Program Overview
Creative Art and Design Practice FdA
Course Description
This course will provide you with the opportunity to add to your previous qualifications or relevant work experience across a broad range of art, craft and design practice.
What You Will Study
The course has a good balance of creative and academic work, being two-thirds practical artwork and one-third theoretical written work. Practical work may include fine art, painting, printmaking, ceramics, crafts, textiles, surface pattern and photography with the ability to combine both traditional and modern techniques.
The course will develop your art and business skills through practical projects and opportunities to create, exhibit and sell your work locally and internationally.
How You Will Learn
You will get the opportunity to visit exhibitions, galleries and design fairs, both nationally and internationally, which will help you see the wider picture of the creative and cultural industries and gain industry experience outside the academic environment. You will also attend seminars and develop through reflective journal keeping.
You will have access to the art department’s wide range of resources as well as newly updated cross-college learning resources such as the library and IT based learning with the latest Adobe design software.
Careers
After completing this course, you may wish to progress to the BA (Hons) Fine Art or other art degrees, dependent on an interview and your portfolio of work.
Getting You Career Ready
Your degree is only part of your story. We're here to help prepare you for life after university.
- 96% of UK graduates are in employment or further study.
- Top 5 for employability. Uni Compare Annual Student Review Rankings 2025.
- 87% of UK graduates say their current activity is meaningful.
We promise to provide an inclusive approach; supporting, advising and guiding you on your employability journey to success. We will listen to your needs and signpost opportunities for you to engage with up to three years after graduation.
Entry Requirements
If you are aged between 18 and 21 the entry requirements are GCSE English at grade C or above and any of the following:
- 80 UCAS points
- BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design or equivalent
Mature students are welcome and there are flexible entry requirements for those over 21 based on an interview with the tutor.
Fees and Funding
2025/26
| Full-time | Part-time | |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Full-time N/A | Part-time £1,190 per 20 credit module |
| International | Full-time N/A | Part-time N/A |
Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.
How to Apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.
Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.
Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.
Undergraduate and Postgraduate Taught Deadlines
Please note some courses may have an earlier induction, teaching and enrolment deadline date.
If your course operates a gathered field or pooled admissions process there may be an earlier application date. Please check your individual course page for further details.
Additional Information About Your Studies
Teaching Hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Course Updates
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
