Pearson BTEC Level 4 Higher National Certificate Tattoo Illustration (Fine Art)

Applicants should have at least 32 UCAS points from one A-Level, a BTEC Level 3 or equivalent qualification. An interview where you will need a portfolio and satisfactory reference.

Mature students with relevant experience may also be considered.

Maths and English GCSEs at grade 4 or above are also required

Additional requirements

References from an official email address (i.e. NOT Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, etc.) This can be from your previous institution if you were a student in the last 4 years or from a line manager if you are currently working.

Suitable applicants will be invited to interview, where they will be required to further demonstrate their suitability for the course by bringing a portfolio of artwork.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) This is an inclusive term that enables the formal recognition, assessment and award of credit. It comprises Recognition of Prior Certified Learning and Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning.

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another higher education institution, you may be able to enter the course at level 5 or level 6. For further information please visit our higher education policy page for the Admissions Policy Appendix A for the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and Procedure https://stcg.ac.uk/about/policies-and-procedures. Other qualifications and relevant work experience may also count for academic credit. Please not that in all cases the RPL process must be formally completed before enrolment is agreed.

Suitable students can progress onto the Pearson BTEC Level 5 HND Tattoo Illustration (Fine Art) course at the College, which will better support moving into the Tattoo Industry via an apprenticeship. Study at Level 5 within other art and design pathways is also an option (subject to RPL accreditation process).

For the academic year 2025-2026 the tuition fees for this course are:

• UK/EU students: £6000

The following course-related costs are included in the fees:

• annual printing allowance
• BTEC registration fee
• Adobe Suite
• a range of specialist equipment and materials

The following course-related costs are not included in the fees:

• additional printing over and above the annual allowance
• the cost of books, equipment and materials that you might wish to purchase.

Sources of financial support: You may be eligible to apply for additional support:

Bursary Guidance: https://stcg.ac.uk/students/fees-and-finance/undergraduate-courses/undergraduate-bursaries

Inclusion Funds: https://stcg.ac.uk/students/fees-and-finance/undergraduate-courses/higher-education-inclusion-fund

Financial Information: https://stcg.ac.uk/students/undergraduate-information/fees-and-finance

Accommodation and costs- https://stcg.ac.uk/students/undergraduate-information/undergraduate-accommodation

Location of study: Kingston College, Creative Industries Centre

Course duration: 1 years (full-time)

Days of the week: You will be expected to attend for 2 days a week.

Timetables: Timetables are normally available one month before registration. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week.

Course Leader: Desmond Byrne Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel: 020 8939 4601

Ongoing assessment includes:

• Coursework
• Portfolio production
• Practical tasks
• Group work
• Formal presentations
• Written assignments

Suitable applicants requiring a Tier 4 Visa will be contacted by our International and Compliance Officer, who will guide you through the process.