Pearson BTEC HNC in Fine Art

This one year full-time course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to take the first steps towards a career within the creative industries. It is for students who already have an existing strong art and design skills set and wish not only to extend these but also to develop an understanding of how to exhibit, promote and sell their work within the creative marketplace. On successful completion of the HNC, students may be invited to progress to the HND year.


Academic Year: 2024/25
Course Code: 11164
Campus: Bangor
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Higher Education
Department: Art & Design

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Course Structure

The HNC in Fine Art course is delivered FT over 3-4 days a week to allow students to balance other work and commitments alongside their course of study.

Contextual studies increase your knowledge and understanding of historical and contemporary art practices. You are taught academic skills and methods and learn to write analytically about art and related concepts. There is a strong emphasis on the creative development of the individual and their practice. It allows students to refine and hone both their practical and theoretical skills in a nurturing, supportive and creative environment. The experienced teaching team have strong industrial links across the creative arts in Northern Ireland.

This programme is delivered using a range of on-campus and online synchronous and asynchronous approaches.

The course is project driven and student focused offering an inter disciplinary programme across a series of 2D and 3D art practices, covering painting, print, sculpture, ceramic and digital art.

The programme has two modules which are

A1 Concept and Development

A2 Creative Project

General Entry Requirements

The general entry requirements below identify the minimum qualifications needed to apply for the programme. Other qualifications will be considered on an individual basis on application.  You are required to upload a copy of your qualification certificates to show how you meet the entry requirements for the programme prior to enrolment.  Applications will also require successful completion of the admissions process. 

GCSE/ Level 2 Requirements

• GCSE grade C/4 in English Language, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Communication, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification. 

AND

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

• GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics, or Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number, or equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

AND

• Passes in 4 different subjects (can include English Language and Mathematics and as above), with 1 at GCE Advanced (A) level (grades A-E), and 3 at GCSE level (grades A*-C*/9-4), OR equivalent in an approved alternative qualification.

Course Entry Requirements

A minimum of 32 UCAS Tariff points including:

• GCE A level (A2): Typical grade profile C [to include Art and Design, or an art related subject)

OR

• [RQF] Pearson BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma In Art Design and Media Practice with overall award profile P

OR

·      Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design with overall award profile MP

OR

  •    An equivalent in an approved alternative qualification

Accreditation of Prior Learning   

Alternatively, you can provide evidence of your ability to undertake the programme by meeting the requirements for the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process, either through Accredited Prior Certificated Learning (APCL) or Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL).   Further details on APL can be found in the HE Admissions Process section of our website and the HE Accreditation of Prior Learning SOP.     

International Students English Language Requirements  

International applicants, from Non-Native English speaking countries, must have evidence of English Language Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages:  

  • IELTS 6.0 (Academic) (minimum of 5.5 in all skills)   
  • PTE Academic 51 (minimum of 46 in each part)  
  • Or equivalent UKVI-approved English Language Test  

For further information please contact our International Department at international@serc.ac.uk  

You will have both formative and summative assessments throughout the programme

These may include coursework, Project Based Learning, presentations, practical activities, role-play, products and case studies. 

This is dependent on the requirements of each unit of study. 

Oral, written and online feedback will be provided during your course to help improve and monitor performance.

 Successful completion of the HNC Fine Art course may provide you with the opportunity to complete a further year leading to the Level 5 HND in Fine Art.

 

 

The HNC course has been designed to provide students with a solid understanding of fine art practices as well as extensive experience working to a  professional standard on projects throughout the year. The combination of knowledge and skills students acquire on the HNC are all transferable into the creative industry.

The course aims to help students to develop industry connections through a strong programme of masterclasses, workshops and industry visits

 

A materials list will be sent to students once accepted onto the course with specific requirements.  

This will include;

A standard kit of art materials such as sketch books, paints, brushes, pencils, pens. Approx. £100

A digital SLR camera. Approx. £150 upwards

A portfolio case with sleeves A3 or above dependent on own practice. Approx. £40-£60

A memory cards for both video and audio files approx. £25.  

In addition, students will be expected to partake in gallery/museum/workshop visits. Students are asked to budget approx. £30 per visit for transport and food.

The course is provided and regulated by Pearson.

Course modules

A1 Concept and Development

A2 Creative Project

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

View 2025/26 Course

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

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UCAS Information

You can apply directly to SERC for this course using the Apply Now buttons.

If you apply directly to SERC we will process a UCAS application on your behalf in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018/ UK GDPR.

Applications to our full-time undergraduate Higher Education courses can also be made through UCAS.

View SERC on UCAS

Available Sessions

Sorry you cannot currently apply online for this course.

For more information or help with this course please complete an enquiry form.

Alternative Years

You are viewing the 2024/25 version of this course, it is also available in the following years:

View 2025/26 Course

Customer Enquiries

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Higher Education

Higher Education

If you have just completed your A-Levels, Higher Education is most likely the option for you. HE usually covers HNC, HND & Foundation Degree level of courses including our Higher Level Apprenticeships.

Explore Higher Education