Vocational Art and Design

Burnley College; Burnley; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in the UK offers a course designed to help students progress in the creative industries. Participants will develop practical, communication, and professional skills across various disciplines, including Fine Art, Graphic Communication, and Fashion. The course includes workshops, guest speakers, and opportunities for exhibiting work. Entry requires 5 GCSEs including relevant subjects and a portfolio for the interview.

Benefits

Access to industry-standard equipment and facilities

Opportunity to exhibit work at galleries

Guest lectures from industry professionals

Qualifications

• Portfolio of work to present at interview.

Education

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including English, Mathematics, Art & Design

Job description

This course is designed to give you the opportunity to gain knowledge, acquire skills and understand the professional practice which is sought after, and required for progression into employment in the creative industries. During this diverse programme of study you will find out what you enjoy and what you excel in. The focus is on practical, communication and professional skills development, through the exploration of the fundamentals of art practice by working towards interesting project briefs to industry standards. You will develop your understanding of the creative process and develop skills in a full range of media, both traditional and digital which reflect current industry practice. You will develop your visual awareness and experience working in a number of disciplines such as: Fine Art & 3D sculpture, Graphic Communication & Illustration and Fashion & Textiles. Work is generated through practical workshops, contextual studies, visiting lecturers/practitioners and your independent responses to industry relevant projects and live briefs.

Start Date/s

02/09/2026

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs at Grade 5 or above including:

• English
• Mathematics
• Art & Design or a relevant Level 2 qualification

You will also need a portfolio of work to present at interview.

Modules

• A1: Skills Development
• A2: Creative Project
• B1: Personal Progression
• B2: Creative Industry Response

Assessment

Synoptic assessment requires learners to apply learning from across the qualification to the completion of defined vocational tasks. These qualifications have been designed to promote iterative and integrated assessment through learning and teaching modules, providing a strong basis for synoptic assessment.

Pursue university studies or freelance opportunities in fields like Architecture and Interior design, Graphic communication and Illustration, Fashion Design and Fashion Forecasting, art curation and creative advertising.

Equipment Needed

You will need sketchbooks and a set of your own materials and equipment for independent study. A list will be provided prior to commencement of the course.

Equipment Supplied

Our open plan studios provide a contemporary, industry-focused working environment. You will have access to suites of iMacs, Photographic Studio and Dark Room, as well as Specialist 3D, Textile and Print-Making materials and equipment.

As well as working with professional practitioners you will have the opportunity to exhibit work at the Whitaker Gallery and take part in external competitions, industry-linked work experience and employability events at universities such as Huddersfield, ULan and Salford . Throughout the course there is a programme of guest speakers and national and international gallery visits for you to participate in; for example . Meet current practicing artists during our Industry Week.