HND Art & Design : Visual Arts
Subject Area
Art & Design, Fashion & Creative Crafts
Student Type
Students aged 16-18 | Adults
Study Mode
Full Time
Course Type
Higher Education
What is the course about?
Within the HND year you will consolidate your technical skills by focussing in on the areas which are most important to your future progression. These include traditional and non-traditional, conceptual, installation art, approaches to drawing and painting, life drawing, printmaking, and ceramics. You will also deepen your understanding of contextual references whilst developing an analytical and reflective approach to your work.
The programme can be studied full time over one year (attending two days per week) or part time over two years (attending one day per week).
Why should I choose the course?
This course is delivered by highly specialised staff who have a wealth of industrial and teaching experience. The projects you will undertake will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to progress into industry. There will be plenty of opportunities to develop your artistic practice in a highly supportive learning environment. We work closely with local employers and enterprises to deliver a breadth of live projects. These have included:
- Producing commissioned artwork for Cine Window in Winsford, Winsford Library and Blakemere Craft Centre.
- Undertaking projects to develop self-employment skills such as producing artwork for the Warrington Christmas Markets.
- Taking part in social action projects such as collaborative projects with Mind Mental Health Charity.
External exhibiting at local venues such as the Lion Salt Works in Northwich.
What will I learn?
You will gain a full understanding of contextual referencing in order to develop and inform your own practice. Within the HND you will develop the skills to be autonomous as an artist, gaining a full understanding of professional practice, working collaboratively, and developing advanced art practice skills. You will exhibit your artwork to a professional standard. Throughout the programme you will gain a full understanding of fine art curation and how to market yourself as an artist.
HND/Level 5 will consist of the following core mandatory units:
- Unit 32 Professional development
- Unit 33 Applied practice collaborative project (Pearson-set)
- Unit 40 Advanced art practice studies.
Plus the following optional units:
- Unit 48 Conceptual practice
- Unit 64 Advanced life drawing
- Unit 50 Material selection and specification.
Please note that modules listed are indicative and may be subject to change. We do not guarantee that a non-mandatory unit will always run in any given academic year as options may be dependent on student numbers, sector requirements, and staff expertise.
You will be assessed formatively throughout the programme. This will take place through one-to-one tutorial, questioning, peer critique, small group and whole class critique, teacher facilitation, target setting, and ongoing review. Summative assessment will take place following the submission of each unit. Each unit is graded as pass, merit, or distinction and you will receive in depth written and verbal feedback to communicate the grade awarded.
What will the course lead on to?
Following completion of the HND you can progress on to university to complete a top-up to achieve a BA hons degree, become a professional artist, or enter employment within the creative industries.
Are there any links with industry and university?
Throughout the course, visiting artists and guest lecturers will visit the college to deliver talks and technical demonstrations. Working processes and techniques are developed in line with industry and this will be articulated throughout the programme. You will be encouraged to visit local artists in their studios, as well as gallery exhibitions, in order to broaden your understanding of professional practice. You will have the chance to exhibit your work both internally and externally in order to create links with galleries and develop curator and exhibition skills to aid you in becoming a professional maker.
There will be a range of local trips delivered across the year. Typically, these include Liverpool and Manchester art galleries. There will also be a foreign residential gallery trip which will be available to HND students.
Throughout the course you will be expected to work as a practicing artist. This will involve having a workspace outside of college in order to develop your practice. This could be either at home or in a separate studio. Work placement will be completed via a commissioned fine art response, and this will be fully planned into the projects.
What support is available?
All HE students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.
We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed. All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.
For further information on HE student support please visit:
https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education/higher-education-student-support/
Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college. The college offers a HE Hardship Fund that students can apply to access.
For further information on HE funding support please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education
Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
The college offers a very high-quality education for HE students. HE student feedback is strong, and students are highly complimentary of their learning experience. HE students have access to specialist facilities and resources to support their programme of study as well as designated HE learning spaces to support independent study.
Here at Warrington & Vale Royal College we have a team of dedicated, experienced staff who can share their extensive knowledge and skills with you. Learning in a friendly and inclusive environment, you will be fully supported to achieve your goals.
What are the entry requirements?
You must have the following:
- A HNC in Fine Art, as the HND one year programme is a direct follow on from the HNC.
AND
- A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE English (language or literature)
- A* to C grade and/or 9 to 4 in GCSE maths is also recommended.
Non-native English speakers who have not undertaken their final two years of schooling in English need to demonstrate capability in English at a standard equivalent to the levels identified below. This is necessary before being recruited to the programme, as the programme is both taught and assessed in English:
- Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) level B2
- IELTS 5.5; reading and writing must be 5.5.
All HNC/HND programmes require the completion of a personal statement and curriculum-set task prior to an admissions interview being offered. Further information on this will be provided to you upon receipt of your application. You will also be required to provide a reference from one of the following options:
- A previous course leader/teacher (if progressing from a recently attended further or higher education course)
- A recent or current employer
An appropriate professional who can provide a character reference (if you have not been in recent education or employment).
What are my funding options?
Students applying to study on a Higher Education course can apply for a HE student loan at www.gov.uk/student-finance.
For further finance support and enquiries please visit https://wvr.ac.uk/adults/higher-education
Are there any additional costs associated with the course?
You will be required to purchase sketchbooks to use for the duration of the course. You will also be advised to put together a collection of your own personal hand tools, materials, and equipment, dependent on your own specialisms and interests. This may include palette knives, specialist paint brushes, clay modelling tools, oil paints, watercolours, and raw applied arts materials. A list of desirable tools, equipment, and materials plus details of where to purchase these from will be provided during induction.
In addition to materials, we run a range of trips to local universities, museums, and galleries e.g., Liverpool John Moores University, Tate Liverpool, Manchester City Art Gallery, and the Whitworth Gallery. There is usually a cost of approximately £10 per local trip. Additionally, we offer an annual optional European residential trip, which can cost between £300 - £450.
The college provides all students with £3 print credit. Any further printing will incur a cost.
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