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Head of Creative Arts & Media: David Ward

Tel: 01473 382585

The Creative Arts & Media Curriculum Centre is one of the largest providers of art and design, media, music and drama education in the East of England. It offers a wide and diverse range of courses. Approximately 350 full-time and 70 part-time students enrol each year on a variety of courses.

ART AND DESIGN

BTEC Introductory Diploma in Art, Design & Media.

Course Length: One year

Course Level: 1

What you need to join the course:

Applicants must demonstrate an interest in the subject through the production of examples of work at interview.

Course content:

This exciting course is designed to offer a broad introduction to Art, Design & Media at an introductory level. Students will be encouraged to develop the personal skills and attributes that they will need in order to develop confidence in their ability to work, learn and achieve their full potential at level 1. These artistic skills and attributes, coupled with basic and key skills are developed in a variety of practical projects which explore drawing, painting, design, animation, photography, graphics and computer aided design (CAD).

Progression opportunities:

On successful completion of the course, and with a good Merit profile, students can progress onto the First Diploma in Art & Design (level 2) or the First Diploma in Media (level 2)

First Diploma in Art and Design

Course Length: One year

Course Level: 2

What you need to join the course:

Normally applicants will have four GCSEs at grade D, together with a suitable portfolio or recent work and a clear interest and enthusiasm for Art and Design. Ideally applicants will have a GCSE grade C or above in an art-related subject.

Course content:

This popular course is designed to offer a broad introduction to the study of Art and Design. It consists of a variety of related workshops including Drawing, Printmaking, Graphics, Animation, Photography, Textiles and 3D Design. These practical workshops are supported by the theoretical study of Art and Design coupled with key skills.

Progression opportunities:

On successful completion of the course, and with a good merit profile, students can progress onto the National Diploma in Art and Design (level 3)

National Diploma in Art and Design

Course Length: Two years

Course Level: 3

What you need to join the course:

Normally a minimum of four GCSEs at grace C or above including Art and English or successful completion of First Diploma in Art and Design with a Merit profile. A portfolio of recent work which demonstrates potential and a commitment to Art and Design.

Course content:

This exciting and highly successful course offers a broad approach to Art and Design, which aims to encourage students to develop a range of skills, techniques and attitudes, which are essential for career development in Art and Design-related subjects. The course provides a broad programme of study made up from a range of common course units and specialist units. During the two years students will have the opportunity of exploring the workshops which relate to each of the main areas of Art and Design and they can choose to have either a specialist or broad Art and Design experience. The main specialist areas of study are 3D Design, Animation, Ceramics, Digital Art and Design, Fashion, Fine Art, Graphics, Illustration, Moving Image, Painting, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture and Textiles. The core Art and Design unites include: Drawing, Computers in Art and Design, Contextual and Historical Studies, Design Methods, Ideas and Concepts, Materials, Techniques and Process and Visual Communication.

Progression opportunities:

Foundation or honours degree courses or junior work in the design industry. This course has an outstanding record of placing students into Higher Education.

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Course Length: One year

Course Level: 3

What you need to join the course:

A Levels including Art and Design and a recent portfolio of work, which shows evidence of drawing and a commitment to the subject. Mature students who show the potential to progress to a degree level of study will be considered and encouraged.

Course content:

This very successful course is designed to prepare students for Higher Education in a variety of specialist areas. The course offers students the opportunity to work in a wide range of practical workshops including Animation, Design Crafts, Fashion, Print Making, Sculpture, Moving Image, Photography, Painting, Digital Art and Design, 3D Design, Textiles, Graphics and Illustration, supported by a strong drawing programme and a lively contextual studies input, which includes regular trips to galleries, nationally and internationally. Commitment and energy are essential to complete the course successfully.

Progression opportunities:

Foundation or honours degree courses or junior work in the design industry. This course has an outstanding record of placing students into Higher Education. Recent students have progressed to the finest degree courses in the UK.

The end of year Summer Show Exhibition will be open to the public in June 2010.

MEDIA

First Diploma in Media

Course Length: One year

Course Level: 2

What you need to join the course:

Normally a profile of GCSEs at grade D, although ideally applicants will have a grade C in English. Successful completion of a specific written task is also required, and an interview with a member of the team. Most importantly is a demonstration of an enthusiasm for media and media production.

