Art & Design

a paintbrush dipping in paint on an artists mixing palette

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Art & Design

WHY STUDY HERE

Macclesfield College is an award winning institution known for its industry focused education. Our courses are designed to meet the skills local employers seek. Teachers bring real world expertise and students in this department get the chance to host their own annual Art Exhibition, gaining hands on experience. Our spacious Art & Design area provides an ideal creative space to develop and showcase your talent.

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courses available in Art & Design

Level 1: Art, Design & Media

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for those with an interest in art, design and media to explore materials, methods and processes that support many art and design activities and to begin to develop related skills in drawing, painting, textiles, graphics and photography. All students complete all subject areas in the first two terms culminating in a final major project in a chosen specialism. Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful completion of this course you can progress onto our Level 2 Art & Design course (providing you achieve a merit as a minimum).

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs grades 1 or above, including English and maths. On completion of this course you will be awarded a UAL Awarding Body Level 1 Award in Art & Design.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 1: Art, Design & Media

2025/2026

apply now

Level 2: Art & Design

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for those with an interest in art, design and media to explore materials, methods and processes that support many art and design activities, and to begin to develop related skills in drawing, painting, textiles, graphics and photography. All students complete all subject areas in the first two terms culminating in a final major project in a chosen specialism. You will learn about the following:

An introductory experience to some of the materials, methods, processes and technical skills that support art and design activity.
An introductory understanding of the context in which art and design activity is located.
An opportunity to test their interest in art and design activity.
Development of an awareness of the value of research to support art and design activity.
An introduction to drawing skills necessary to support creative activity in art and design.
An understanding of the role of communication skills in the development of ideas.
An opportunity to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in previous units to identify, research and produce a personal art and design project

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

This course will allow progression to a Level 3 course in Art, study an Apprenticeship or straight into employment in a variety of creative roles.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course, you will need to have achieved 4 GCSEs grades 3 or above, including English and maths. On completion of this course you will be awarded a UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Award in Art & Design.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Art & Design

2025/2026

apply now

Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

This two year course provides a varied, but focused, programme giving students the skills, experience and knowledge to progress to Higher Education and a career in the Creative Industries.

Year 1 – Diploma These qualifications provide an opportunity for students aspiring to a career in the creative industries and arts to:

Explore, develop, and test their creativity within a stimulating and demanding structure.
Develop transferable skills, making them versatile and employable.
Understand and apply ethical and sustainable design principles.
Build a rich contextual knowledge of their creative practice

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication includes three mandatory units:

The Creative Process
Developing Creative Practice
Responding to a Set Brief

First-Year Focus:

Introduction to a wide range of practical approaches and specialist disciplines.
Encouragement to experiment with materials and techniques.
Development of creative thinking, idea generation, and confident visual communication skills.

Year 2 Extended Diploma AL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication includes three mandatory units:

Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
Specialist Technical Skills Development
Specialist Creative Outcome

Second-Year Focus:

Emphasis on developing skills within a chosen specialist pathway:
Art – Painting, sculpture, printmaking, etc.
Communication – Graphics, photography, illustration, etc.
Design – Ceramics, textiles, etc.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:

Apply to study at Higher Education to undertake the Foundation Studies, the HND or BA Hons degree
To pursue career opportunities within the creative industries

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course. your will need 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including Art & Design or an art based GCSE (e.g. design tech, photography, textiles and crafts) and including a GCSE in either English or maths. Upon completion you will be awarded UAL Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Creative Practice (Art, Design, Communication).

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.

Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication

2025/2026

apply now

Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

This course will encourage you to develop creative and manipulative skills in response to media in both 2D and 3D studies. During this course you will cover the following areas:

Drawing
Painting
Printmaking
3D Design
Graphic Design
History of Art and Design
Photography
Digital Imaging
2D Mixed Media
Textiles
Ceramics
Fashion

There are regular study visits for location-based work and to visit galleries and exhibitions including Liverpool, Manchester, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

The course is intended as a foundation to prepare students for university and to build a broader portfolio of work for employment in the creative sector.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to be at least 18 years of age by the end of the first term of entry and have achieved one of the following:

5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above including English & maths and an art related subject, plus an A Level in an art-related subject at grade C or above, or an equivalent Level 3 diploma.
If you are a mature student without the required formal qualifications, you may be exempt from these requirements but you will be required to present a portfolio of good quality work across specialisms.

On successful completion of this course you will gain a UAL Diploma in Foundation Studies: Art & Design qualification.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

2025/2026

apply now

Level 1: Art, Design & Media
Level 2: Art & Design
Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication
Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

Level 1: Art, Design & Media

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful completion of this course you can progress onto our Level 2 Art & Design course (providing you achieve a merit as a minimum).

