Art, Design and Media Practice Level 4

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Develop your creative confidence and refine your artistic abilities with this dynamic Level 4 programme. Designed to bridge the gap between college and university or professional practice, this course helps you build an advanced skillset in art, design, and media. You will expand your technical knowledge, explore your creative identity, and prepare for further study or work in the creative industries.

  • Description

    Study full-time over one year in a supportive, hands-on learning environment. The programme is structured into two distinct stages:

    Exploratory stage:

    • Creative techniques and experimentation - explore a variety of artistic mediums, including fine art, textiles, illustration, printmaking, photography, ceramics, and design
    • Visual communication and concept development - learn how to effectively communicate ideas through different artistic and design approaches
    • Industry awareness and research - investigate creative sectors and professional practices to understand career pathways

    Confirmation studies stage:

    • Specialist technical skills development - refine your skills in a chosen creative discipline
    • Final major project - undertake an independent project that showcases your strengths and prepares you for higher education or industry
    • Portfolio building and exhibition - develop a professional portfolio and present your work in a final exhibition
  • Entry Requirements
    • Two A-Levels at grade C or above, or a Level 3 Extended Diploma in a creative subject.
    • GCSE Maths & English (or equivalent qualifications).
    • A portfolio of creative work to discuss during an interview

    To succeed in this programme, it is helpful to have:

    • Creativity and visual curiosity
    • Self-motivation and time management
    • Willingness to experiment and take creative risks
    • Communication and presentation skills
    • Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Qualification

    Pearson BTEC Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice

  • Progression

    After completing this programme, you could progress to:

    • Further study at university
    • Apprenticeships
    • Careers in fields such as graphic design, photography, fine art, illustration, animation, and media production
  • Assessment

    You will be assessed through a variety of practical and reflective methods, including:

    • Creative projects and practical assignments
    • Final major project presentation
    • Written and visual research tasks
    • Portfolio development
    • Exhibition of final work
  • Home Study

    You will be expected to complete about 4 hours of weekly independent study and project development tasks. These may include sketchbook work, digital research, practical experimentation, and reflective writing. Access to a computer and internet connection is beneficial for research and digital portfolio tasks.

  • Work Placement

    You will participate in structured work experience and/or placements that help you develop industry-relevant skills and understand professional expectations in the art, design, and media sectors

  • Fees and Additional Costs

    All students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund and £100 towards creative materials per year. This includes general day to day tools and materials. Offsite visits to museums and galleries will also incur a separate cost. Financial support may be available.

Code Start Fees*
ARTL4FD 252601 September 2025 Fee Information

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* Terms and conditions apply. The fees stated on this website are for guidance purposes only and should be checked before enrolment. Unless otherwise stated, fees shown are for tuition only, over one academic year. Where a course is longer than one academic year, the fees stated are for the first year, and the cost of the second or subsequent years will be discussed at interview. For details of fee remission for students over 19 click here. If you think you may be entitled to a concession or fee remission, or you would like more information on the additional costs associated with your chosen course, please contact us on 01635 845000 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Fee information

16 - 18 year olds

In most cases, students aged 16-18 on a full-time study programme (including T Levels) will not be required to pay fees, and the College will fund most course-specific equipment and materials. This excludes stationary, non-curriculum trips and a £15 College Subscription.

19 years and over

Students aged 19 years and over may be required to pay fees. Our Fees, Funding and Financial Support page has details on financial support, fee remissions and loans. Please note that some courses may have additional registration, examination and/or materials fees. Where we have been unable to provide these additional costs in this information, they will be discussed with you before enrolment.

Funded programmes

Where course fees are fully funded (for example Maths, English and Essential Digital Skills), the course is free of charge to students, subject to eligibility.

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are fully funded and free of charge to learners. Employers who want to use Skills Bootcamps to train their existing employees contribute to the cost of training. See the Fees and Additional Costs for more information.

Fee information

Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are fully funded and free of charge to learners. Employers who want to use Skills Bootcamps to train their existing employees contribute to the cost of training. See the Fees and Additional Costs for more information.