Course content:

Units studied include Understanding the Media, Media skills Development, Research for Media Products, Video Production, Audio Production and Advertising Production. All assessment is based around coursework and there are no exams. Students also study Key Skills in Numeracy, Communication and IT.

Progression opportunities:

Most students progress onto the BTEC National Diploma in Media Production. Some leave for employment at very junior levels in the industry.

National Diploma in Media

Course Length: Two years

Course Level: 3

What you need to join the course:

Normally a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above including English or an equivalent qualification or a First Diploma in Media with a Merit Profile. A place on the course will also require an interview, successful completion of a piece of set written work and a demonstration of enthusiasm for the media and media production. Mature students without formal qualifications are also considered on the basis of experience.

Course content:

Moving Image Pathway includes single camera drama (including directing, camerawork and design), video editing, writing for film and TV, music video production and documentary production. Audio Pathway includes music industry, music recording techniques, introduction to music technology, radio industry and music video production.

Progression opportunities:

Most students on completion of the course progress onto degree courses at university or specialist Film Schools, others have found employment in the Media Industry and a few have set up their own video production companies.

New Developments:

The Media courses have been updated to provide opportunities for industry standard digital editing in our newly designed Media Centre. Audio and Music Technology pathways will complement our video production facilities.

MUSIC

First Diploma in Music

Course Length: One year

Course Level: 2

What you need to join the course:

Normally a profile of four GCSEs at grade D (including English) and evidence of an interest in music.

Course content:

On this course learners will find out about the range of careers available within the music industry. By studying a wide variety of music from across the world, they will learn how to read music and create their own tracks. There will be the chance to work within a studio environment and also organise live performances. There are also opportunities for students to take key skills qualifications.

Progression opportunities:

There are a range of progression opportunities available in the College including a National Diploma in Music (level 3). A First Diploma also prepares students for employment in their chosen career.

National Diploma in Music Performance

Course Length: Two years

Course Level: 3

What you need to join the course:

Normally a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above (including English), or a First Diploma with a Merit profile (or equivalent), and for the Performance Pathway the successful completion of a music audition.

Course content:

Core subjects covered include the sound and music industry, listening skills, composing and arranging music.

Progression opportunities:

The BTEC National Diploma in Music is equivalent to three A levels, allowing for progression to higher education (e.g. a music degree). The course adequately prepares students for immediate entry into careers such as music management, teaching, performance and production.

National Diploma in Music Business

Course Length: Two years

Course Level: 3

What you need to join the course:

Normally a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above (including English), or a First Diploma with a Merit profile (or equivalent), and a strong interest in Music.

Course content:

Includes subjects such as music recording, marketing and multimedia.

Progression opportunities:

PERFORMING ARTS

First Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting)

Course Length: One year

Course Level: 2

What you need to join the course:

Normally a minimum of four GCSEs at grade D or above, and a clear enthusiasm for the performing arts. You will also have to present a successful audition.

Course content:

This course provides students with the opportunity to develop skills and knowledge relevant to the performing arts profession. The course includes elements of acting, dance, music and stage-management, together with additional elements aimed at enriching the student’s experience of performing arts. The course culminates in an end of year public performance.

Progression opportunities:

On successful completion of the First Diploma, students achieving a Merit profile and demonstrating appropriate commitment, can progress on to the two year full-time National Diploma in Performing Arts.

National Diploma in Performing Arts (Performance)

Course Length: Two years

Course Level: 3

What you need to join the course:

Normally a minimum of four GCSEs at grade C or above, including English and, ideally, Performing Arts or similar. Otherwise, students should be able to identify a clear interest in performing arts. A place on the course will also require the presentation of a successful audition. Successful First Diploma students may obtain direct entry on to the course. Mature students may be considered on the basis of their performing arts experience.

Course content:

This exciting and highly successful course provides students with a sounds grounding in performing arts disciplines, including acting, dance, musical theatre and stage-management. In the first year students will experience the full breadth of performing arts elements; with the opportunity in the second year to select preferred options depending to the student’s identified strengths. Strong emphasis is placed on production the second year; a short film, a musical production, a self-devised production, a dance/physical theatre production, and a final major drama production – students may opt to perform in only some or all of these.

Progression opportunities:

Achievement of a BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts allows for progression to higher education (e.g. a performing arts degree) or a specialist drama/dance/music school. The course also adequately prepares students for immediate entry into employment in a variety of roles within the entertainment industry.