Diploma In Art, Design & Media – Level 1
Unleash your creativity and explore the world of art, design, and media!
This hands-on foundation course is perfect for aspiring artists, designers, and media creators looking to develop their skills and discover their creative potential.
You’ll explore a range of exciting disciplines, including:
Fine Art – Experiment with drawing, painting, and mixed media.
Graphic Design – Learn digital and print-based design techniques.
Photography – Capture and edit stunning images.
Media Production – Get hands-on with video, animation, and storytelling.
Through practical projects and creative workshops, you’ll develop technical skills, visual communication abilities, and creative thinking – all essential for a future in the creative industries. You’ll also experiment with different materials and techniques, gaining a strong foundation in design principles and industry processes.
Collaboration and personal development are at the heart of this course, helping you build confidence and teamwork skills. Plus, portfolio development and professional practice will prepare you for progression to Level 2 and Level 3 courses, setting you on the path to further study or an exciting creative career.
Apply for this course
Select from the start date/s below…
North Devon Campus
Course details
Assessments
There are no exams for this qualification. Instead, you will be assessed through your coursework submissions, and a grade will be given for your summative project (FMP) at the end of the year on results day.
Entry Requirements
You must hold four GCSEs at grade 2 or equivalent (or above), preferably including Maths and English. If you do not have a GCSE grade 4 in Maths and/or English, you’ll continue studying these subjects alongside your chosen course(s). At the end of the year, you are expected to have completed and achieved all the components of your Level 1 Study Programme and improved your Maths and English skills (where applicable) before progressing on to your next course.
If you have not met the minimum entry requirements for Level 2 or Level 3 programmes then please apply. Every application at Level 1 will be treated on its own merits.
Progression
Where could this take you? Progress onto a Level 2 course in Art & Design, Media, or another creative discipline – and start shaping your future in the creative industries!
Facilities and resources
We have purpose-built art and media studios. In addition, we have specialist workshops and facilities to support each of the specialist areas:
– Fashion/textiles – industrial and domestic machines, mannequins, print and constructed textiles
– Graphics illustration – full suite of apple mac computers with industry-standard software for graphics, image making, film and animation
– Fine art – painting, printmaking, sculpture, film, photography
– 3D crafts – mixed media, glass, wood, stitch and metal facilities
– Windows PC and Apple Mac suites
– Creative Cloud License (home and college use through student login)
– A fleet of DSLR and Mirrorless cameras
– ‘Cine’ grade cameras and lenses
– Photography studio with industry-standard lighting
– Podcast studio
– Dark Room
– Graphic tablets
– A range of DJI Gimbals
– Mini DJI drone
FAQs
Q: Who is the course for?
A: Anyone who wishes to further their art and media education and has a strong desire to pursue a career in any of the art and design industries. You will need to be innovative, creative and motivated. You will have an open mind and be prepared to explore and experiment within the structured yet flexible course.
Q: Do I need to buy an Apple Mac computer?
A: No, we have Mac labs where you can work on your projects and most students store their work on the cloud to access at home. However, it is recommended that you invest in a Mac or PC for home use that can run the Adobe CC software.
Q: Do I need to buy an expensive camera?
A: No, we have DLSR and Mirrorless cameras, with a range of prime and zooming lenses, that can be taken out on loan for your media projects.
Q: Do I need to bring anything with me when I start the course?
A: Yes, we advise all of our students to bring their own USB stick (no smaller than 64GB) to store their work, and their own SD cards to use in the DSLR / Mirrorless cameras.
Q: Does this course have exams?
A: There are no exams in this qualification, however, you will be assessed through formative coursework submissions at the end of each project, and a summative project at the end of each year.
Study Programme
Every full-time student at Petroc will have their own Study Programme which will include:
– Your academic or vocational qualification.
– Maths and English Language development – if you have not achieved GCSE grade 4 in either of these subjects.
– Work Experience – hours will vary depending on your qualification and course level.
– Tutor Support – to support your personal, academic and professional development.
– Sustainability – helping you to identify how you can improve the sustainability of your future employment sectors.
– Personal Development Awards – developing six key areas of personal and employability behaviours to prepare you for the working world.
Why Petroc should be your first choice
Petroc offers quality education and training across North and Mid Devon. We aim to provide outstanding learning, excellent facilities, strong connections to employers and a supportive environment to help you fulfil your education goals and set you on your path to the career of your dreams.
SUPPORTIVE
We offer a supportive and inclusive environment where you can flourish and feel a valued member of the college and wider community.Â
INSPIRING
Our teaching spaces and facilities are some of the best in the region, providing stimulating and true-to-life learning environments.Â
CONNECTED
We’ll provide you with the experiences you need to be ready for employment or the next step on your educational journey.
