02 Mar 2021
Key Facts
Qualification Summary
The diploma allows learners to undertake study related to art and design topics. Learners will have the opportunity to develop skills which will enable progression to a range of degree level programmes including a focus on Cultural Studies - Modern and Contemporary Studies in Art and Design, The Design Process and Visual Studies 2D with a range of optional units. Many learners join art and design degrees after following A level study, so the diploma will place the Access to HE learners on a level with those who have followed A level studies.
Ungraded units include units which will support access to higher education whilst supporting study and personal skills.
Why choose Gateway Qualifications for this qualification?
Gateway Qualifications offers a range of innovative, flexible and dynamic vocational qualifications that are valued and meaningful and which will develop the skills necessary to gain employment or to progress through further study.
Units
Students must achieve all credits from this group.
Cultural Studies - Modern and Contemporary Studies in Art and Design
The Design Process
Visual Studies 2D
Students must complete 6 credits from this group
Research and Creative Development
Visual Research
Students must achieve 9 credits from this group
Academic Writing Skills
Preparation for Higher Education
Study Skills for Creative Arts
Students must achieve 6 credits from this group.
Academic Reading Skills
Application of Number - Calculations
Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information
Communication - Speaking and Listening
Developing Professional Attributes
Introduction to 3D
Introduction to Drawing & Painting
Mathematics - Calculations
Presentation Skills
Presenting Information Using ICT
Professional Interpersonal Skills
Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience
Study Skills
Work Placement
Students must achieve 21 credits from this group
3D Design
Ceramics - Working with Clay
Colour Theory and Application
Discovering Art, Design & Cultural Movements
Graphic Design
Model Making
Participating in an Exhibition
Perspective Drawing
Photography
Printmaking
Renaissance and Baroque Art and Design
Studies of the Human Figure
Textile Printing and Colouring
Typography
Using Mixed Media
Intended learner groups
a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to HE
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to HE.
How this diploma meets learners' needs
The Diploma will provide them with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed HE study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired which support an understanding of art and design including craft-based units, technical art units and those linked to design and will ensure that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.
What this diploma covers
The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to keep their options open until they have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills relevant to the subject area e.g. Academic Writing Skills and study skills for the creative arts.
Delivery methods
Face to face
Blended learning
Work placements would also be beneficial and visits to museums would widen opportunities.
Progression routes
BA (Hons) Fine Art
BA (Hons) Design
BA (Hons) Art and Design
BA (Hons) Ceramic Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art: Drawing
BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting
BSc (H) Fine Art: Photography
BSc (H) Fine Art: Sculpture
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
BA (Honours) Illustration
BA (Honours) Textile Design
BA (Hons) Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
Provider approval criteria
Depending on the choice of unit, centres will require access to relevant art and craft resources.
Funding information
Learning Aims Search
The Hub provides a Learning Aims Search which you can use to check the funding status of any qualification or unit.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Hub website
From 1st July 2021, the Hub will be replaced by a new Find a learning aim (FALA) service. This service is currently in BETA so if you experience any issues with finding funding details, please double check on the Hub above, or contact your account manager.
View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website
How to find a learning aim
If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:
How to Use: Find a learning Aim
Additional funding information for Access to HE
- Access to HE is eligible for funding as part of the legal entitlement offer.
- Access to HE is eligible for funding via Advanced Learner Loans and appears on the Advanced Learner Loans catalogues published by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
- Access to HE Diplomas are designed for adult learners aged 19+ and the ESFA only funds young people on these programmes by exception, as stated in paragraph 149, page 39 of the Funding guidance for young people 2020 to 2021.
We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.
This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.