BTEC Higher National Diploma in Fine Art (Top Up)

Level 1 Diploma

Course Location

College

Stockport College

Location

Stockport College

Further Details

Age

University Level

Department

Art & Design

Course Start Date

Monday 15th September 2025

Course Duration

Full-time, 1 Year

Course Time

Course Fee

£ 0.00

Course Code

SFQ-HT5H-2100

Course Overview

The University Centre at Stockport College possess a distinctive and inspiring atmosphere, in which fine art students collectively exchange ideas, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances their artistic development.

The college features specialised facilities for diverse printmaking techniques, installation, both two-dimensional and three-dimensional processes, photography, and time-based media. The tutors, who are industry experienced and practicing artists, provide an expansive platform for artistic exploration and education. In addition to subject knowledge, tutors nurture talent and offer a bespoke study programme, where small group seminars and projects are based around student interest and aiding their chosen pathways.

This 1 year HND top-up is a natural progression route for those having completed the HNC at Level 4. It emphasizes the importance of studio critiques, tutorials, and practice-led seminars. It encourages an open-minded investigative approach to considering work in relation to current developments in the subject area. The programme also offers unique opportunities for students to engage with professionals in fine art and related fields through projects, and research activities.

Extensive workshop provision, academic and technical expertise, and access to the cultural sector in the North West of England and beyond provided to all our students. Students can further engage in the contemporary art world through regular study trips and exhibitions in Europe.

Course Requirements

Whilst applications are considered on an individual basis, they are usually based on a requirement to have:

HNC/L4 Fine Art

64 UCAS points from either:

A level 3 vocational qualification
GCE A levels
Access to Higher Education Diploma

GCSE English Language and Maths at grade C/4 or better before enrolling. In some circumstances, we can accept Functional Skills Numeracy level 2 instead of GCSE Maths.

What you will Learn

On this Higher National Diploma, you will study 4 units. The primary focus is on practical application through workshops, experimentation and skills building, but this will be grounded in theoretical understanding. The main aim of this Diploma is to allow you to explore different disciplines until you refine your specialism and identity within the arts.

Assessment

Assessments include a wide range of methods from presentations, essays, live observations, exhibitions, and portfolios.
All units must be passed to complete the course.

Progression

Progression from this pathway can be onto a Level 6 top up degree programme in a related course or directly entering employment.

Career Options

Graduates have a wide range of career prospects, both within the art world and beyond. They are equipped with a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers in a variety of sectors. Greater Manchester and Stockport have historical roots in art as well as a developing investment in the arts, playing an integral part in its growth and cultural capital. This creates opportunities that many graduates can exploit. They can pursue careers as artists, completing residencies and commissions in a global context. They may also work in art-related professions such as teaching, art education in community settings, work in galleries and other art organizations, and jobs in the wider creative industries. They can equally pursue careers as artists, completing residencies and commissions in a global context. Some graduates choose to pursue postgraduate study, further developing their skills and knowledge in a specialised area of interest.

Mandatory Units

Following on from studies at Level 4 on the HNC, at level 5 you will study:

Independent Research project
– The application of philosophy, Psychology, commercialisation, and audience engagement.

The Art Practitioner
– Developing & refining own practice
– Mastery of specialisms
– Risk Taking & deviations.
– Working with space & different locations.
– Project management, sustainability & execution

Professional Portfolio
– Building knowledge & understanding to be a successful freelance practitioner in the industry through self-promotion, networking & collaborations.
– Legalities & ethics, business plans and sponsorship.
– Physical and Online portfolio.

Professional Project
– Project planning & Client meetings
– Project Management & marketing
– Exhibition of final project

Contact Details

Extra Costs Involved

No

Exam Validation Body

Pearson Education Ltd

Hours Per Week

Full-time 12 hours per week

How Long To Complete

1 year

Programme Structure

You will gain 120 credits over the duration of the programme.

Contact Details

For further information please email HEenquiries@tcg.ac.uk

Disclaimer

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.
READY TO begin your journey?

Apply Now

View All Our Events
Our event provides a valuable opportunity to learn more about the exciting courses available, meet the teaching staff and enrol!

Next Event
Thursday 5th December 2024

5:30pm - 6:30pm

Course not quite right for you?

try these similar courses