Access to Higher Education Diploma

Key Facts

Starting
7 Sep 2026

Location

Kingston - Creative Industries Centre

Duration

1 Year

Study Mode

Part Time Day

Start Date

Sep 2026

Level

Level 3

Code

KIA3001CF

Fees

Fees

£ 0 - 7,856

Apply

Our Access to HE Art and Design is designed for adults aged 19+ who are aiming to progress onto undergraduate and higher diploma courses. This course delivers a wide range of practical skills and also builds an understanding of current concepts within a contemporary context. In a supportive and creative environment, you will explore art and design pathways before specialising in your chosen area. You will build an extensive portfolio and benefit from support in making your progression choices.

Take a look at https://stcg.ac.uk/access-to-art-design-and-foundation-diploma-art-design-at-kingston-college for an informative series of videos by students following an exhibition titled Transforming the Everyday. Access and Foundation students explain the concept of their project, what inspired them, the techniques they have used, what they've learnt and how they're developing as artists.

Entry Requirements

We will invite you to a 'Meet the Tutor' event. You will need to show your commitment and creativity and bring a portfolio of recent art and design work. During the meeting you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Applicants should have a passion for creative concepts and methods. You will be invited to show this within a portfolio of art and design work in an interview with academic tutors. GCSE English grade 4/C or above is required, or you may be asked to complete internal English testing to demonstrate you are at a level to engage with the course fully. If you do not have GCSE English or Maths qualifications, we aim to give you the opportunity to study them alongside the Access course at Kingston College.

We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish! Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.
Course Content

You will initially explore experimental and interdisciplinary ways to draw and make. Visiting exhibitions and museums to inspire and understand contemporary context, you will gain skills in analysis and professional practice. Study skills units are closely linked to your own creative development.

Within a site-specific context of Southbank Brutalist architecture, London transport Museum and current exhibitions, you will gain skills in specialist approaches such as architectural model making, reduction lino cut, up-cycling garments & digital design. You will make a pathway choice in December such as Graphic Design, Architecture, Interior Design, Product Design, Fine Art, Illustration, Fashion & Textiles.

Design development links your gallery/ site visit research and skills within your chosen pathways. This stage builds your pathway portfolio content and confidence towards progression routes, refining towards an interim exhibition at our Penny School Gallery.

Launched in the spring, your Individual Project holds an exciting opportunity to shape a brief with your own specialist pathway, reflect on strengths and work towards your own personal direction. This unit concludes in an ambitious final exhibition as part of our Creative Industries Centre Summer Show.

You will be using specialist equipment in our Creative Industries Centre workshops, studio spaces and mac rooms. Our 3D construction workshop, print room, textiles cabin and a large base studio allow you to gain high level skills, build a diverse portfolio and discover your own direction. In addition, you will be using Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator alongside full Microsoft package, available both remotely and on site.

Day time study is approximately 10 hours delivered over two to three days a week, although this is subject to change each year. More information can be found on the [OCN Subject guide] (https://ocnlondon.org.uk/access-to-he/access-learners/subject-guide-art-and-design).
Progression Next Steps

Learners mostly progress towards both university degree and post graduate courses, depending on their previous experience. Progression routes include Architecture, Interior Design, Product Design, Fashion, Textiles, Games Design, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Animation, Games Design and Illustration. Also, dual degrees such as linking Creative Writing with Illustration and Philosophy with Fine Art.

Practical skills have also been used directly in employment, recently in areas such as floristry, events design, graphic design and marketing, learning support, workshops and art teaching. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that your current and future qualifications comply with the entry requirements of any university to which you intend to progress.
Additional Information

Tuition Fees:

All fees quoted are likely to rise each year in line with inflation - please contact us for the latest fees advice.

24+ Advanced Learning Loans: If you are aged 24 or over you may qualify for a student loan that will pay for your tuition fees. This loan will not need to be repaid if you progress onto Higher Education and complete an eligible higher education qualification. Prices quoted may be subject to change. Please contact us for the latest fees information.