Art, Design and Digital Creative
Reading College is an approved centre for University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body.
This pathway can lead you into many exciting careers in the creative sector, such as photographer, animator, digital illustrator, fine artist, fashion and textiles designer and creative director, among others.
Our programmes follow an inter-disciplinary approach, which means you will be working with a variety of mediums so that you can better find your strengths and interests. This will also prepare you for your next step, whether that is further study or employment. Teaching and learning are carried out in traditional craft workshops and digital MakerSpaces. You will also get access to work experiences throughout your programme to prepare you for the realities of working in industry. This includes responding to live briefs set by employers, work experience, taking part in competitions, and attending masterclasses and careers talks.
Choosing a visual arts and design pathway develops your creativity and problem-solving skills in areas including painting, textiles, printmaking, sculpture, concept architecture, visual special effects and animation (including model making), creative business, marketing, graphics, fashion, visual studies, design, computer design software, photography, historical and contextual studies, personal and professional development.
We also offer two exciting T Levels that offer students a mixture of classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience during an industry placement:
Craft and Design Ceramics Maker will develop an appreciation of the different settings: studio potter or pottery in an industrial setting, with expert tuition in our college studios. You will explore different processes, techniques, tools and materials, refining your skills before specialising in a selected area.
Our immersive Craft and Design Textiles and Fashion Maker programme offers a fast-paced journey towards becoming a skilled fashion and textiles specialist. A blend of expert classroom instruction and real-world, industry experience will equip you for diverse roles such as costume design, dressmaker, pattern cutter, creative director, fashion buyer, visual merchandiser, and many more.
Job projections for art, design and digital creative roles such as arts officers, graphic designers, photographers and AV operators are strong, with well over 2,000 new annual job openings forecast across each of these occupations.
The skills that you will learn on our art, design and digital creative pathway, such as blended technical and creative skills, collaborative interdisciplinary working, and enterprise are of increasing importance across the job market.
Industry partnerships
University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body
UAL Awarding Body believes in transformative education. They design and award creative qualifications that empower and inspire educators to help students reach their potential.
UAL Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation and currently offers qualifications in Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media Production and Technology, Music Performance and Production and Performing and Production Arts. They are also the UK’s leading provider of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Their qualifications have high retention and achievement rates because they are flexible, responsive and relevant to industry needs, and facilitate student progression.
Poppy, Art and Design Level 3 UAL Extended DiplomaIt’s a really brilliant course and the college offers everything that you need. There’s always support on hand if you need it.
