Art, Design & Communication

This is a hands on course where you will learn by doing, gaining hands on experience within the ceramics, 3D, textiles, small metals, print workshops, and more... The dedicated tutor team will guide you as you develop specialist skills and your progress will be assessed through coursework, rather than exams. 

Hereford College of Arts has a diverse mix of students, including people with different learning styles and needs. We have a positive, inclusive atmosphere where all of our students are able to access support for their studies. Find out more here.

English and Maths are an integral part of the course.  

If you do not yet have the necessary grades (Grade 4/C or above) you will get additional teaching and support to study for either a GCSE or functional skills qualification, depending on your prior GCSE grades. 

The Study Skills team at HCA is committed to providing a high standard of specialised and individually tailored support to improve outcomes for all students. This support includes extra provision for those who:

• Would benefit from enhancing their academic writing, referencing and critical thinking skills;
• Need to further develop their English and Maths abilities;
• Require exam access arrangements such as 25% extra time;
• Have particular learning requirements and need to focus on developing their organisation, planning and academic abilities;
• Have English as their second language (EAL);
• May benefit from using Assistive Technology to develop greater independence.

Study Skills support is currently delivered through specialist English, Maths or EAL sessions, as well as provision for students focusing on their coursework. The team aims to support learners in setting their own targets in order to develop their independence and achieve their full potential throughout their chosen course of study.

All students also have access to scheduled drop-in sessions for support for all areas including coursework, English and Maths, study skills, EAL, information, advice and guidance. 

Students have access to a wide range of specialised workshops including textiles, print, ceramics and 3D, where they will rotate through different activities with our technical demonstrators. In addition, they will learn digital processes using our Digital Skills Centre and benefiting from the knowledge of our highly specialised team, and our well stocked arts library.

HCA is privileged to also include a Higher Education provision, which our Level 3 diploma students also have access to, including - workshops, library and the new carbon neutral digital skills centre. 

We understand that deciding what course to do, or what career path to follow, can seem a bit daunting. Our Careers programme and Information, Advice and Guidance services are accredited by Matrix Standard and our team is always on hand to provide information, advice and guidance to students. 

Our post-16 courses offer an outstanding foundation to pursue a career in the creative industries and beyond. 

Every year students progress onto degree courses at some of the top arts and stage schools in the UK, or go on to study other subjects from Medicine to Marketing.

You can apply at any point during the year directly to HCA. We receive a high number of application across our four subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.

Find out more here. 

Once you have completed the online application form we will write to you and invite you to attend a face-to-face interview or audition. 

We will also send you some guidance to help you prepare - but the main aim of your interview is to give us the chance to get to know you, and for you to get a feel for the course team.

We schedule interview/audition in blocks to give you a chance to meet some of the other students who will be starting the course with you.

At HCA we want you to apply happy. The application process doesn't need to be scary. Remember, we are looking for your passion and potential - not perfection. And we are here to help every step of the way so you feel comfortable through the process.

Level 3 Extended Diploma (2 years)

• Minimum 5 GCSEs at Grade 9 – 4 (A*- C), or a Level 2 Diploma Merit grade in your subject.  

  To ensure that you qualify, it is highly desirable that you achieve at least a Grade 4/C or above in English and Maths.

• Interview and portfolio or audition.
• Minimum age: 16 years old.

Level 2 Diploma (1 year)

• Minimum 4 GCSEs Grade 9 – 2 (previously A* – F)

  To ensure that you qualify, it is also highly desirable that you achieve at least a grade 4 / C or above in English or Maths.

• Interview and portfolio or audition.
• Minimum age: 16 years.

We are passionate about access to outstanding education. Every student comes to us at a different point in their journey. Students have a broad range of subject area experience, academic qualifications and personal circumstances.

One way to ensure you get the most out of the course is by making sure you start in the right place.

All our curriculum areas offer a Level 2 entry, which will provide you with an outstanding foundation in the subject before moving on to the two-year Level 3 course. 

You can start at Level 2 with lower GCSE grades (outlined above), or limited experience in the arts. 

The fees for the additional Level 2 year is funded by the Government in the same way, so you won’t have to pay additional course fees at any point in your diploma studies.

Course leads will make a recommendation based on results - as well as meeting you and talking to you - if they think you would benefit from starting your studies at Level 2.

There is always some movement between groups early on in the first term, as you find your own level within the college. 

Almost all of our students progress from Level 2 onto our Level 3 courses - with many going on to thrive, and go on to study a degree after their diploma.