This course gives you an introduction to a broad range of Art, Design and Media disciplines and to gradually develop an area of specialism in your chosen field of practice. You will be supported to develop a professional portfolio of work and the knowledge and expertise that will demonstrate your abilities and match your aspirations for employment or further study. The course is designed and informed by an experimental and hands-on approach toward art, design and media practices and to give you an insight into the creative industries. During your first year (Level 4) you will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of skills and develop a broad understanding of important contextual ideas and practices that inform contemporary practice. In your second year (level 5), you will develop a more specialist approach to practice and develop a portfolio of work and knowledge that will expand your understanding of professional practice in this field and allow you to identify and locate a more independently driven practice in preparation for Level 6. In addition, you will explore the professional contexts for developing careers in this sector by undertaking ‘live’ industry focussed and offsite projects and explore a range of platforms for showing your work including festivals, exhibitions, galleries and online and physical publications. In your final year (Level 6) you will undertake a significant research project into a subject relevant to your emerging practice as an artist or designer and be supported to develop a more self-directed portfolio of work that is both underpinned by your research and exemplifies your skills, knowledge, and conceptual concerns. You will be expected to increasingly complete and present work to a professional standard and support your creative and conceptual decision making in relation to professional models of practice relevant to your subject.