1. Visual Arts Further and Higher Education Guide Fine Art Textile Art Photography Graphics

2. The UK Government Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) recognises eleven creative sectors 1.Advertising 2.Architecture 3.Arts and Antique Markets (including Restoration) 4.Crafts 5.Design (including Graphic Design and Illustration) 6.Fashion 7.Photography, Film and Video 8.Publishing (including magazine design and layout) 9.Software, Computer Games and Electronic Publishing 10.Visual and Performing Arts 11.Television and Radio

3. The creative industries have never been more valuable and as such they are increasingly important to the development of the UK economy. “The UK design industry has grown since 2005, despite the recession. There are 232,000 designers, 29% more than in 2005 and earnings have increased by £3.4bn.” The Design Council “50% of new jobs in the UK economy in 15 years time will be in the creative sector” Christopher Frayling, quoting the UK treasury on ‘Start the Week’ Radio 4, Nov 2012

4. BHASVIC Visual Arts students follow one of four main progression routes:  Visual Arts Foundation Diploma  BTEC Level 3 Extended or National Diplomas  B.A. Hons Degree  Foundation Degree

5. Foundation Diploma  Most A-level Art, Graphics and Textiles students go on to study a one year Foundation Course  A Foundation Course is a one year qualification designed to develop students portfolios and to enable students to make an informed choice about further study in the visual arts  Most BHASVIC Visual Arts students go to local foundation courses such as City College and Northbrook  Students can apply for foundation courses anywhere in the country and can apply for more than one at the same time (direct entry)

6. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography and National Diplomas in Visual Arts Courses (for example Illustration or Graphic Design)  Most A-level Photography students go on to the one year BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography course at City College  The BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography is designed to be completed before commencing a longer course such as a three-year B.A. Hons degree  National Diploma (ND) courses are more specialist and vocational two-year courses which can lead either to employment, a two-year Higher National Diploma (HND) or a three-year B.A. Hons degree course  A-level Photography, A-level Textile Art and A-level Art students can take an ND or HND. National Diploma Visual Arts courses include Design, Graphics, Fashion/Textiles, Theatre Design and Three-Dimensional Studies among many others

7. B.A. Hons Degree Course  A-Level Art, Textiles, Graphics and Photography students can apply direct to some degree courses  These specialist courses are the standard three year course that most students (outside of the Visual Arts) undertake after completing their A-levels  There are more Visual Arts related degree courses now accepting students direct from A- Level  We generally recommend our students undertake a Foundation Course, a National Certificate in Photography an HD or an HND to ensure an informed choice at degree level is made

8. Foundation Degree  It is possible for A-Level Art, Textiles, Graphics and Photography students to apply direct to some Foundation Degree courses  Foundation Degrees are two year degree level qualifications designed with employers  They combine academic study with workplace learning to equip people with the relevant knowledge, understanding and skills needed in industry  Foundation Degree courses include Photography (fashion, advertising and editorial), 3D Design and Animation among others

9. Finances  There are no fees for Foundation Courses or the National Certificate if your child is under 19 when commencing the course  Local councils expect that students remain living at home so there is very limited funds available (for expenses such as travel). It is also expected that students have part time work with which to support their studies within the confines of their full time course  Students are expected to buy their own materials (paper, paint, film etc)  Fees are charged for degree courses

10. Visual Arts Portfolio Building at BHASVIC  Portfolio courses  Tutorial Programme  More than one A-level  Applications support  Types of courses, direct to degree and local offers  Personal Statement  Portfolio reviews