Entry requirements
- Four National 5 passes including Art & Design and English/ Communication
Or
- Completion of a relevant SCQF Level 5 course – Introduction to Art & Design
- For those returning to education, life skills and experience may allow entry.
Why take this course?
Build a solid portfolio of art & design work, showcasing your skills and techniques. You will develop creative art or design solutions, informed by an understanding and awareness of contemporary practices and issues.
What you will experience
- Drawing (including life drawing)
- Painting, composition and colour
- Sketchbook development and personal projects
- Media development
- Printmaking and mixed media
- 3D design
- Digital media
- Sculpture (Aberdeen)
- Portfolio building
- Art and design contextual studies
Key Facts
Everything you need to know about applying for this course.
What you will need
You must supply your own portfolio case and materials. A list of suggested materials will be provided at the beginning of the course.
What you will get
SQA units in Art & Design (SCQF Level 6)
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, please view the specific English language requirements for this course.
How do I pay for this course?
If you are studying a full-time non-advanced course (below HNC level), you may be entitled to funding.
How to apply to NESCol
You can apply for a full-time course online or using a paper form.
Open Days
Open Days are a great way to find out more about this course and what it’s like to study at NESCol. You will see facilities, meet lecturers and get a feel for life as a student.
Our next Open Day will take place on Saturday 14 March from 10am – 2pm.
Do you need extra support?
NESCol can provide extra support to students who have additional support needs, including:
- learning difficulties or disabilities
- physical or sensory disabilities
- mental health and wellbeing concerns
- are care experienced or young carers
How do I cover the cost of living?
You may be eligible for additional funding to support the cost of living, including travel costs, cost of materials, and childcare.
Find out more about the types of funding and whether you are eligible here
College transport to Fraserburgh
You may be eligible for College transport to Fraserburgh Campus from a number of locations. Please contact collegetransport@nescol.ac.uk for more information.
Opportunities
Whether you wish to progress in your studies or enter the world of work, North East Scotland College has excellent progression opportunities, with links to several universities across Scotland and strong relationships with industry employers.
Education at NESCol
On successful completion of this course, you can progress to the following courses at North East Scotland College:
University
You would need to undertake further study at HNC/D level to progress to a range of university degrees.
Employment
Further study in more advanced art and design courses can lead to a number of employment opportunities in careers such as:
- Freelance Artist
- Designer
- Illustrator
- Art Cooordinator
- Printmaker
- Gallery Curator
Student Stories
Flavio Silva
Art, Design & Photography
HNC Fashion Business
“I enjoyed learning more about the fashion industry, studying topics such as fashion history and visual merchandising.”
Read more about Flavio's story
Thea Carr
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“The courses have not only widened my knowledge and skills, but they’ve also provided me with great practical experiences and opportunities that have improved my confidence.”
Read more about Thea's story
Zee Weston
Art, Design & Photography
HND 3D Computer Animation
“The College has given me the confidence to return to education, without the worry of whether I would fit in.”
Read more about Zee's story
Oleksandra Ivanova
Art, Design & Photography
HNC Fashion Business
“I loved attending NESCol, it’s a welcoming and supportive environment.”
Read more about Oleksandra's story
Jenny Ross
Art, Design & Photography
HND Art & Design
“I would certainly recommend NESCol to anyone and everyone. It really is the most amazing experience, and one I wished I had the chance to do so much earlier in my life.”
Read more about Jenny's story
Cosmin Mihai
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“I would recommend this course to whoever thinks this is the path in life they have to take. You will find support from tutors and classmates, and you will also make some friends too.”
Read more about Cosmin's story
Jeremy Varcl
Art, Design & Photography
Creative & Digital Media Foundation Apprenticeship
“The Foundation Apprenticeship has helped me grow my connections, expand on my professional skills such as accounting and communication, and add to my game design portfolio.”
Read more about Jeremy's story
Jack Coutts
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“The opportunities you get with this course are amazing, and that includes what you get taught in the classroom along with the trips, events and everything in between.”
Read more about Jack's story
Lucy Wiseman
Art, Design & Photography
HND Textiles
“NESCol has helped me figure it out and get ready, without feeling too rushed to go to university.”
Read more about Lucy's story
Lane Craigie
Art, Design & Photography
HNC Fashion Business
“This was the role I went to College for and I achieved it within one year of finishing my HNC! The course gave me a good foundation to build my career from.”
Read more about Lane's story
Applications
North East Scotland College offers hundreds of courses each year, apply for one now.
Apply now
You can apply for a place on this course by completing an online application form, which you can access using the ‘Apply Online’ button. Once submitted, this will be processed by our Admissions team.
Aberdeen City Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC00009
Fraserburgh Campus
StartsAug 2026
Course CodeC00150
Alternatively, you can complete a paper application and send it to us.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to complete an enrolment form. In completing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
Similar courses for you
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
