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This course is a great introduction to the art and design industry.

Working in our specialist studio spaces, you will create an exciting portfolio of work across a number of areas including painting, printmaking, drawing, 3D design, textiles, ceramics and mixed media.

You will also have the opportunity to develop your GCSE English and maths skills or functional skills, alongside your course and complete a 2D or 3D project.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take one year to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

You will cover the following units:

  • Exploring Ceramics
  • Exploring drawing
  • Exploring painting
  • Exploring printmaking
  • Exploring 3D design
  • Exploring mixed media
  • Self-management skills
  • Planning and running an enterprise activity
  • Carrying out a 2D or 3D project
  • Personal project

How is it assessed?

You will create work for a range of practical assignments and projects that will be assessed internally and/or externally.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, preferably including an art and design based subject, a strong interest in art and design and an eagerness to learn.

Achieving a good standard of English and maths is a key requirement for many jobs, as well as for courses you may wish to progress on to. If you achieve below a grade 4 in your English and/or maths GCSEs at school, you will study it alongside your chosen course when you join us.

What are the course fees?

If you are a school leaver, aged 16-18, (under the age of 19 on or before 31st August 2024), you do not pay tuition fees or examination and registration fees and may be eligible for additional support depending on your financial situation. For more information, please visit our dedicated financial support page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will have the opportunity to advance your skills and knowledge by progressing on to the level 2 Diploma in Art and Design Skills.

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.

Ref: David Ballantyne

This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

You will learn in our specialist studio spaces including the ceramic studio, painting studio, colour and monochrome darkroom and digital labs, where you will explore a wide range of art disciplines.

From fine art painting, 3D studies and fashion to textiles, photography and graphic design, you'll build an extensive portfolio, alongside working on live briefs and projects with employers.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take two years to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

You will cover the following units:

  • Visual recording and communication
  • Critical and contextual studies in art and design
  • The creative process
  • Materials, techniques and processes in art and design
  • Developing an art and design portfolio
  • Managing a client brief
  • Developing and realising creative intentions

There are also specialist units which may include:

  • Textile design
  • Graphic design
  • 3D design
  • Painting
  • Fashion
  • Printmaking

The course is practically based and develops your design skills and personal style, whilst enabling you to develop a portfolio of your work. The course also provides opportunities in career planning.

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of assignments and projects.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths and an art and design-based subject.

What are the course fees?

The course fee is £8,583.

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated Advanced Learner Loan page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

As this course carries up to a maximum of 168 UCAS Tariff Points, you'll have the opportunity to progress on to university, to study a degree in art and design, interior design, fashion design or textiles.

University Centre St Helens also offers BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Game Art, validated by university partner, the University of Chester.

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.


Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. St Helens College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.

Ref: Shirley Metcalfe/Jim Morgan

Show off your individuality and creativity in our specialist studio spaces including the ceramic studio, painting studio, colour and monochrome darkroom and digital labs, where you will explore a wide range of art disciplines.

From fine art painting, 3D studies and fashion to textiles, photography and graphic design, you'll build an extensive portfolio, alongside working on live briefs and projects with employers.

Our successful alumna, Emma, completed this course and has now secured her place at her first choice university, Manchester Metropolitan University, to study Graphic Design!

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take two years to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

You will cover the following units:

  • Visual recording and communication
  • Critical and contextual studies in art and design
  • The creative process
  • Materials, techniques and processes in art and design
  • Developing an art and design portfolio
  • Managing a client brief
  • Developing and realising creative intentions

There are also specialist units which may include:

  • Textile design
  • Graphic design
  • 3D design
  • Painting
  • Fashion
  • Printmaking

The course is practically based and develops your design skills and personal style, whilst enabling you to develop a portfolio of your work. The course also provides opportunities in career planning.

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of assignments and projects.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths and an art and design-based subject.

Achieving a good standard of English and maths is a key requirement for many jobs, as well as for courses you may wish to progress on to. If you achieve below a grade 4 in your English and/or maths GCSEs at school, you will study it alongside your chosen course when you join us.

If you already have a grade 4 or above in English and/or maths but wish to achieve a higher grade, we can also support you to do this.

What are the course fees?

If you are a school leaver, aged 16-18, (under the age of 19 on or before 31st August 2024), you do not pay tuition fees or examination and registration fees and may be eligible for additional support depending on your financial situation. For more information, please visit our dedicated Financial Support page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

As this course carries up to a maximum of 168 UCAS Tariff Points, you'll have the opportunity to progress on to university, to study a degree in art and design, interior design, fashion design or textiles.

University Centre St Helens also offers BA (Hons) Fine Art Painting, BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Photography, validated by university partner, the University of Chester.

In the future, you could find yourself working as an illustrator, textile designer or even as a curator in a gallery. The creative industries are growing in our region and there are great opportunities for you in and around the Liverpool City Region!

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.

Ref: Shirley Metcalfe/Jim Morgan

This exciting course introduces you to many art disciplines such as drawing, painting, printing, digital media, photography and graphic design. You'll also work three-dimensionally with materials such as wood, metal, plastic and ceramic.

Based in our creative studio spaces, you'll be working and creating a huge range of projects, building your portfolio and learning new skills every day.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take one year to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

You will cover the following units:

  • 2D visual communication
  • 3D visual communication
  • Contextual references in art and design
  • Using ideas to explore, develop and produce art and design
  • Building a portfolio
  • Working in the art and design industry

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed through a range of unit assignments which will go towards your overall grade at the end of the course.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have one GCSE at grade 4 or above, or have successfully achieved a level 1 Art and Design qualification.

Achieving a good standard of English and maths is a key requirement for many jobs, as well as for courses you may wish to progress on to. If you achieve below a grade 4 in your English and/or maths GCSEs at school, you will study it alongside your chosen course when you join us.

What are the course fees?

If you are a school leaver, aged 16-18, (under the age of 19 on or before 31st August 2024), you do not pay tuition fees or examination and registration fees and may be eligible for additional support depending on your financial situation. For more information, please visit our dedicated Financial Support page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

Once you have successfully completed this course, you will have the opportunity to progress on to the level 3 National Diploma in Art and Design Practice.

Alternatively, you may choose to specialise in another art-based subject at level 3, such as Graphic Design, Games, Animation and VFX or Photography.

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.

Ref: Andrew Small/ Ashley Wood

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Inspiring Success

Picture of our student, Dylan

"After having the freedom to explore and experiment with my interests creatively on my course, I now know that I want to be an Architect one day."

Dylan, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice

Read Dylan's full story
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