HND Creative Visual Arts Yr1 FT

Course Outline

The Higher National Diploma in Creative Visual Arts at The College Merthyr Tydfil is a full-time, two-year course at levels 4 and 5, awarded by the University of South Wales. Students are encouraged to complete a final year at the Atrium, University of South Wales or other institution of their choice to study at Level 6 and achieve a full honours degree BA (Hons) Top-up. Students who study at The College Merthyr Tydfil will have access to the University of South Wales’ facilities, including the library and student union, and they will be able to attend guest speaker talks, allowing an overall integrated experience. This course will give students a wide range of creative and technical artistic skills through stimulating assignments including: traditional and digital painting, drawing, photography, as well as ceramics, print-making, installation, conceptual and performance art. The course includes the development of professional skills through work placement, external exhibitions, and field trips to Cardiff, London, European cities, and Japan. Regular visits are made to museums and galleries to inspire students and to ensure they are examining the way in which various contemporary and historical artists work. This is a creative and practical course underpinned by visual culture, contextual elements, and the history of art. We work with organisations and mentors to ensure that students gain the right skills, experience, confidence, and networks, to apply for relevant jobs within the creative industries and/or understand how to apply these skills to their own business on completion of the course. The Higher National Diploma in Creative Visual Arts aims to provide students with a high-quality learning experience. This includes subject specialist lecturers with industry links and experience that is relevant to creative industries for contemporary practice.

Entry Requirements

Students will require 48 UCAS points, this is the equivalent of 2 A Levels (at Grade D or above) or 1 A Level at grade E or above and the Welsh Bach, or a relevant BTEC Level 3 qualification with a Merit/Pass, a Level 3 Diploma or a Pass/Pass/Pass, Level 3 Extended Diploma, or relevant experience for mature learners. Applicants with substantial relevant experience in employment who are over 21 years may be accepted; this will be subject to interview. Entry to the third year BA (Hons) Top-up, delivered at University of South Wales will be on successful completion of the Foundation Degree. This course is suitable for those who have completed level 3 studies in Art & Design (UAL or A Levels). The course also aims to target mature students in the local area who wish to study art, who create art independently, and who have not had the opportunity to study previously.

What will I learn?

The first year introduces key skills in the creation of art, focusing on both the traditional and the digital. Skills in a range of practices will be introduced, allowing students the opportunity to further develop and specialise in those they enjoy and find most useful to their individual creative expression. As the course progresses students will be expected to demonstrate a broad curiosity towards wider related practices within art, thinking critically and conceptually to consider art’s impact on social, cultural, historical, and contemporary practice and how each student might best express their viewpoints visually. Year 1 • Skills Development: Learning Rules and Breaking Rules • Contextual Study 1: Exploring (Ideas / Thinking / Art) • Professional Study 1: The Business of Being an Artist • Self-Directed 1: Let’s Play Year 2 • Research & Development: Tools for Change (Creative Encounters and Creative Shifts) • Contextual Study 2: Locating (My Ideas / Thinking / Art) • Professional Study 2: The Business of Art • Self-Directed 2: Art is Life The course will offer a distinctive program developing skills that are directly relevant to and prepare students for careers in the creative industries: • Traditional Art Skills (Painting, Drawing, Print-Making, Ceramics, Installation, 3-D, Dark Room Photography) • Digital Art Skills (Digital Drawing, Digital Painting, Digital Photography, Animation, Game Art, Film, Sound) • Digital Fluency (Microsoft Programmes, Website Building, Presentations, Submissions and Communication) • Professional Skills (Professionalism, Relational, Report Writing, Evaluation, Proposal Writing, Presentation, Time Management, Organisation, Project Management) • Communication Skills (Writing, Speaking, Digital)

Course Assessment

Career Progression

On completion of the Higher National Diploma in Creative Visual Arts students are encouraged to progress onto a relevant BA (Hons) Top-up at the University of South Wales or other institution. At the end of the Higher National Diploma in Creative Visual Arts students should be able to: · Gain an understanding of photography as an art form and/or as a career pathway. · Learn how to use the camera to its full potential i.e., manual settings and equipment needed for specific purposes. · Understand image editing and post-production techniques. · Gain knowledge of photography from a historical and contemporary point of view · Develop opportunities to achieve a career in photography. · Make photographic industry links whilst undertaking live briefs and work placement projects. The course will incorporate elements of professional development, helping students prepare for a career in the creative industries including, workshops on portfolio development, exhibition practices, or engagement with the art community.

Duration

01 August 2025 - 31 July 2026