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 1: Art, Design & Media

2025/2026

apply now

Level 2: Art & Design

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

This course is designed to provide an opportunity for those with an interest in art, design and media to explore materials, methods and processes that support many art and design activities, and to begin to develop related skills in drawing, painting, textiles, graphics and photography. All students complete all subject areas in the first two terms culminating in a final major project in a chosen specialism. You will learn about the following:

An introductory experience to some of the materials, methods, processes and technical skills that support art and design activity.
An introductory understanding of the context in which art and design activity is located.
An opportunity to test their interest in art and design activity.
Development of an awareness of the value of research to support art and design activity.
An introduction to drawing skills necessary to support creative activity in art and design.
An understanding of the role of communication skills in the development of ideas.
An opportunity to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed in previous units to identify, research and produce a personal art and design project

Alongside your main programme of study you will also study either GCSE or Functional Skills in English and Maths if you have not achieved a GCSE grade 4 or above.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

This course will allow progression to a Level 3 course in Art, study an Apprenticeship or straight into employment in a variety of creative roles.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 2: Art & Design

2025/2026

apply now

Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

Explore, develop, and test their creativity within a stimulating and demanding structure.
Develop transferable skills, making them versatile and employable.
Understand and apply ethical and sustainable design principles.
Build a rich contextual knowledge of their creative practice

UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication includes three mandatory units:

The Creative Process
Developing Creative Practice
Responding to a Set Brief

First-Year Focus:

Introduction to a wide range of practical approaches and specialist disciplines.
Encouragement to experiment with materials and techniques.
Development of creative thinking, idea generation, and confident visual communication skills.

Year 2 Extended Diploma AL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication includes three mandatory units:

Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
Specialist Technical Skills Development
Specialist Creative Outcome

Second-Year Focus:

Emphasis on developing skills within a chosen specialist pathway:
Art – Painting, sculpture, printmaking, etc.
Communication – Graphics, photography, illustration, etc.
Design – Ceramics, textiles, etc.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

On successful achievement of this course you may wish to:

Apply to study at Higher Education to undertake the Foundation Studies, the HND or BA Hons degree
To pursue career opportunities within the creative industries

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for two academic years.

Level 3: Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication

2025/2026

apply now

Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

Overview

apply now

What will I study?

This course will encourage you to develop creative and manipulative skills in response to media in both 2D and 3D studies. During this course you will cover the following areas:

Drawing
Painting
Printmaking
3D Design
Graphic Design
History of Art and Design
Photography
Digital Imaging
2D Mixed Media
Textiles
Ceramics
Fashion

There are regular study visits for location-based work and to visit galleries and exhibitions including Liverpool, Manchester, and the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

What career or further study opportunities will be available after completion?

The course is intended as a foundation to prepare students for university and to build a broader portfolio of work for employment in the creative sector.

What are the entry requirements for this course & what qualifications will I gain upon completion?

For this course you will need to be at least 18 years of age by the end of the first term of entry and have achieved one of the following:

5 GCSEs at grade 5 or above including English & maths and an art related subject, plus an A Level in an art-related subject at grade C or above, or an equivalent Level 3 diploma.
If you are a mature student without the required formal qualifications, you may be exempt from these requirements but you will be required to present a portfolio of good quality work across specialisms.

On successful completion of this course you will gain a UAL Diploma in Foundation Studies: Art & Design qualification.

How long does it take to finish the course?

This is a full-time programme for one academic year.

Level 3: Foundation Studies: Art & Design (Post A Level)

2025/2026

apply now

aspirational

Careers

Illustrator

Graphic Designer

Fashion Designer

Photographer

Interior Designer

Ceramicist

Art Critic

Costume Designer

Games Artist

Printmaker

Animation Artist

Tattoo Artist

Skills required for Art & Design

Good attention to detail
Ability to work well with others
Patience and the ability to remain calm under pressure

Ability to use career-specific technology
Ability to work independently
Computer literate and able to use key design software

Trips/employers

Experience exciting trips to industry leaders like top design studios and galleries, offering first hand experience of professional environments. These visits allow networking with potential employers and provide insight into the dynamic Art & Design industry.

Additionally, industry experts will deliver guest talks throughout the course, sharing valuable tips and techniques to enhance your learning.

Gemma Staples

STUDENT

SPOTLIGHT

Gemma was awarded Art & Design Student of the Year 2024 in recognition of her incredible talent and dedication throughout the Level 3 programme. Her ability to produce high quality, creative work while continuously seeking to improve, has set her apart as a standout student.

Gemma’s work has consistently demonstrated both technical skill and creative flair, showcasing her unique vision and attention to detail. She approaches every project with enthusiasm and a commitment to excellence, which has not only impressed her tutors but has also inspired her peers.

We are proud to recognise Gemma’s achievements and her growth as an artist. Her journey in Art & Design has been remarkable and we are excited to see how far her talent will take her in the future.