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Design and Visual Arts

Design and Visual Arts

Welcome to Design and Visual Arts

Sheffield is full of creativity and studying at The Sheffield College provides you with lots of opportunities for you to learn and exhibit work on your doorstep! Because the sector is so diverse, we work with you to develop your own style in design, fine art, fashion and whichever other creative areas you're interested in!

You will have access to our many art workshops or Mac design suites, and our tutors who also work in the industry will help you make some amazing connections. That could be at our Creative and Design Exhibition in Sheffield city centre, or in one of the many showcases and live projects the tutors arrange with some of the best employers in Sheffield.

Design and Visual Arts

“When I came to The Sheffield College I didn’t really know what to do with myself but my tutor inspired me. Working independently on projects has really helped me to grow up and learn to manage my time, it’s given me some skills that I’ll never forget.”

Sasha Bushnell, Art and Design student

Which programme is right for me?

Picking the right course is the first step in your design and visual arts career! Whether you choose a full-time study programme and pick your own specialism, or apply to study a university level programme, we have something that'll suit you and your learning style. 

What kind of work will I do on a Design and Visual Arts study programme?

All of our design and visual arts tutors are passionate about their specialisms, most of them have worked in their chosen industries for many years, which means they have the experience required to offer you the best support and guidance when it comes to careers. 

Our students get the opportunity to work on live design projects set by local businesses to prepare them for the world of work – something employers love to see on your CV. Our tutors can also support you in finding a work placement in your chosen career so you can get a taste of what the job is like. You’ll get to showcase your work in our end of year show, visited by design agencies and other local employers – the perfect opportunity to land yourself that job or university place.

Trips, Visits and Competitions

At The Sheffield College, we go further to ensure that you get the best learning and cultural experiences possible to enhance your time with us. We do this through visits to local art exhibitions and museums, having guest speakers come in to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, or through visiting major industry leaders so you can see how they go further in the real world.

Work-related Activity and Industry Placements

As a student at The Sheffield College, you will be encouraged to spend time with an employer in a real-life working environment as part of your study programme. This could be work experience or an industry placement, depending on what kind of course you are studying.

What's in it for me?

  • Improves your job prospects and gain knowledge of the workplace in a variety of areas
  • Enhances your employability skills such as communication skills, problem-solving, social skills, time management, commitment, enthusiasm, flexibility and teamwork
  • Previous experience of work can help you during interviews and it looks impressive on your CV
  • Helps you understand what motivates you and what you are passionate about so that you can apply this to your future career

Facilities

Hillsborough Campus is our creative hub, housing our custom-built facilities, including Mac design suites, art studios, industry-standard games design software and workshops where you can try your hand at screen-printing, metalwork and pottery!

 

 

No matter what study programme you decide on, we've got the facilities you'll need to develop your skills so that when the time comes to enter the workplace you can jump straight in and feel confident in your abilities.

What can I do once I finish my studies?

At The Sheffield College, we know that work experience is key to making you stand out from the crowd when it comes to applying for jobs - that's why all of our study programmes contain an element of practical industry experience. This takes many forms, but may include:

  • Peer reviews and critiques of your work
  • Developing your portfolio
  • Working on design or project briefs that have been set by actual employers from the local area
  • Entering competitions
  • Obtaining a work experience placement with a local company

Spotlight on...

UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design

Whilst we offer design and visual arts courses starting from Level 1, why not take a minute to find out a bit more about our Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design study programme?

Location: Hillsborough Campus

  • Mode of study: Full-time
  • Duration: 1 year
  • Qualification: UAL Diploma
  • Start date: September 2022

University level courses

Looking to continue your design and visual arts studies up to degree level? Our career-focused courses are just what you're looking for! Click on the links below to find out more:

Careers advice to help you go further

Choosing a career path when you've only just left school can seem like a daunting prospect, but our Careers Advice Team are on hand to offer you the best impartial careers guidance going. 

They can help you to figure out the kind of jobs that you might enjoy based on your interests, skills and hobbies; or if you already have a pretty good idea of what you'd like to do in the future they can give you some pointers on how to go further and land your dream job.

Example careers

Ever wondered how much an accountant is South Yorkshire earns? Or what skills you need to become a developer?

Graphic Designer

Starting Salary
£8.50/hour

Average Salary
£17.00/hour

High-end Salary
£26.00/hour

Product Designer

Starting Salary
£10.00/hour

Average Salary
£17.50/hour

High-end Salary
£26.00/hour

Animator

Starting Salary
£7.00/hour

Average Salary
£13.00/hour

High-end Salary
£18.50/hour

What Courses are available

Design and Visual Arts icon

Art and Design

Hillsborough Campus
Level 2

More info