Art, Design & Digital Media - Foundation: NQ (Level 5)
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View NQ level 6 artwork
Course overview
Build the creative skills and confidence you need to take the next step into HNC, HND or degree-level Art & Design.
This Level 6 course is designed for learners who are passionate about developing their artistic abilities and preparing a strong portfolio for progression to higher-level study. You’ll work across a wide range of traditional and digital disciplines — from drawing, painting and printmaking to illustration, book design and graphic design — all supported by experienced, encouraging lecturers.
You’ll also gain hands-on experience using industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign, alongside access to scanners, digital cameras and dedicated studio spaces. The course gives you time, space and expert guidance to explore different approaches, experiment with ideas, and refine a portfolio that reflects your creative strengths and personal style.
Whether you’re aiming for HNC Art & Design, building towards an HND, or thinking about applying to degree-level study across Scotland and the UK, this programme gives you the foundation you need to take your next step with confidence.
This course is ideal if you:
- Are enthusiastic about art and design and want to progress to higher-level study
- Need to build or refine your portfolio for HNC/HND or university applications
- Enjoy working across traditional and digital media
- Want to try a range of specialisms before committing to a future pathway
- Are looking for a supportive and creative environment to develop your practical skills
What you will learn
You’ll explore a broad range of practical skills and creative processes while building a professional-quality portfolio. Core areas include:
- Painting – colour, composition, texture and contemporary approaches
- Observational & Expressive Drawing – sketchbook development and larger works to build technical accuracy and personal style
- Illustration – developing narrative, character and visual communication
- Printmaking – experimenting with monoprint, relief, screen printing and mixed media processes
- Book Design – combining imagery and text, exploring layout and sequencing
- Graphic Design – using design principles to create professional visual outcomes
- Digital Software (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign) – gaining confidence with industry-standard tools for creative production
Projects encourage research, experimentation, reflection and the development of a strong visual identity — all essential for successful portfolio preparation.
Entry requirements
To apply for the NQ Art & Design: Portfolio Preparation (Level 6), you should have
✅ A NC in Art & Design (Level 5) OR
✅ NQ in Art & Design (Level 5) - minimum of 12 units OR
✅ NPA's in Art and Design
You’ll be asked to upload a small selection of artwork to support your application and may be invited to interview.
ℹ️ Due to Health & Safety, Awarding Bodies stipulations or Legislation set by Governing Bodies - you must be 16 years old at the start of this course.
ℹ️ For this course, if English is not your first language
- you need to have SQA ESOL Higher (or equivalent, click here to see equivalent qualifications)
- If you do not have a formal ESOL qualification but your language skills meet this level, you should apply for your course and then contact our Admissions team to organise an internal language assessment here at the College.
Career Opportunities
While most students continue directly to higher-level study, this course also supports entry-level creative roles such as:
🎨 Studio or Gallery Assistant
🖌 Art & Design Support Roles (schools, workshops, community arts)
🖥 Junior Design Assistant
🎭 Community Arts Engagement Roles
📸 Freelance creative projects (illustration, photography, design support)
Future prospects
This course is designed to prepare you for progression to:
- HNC Art & Design (Year 1) at Glasgow Kelvin College (common next step)
- HND Art & Design (Year 2)
- Degree-level courses across Scotland and the UK
Progression routes are available within Glasgow Kelvin College, other Scottish colleges, and universities across the UK.
