About The School of Art, Design & Digital-Creative / Leonardo Creative House
We hope you apply and join one of our courses. You will belong to the biggest curriculum area at West Suffolk College - The School of Art, Design and Digital-Creative. We are thriving, fun and ambitious. Studying ONE subject that you truly connect with (with no exams) is a liberating joy. You will love it!
This year we have over 500 students studying a broad range of creative courses across different levels. We are fortunate to have our own purpose-built building – ‘Leonardo House’ – on the main campus. Over many years we have all worked hard to be considered one of the very best Further Education creative centres in the UK. We care about what we do and strive to develop the next generation of professionals for the UK and global Creative Industries. Our culture is one of very high standards and freedom of individual expression. You will be working with like-minded individuals and professional specialist staff. Being part of Leonardo Creative House is a great thing. With hard work you will thrive and progress to a rewarding future.
Derek Johnson – Director of The School of Art & Design / Leonardo Creative House
The course - what is it all about?
Focusing on the one subject you love and developing your skills alongside other like-minded artists is a truly brilliant thing. The happy days of art college will last a lifetime and launch you into a career.
We have Art & Design courses at a range of levels - all of which are outstanding. Entry to different levels depends on your entry qualifications and this is clarified in a section below. On all courses you will learn and develop a broad range of creative, technical and professional skills. These include illustration, fine art, design skills, 3D/sculpture, innovative digital work, animation, printmaking, painting and photography. These are delivered across different assignments in specialist studios with specialist staff. As courses progress students will focus more and more on their own creative interests and individual skills. This mix of very structured teaching and the culture of open expression are the core of our thriving Art & Design courses.
The courses and what you need to get a place:
- UAL Level 1 Diploma in Art, Design & Media (1 year)
- UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design (1 year)
- UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (internal pathway: Art & Design (General)) (2 years)
- UAL Level 3-4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Post A-level – pre-degree level)
What level will you do? - Put simply – to gain a place a level 3 you will need at least four x GCSEs grade 4 or above. We would like least one of these needs to be in Maths or English. If you feel you may not achieve this then level 1 or 2 will be the perfect first step. These are outstanding courses. We are flexible to individual circumstances. At interview (do not worry it is a very pleasant meeting!) we will discuss levels and your entry skills.
For the UAL Level 3-4 Foundation Diploma Art & Design you will need a level 3 qualification/s. This is typically A-levels or an Extended Diploma.
All will be fine!
Select a course to find out more and apply
- Architecture (Conceptual) Extended Diploma Level 3
- Art and Design (General) Extended Diploma Level 3
- Art and Design Award Level 1
- Art and Design Diploma Level 2
- Art and Design Foundation Diploma Level 3
- Computer Games Design and Development Extended Diploma Level 3
- Decorating and Design Diploma Year 2
- Digital Arts Diploma Level 2
- Fashion and Textiles Extended Diploma Level 3
- Fashion Media and Promotion Extended Diploma Level 3
- Foundation in Media and Film Level 2
- Graphic Design Extended Diploma Level 3
- Interactive Media and Computer Arts Extended Diploma Level 3
- Interior Design, Styling and Decoration Extended Diploma Level 3
- Media and Film Production Extended Diploma Level 3
- Photography Extended Diploma Level 3
- Social Media and Journalism Extended Diploma Level 3
- Visual Special Effects and Animation (including Model Making) Extended Diploma Level 3
The first step is to make an application for the area you are interested in. You will have the opportunity to discuss the different course options available during the interview stage and staff will confirm which course is suitable for your future plans.
What the courses cover
Creative and Technical skills:
- 2D illustration and design skills
- Drawing and painting
- 3D making skills – media and processes
- Printmaking
- Animation
- Digital – various software – including Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Idea generation
- Exploration and experimentation of media and processes
- Independent development of studio work into own unique outcomes
- Contextual studies – historical and modern international art and design – and connections to the wider world.
Professional Skills:
- Working on ‘live’ assignments
- Meeting deadlines
- Working with focus and independence
- Communication
- Presentation of outcomes
- On-line professional social media profile
How will I be assessed?
All courses and levels are assessed against submitted coursework by a deadline - work with NO sat exams. All are assessed at Pass, Merit, Distinction levels against the qualification unit criteria.
We are proud to be a University of the Arts London (UAL) accredited college. This is the largest creative awarding body in Europe.
NOTE: All level 3 courses carry the required UCAS points for university applications.
Where will it take me?
Level 1 and 2 students progress to levels 2 and 3.
Level 3 students progress to university or employment. Annually about 75% of our level 3 students decide to progress to university. They all successfully gain places. Our students progress to the very finest universities such as Chelsea, Central Saint Martins, Manchester, Nottingham Trent, London College of Fashion, Norwich, Southampton and many others.
Outstanding aspects and highlights
We love doing as many enriching things as possible. This ensures your educational experience is varied, challenging and positive. Recently art & design students have:
- Various local, national and international trips and residentials
- Visits to the studio and foundry of Laurance Edwards – internationally renowned sculptor
- Various exhibitions – online and in a gallery format
- Been selected and exhibited for the prestigious UAL 'Origins' exhibition in London
- Presented nationally on the UAL 'Student Takeover' Instagram
- 'Live' assignments and paid freelance work opportunities