson, Michael Sodeau and Paolo Gucci. Yve also holds a post as senior lecturer at the University of Wolverhampton.
Lecturer: Carolyn Bowe, BA (Hons), PGCE, is an established Graphic Designer and Illustrator who divides her time between her design consultancy service and teaching. She has worked for international clients such as Rotary International, Channel 4, and the NHS, alongside many local organisations. With a specific interest in the digital application of art and design her current research focusses on augmenting traditional artworks with digital experiences. Currently completing work on her own MA, she has extensive professional experience with animation, ecommerce website design and the commercial application of design and merchandising.
Entry Requirements & Interview Process
Applicants must possess a HND or Foundation Degree FdA (240 Credits) in a subject area commensurate with the programme. Equivalent accreditation (240 Credits) from attending an Art & Design related course e.g. successful completion of a Level 5 at degree including evidence of achievement in historical and critical study comparable to Merit grade at HND or FD.
The University Centre actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Learning. You must show how the learning you have already completed matches the learning that is required on the programme you are applying for.
Student Testimonial

“I gained the much needed confidence to progress as a professional in the fashion industry. The industry-experienced tutors believed in and motivated me to become a successful young artist.”