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Experience a transformative journey in art, design and photography with a diploma that empowers adults to return to education, develop creative confidence, and build a portfolio for university-level study in just one year. This course is a gateway to new opportunities.
The Art, Design and Photography: Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised qualification, equivalent to two or three A Levels, designed for those without a full Level 3 qualification. The programme offers a rich and varied curriculum, including study skills, visual language, printmaking, diagnostic subject studies, contextual research, and a final major project. Learners benefit from a blend of lectures, seminars, studio work, group projects, and external trips to galleries and inspirational locations, previously including an overseas study tour to Paris.
Key features include hands-on experience in a range of creative disciplines, opportunities for group evaluation and critique, and expert guidance in portfolio development and presentation. The course fosters critical thinking, research skills, and artistic technique, preparing students for successful progression to higher education. High rates of student satisfaction and positive feedback reflect the supportive environment and the life-changing impact of the programme.
Studying with us means joining a vibrant community where creativity is nurtured, ambitions are realised, and learners are equipped with the skills and confidence to pursue further study or a career in the creative industries.
Many students who study an Access to Higher Diploma use the government's Advanced Learner Loan initiative to fund it. This means there are no up-front fees or credit checks. Visit the government's useful pages here to find out more.
Unit 1: Study Skills
Unit 2: Visual Language & Printmaking
Unit 3: Diagnostic Subject Studies
Unit 4: Portfolio
Unit 5: Research into Practice
Unit 6: Contextual Studies
Unit 7: Subject Specialism & Research Journal
Unit 8: Final Major Project & Exhibition
You will attend a number of external trips each year, for example to London galleries and drawing and research focused locations. You will also have the opportunity to go on an overseas study tour to Paris to view a variety of famous Galleries and gain inspiration from the city and its landscape. The feedback from students on the course is consistently positive, with high rates of student satisfaction.
These courses provide a route to higher education at university, with previous students choosing to study a fast-track degree here at University Centre Farnborough or applying to study elsewhere.
"This Access Course has let me get closer to my dream of running my own business. I have learnt many skills that made me university."
Harry Webster
"Joining Access has taught me a lot about Printmaking and I now have my little print studio at home. I am excited to be offered a place in Illustration. I can now express my thoughts through different mediums and techniques."
Kingsley Sarpong
"Taking the Access to Art & Design course at Farnborough College of Technology allowed me to explore and develop artistic techniques I didn’t know in working with other people."
Rebecca Chalmers
This course is designed for mature students, aged 19 or over, who have had sufficient life or work experience between leaving school and starting the diploma.
To make sure this is the right course for you, acceptance onto the diploma is based on aptitude and commitment following an interview and assessment.
You will need an English Language GCSE at grade C/4 or above.
It is also strongly advised that you contact the university or teaching institution, you wish to attend after completion of this course and check what their exact GCSE requirements are for your chosen degree. Every university admission policy is different so its worth making sure you have the right course for your particular needs.
Please contact us through the form below. After submitting a form we will contact you as soon as possible. We will delete your information one month after the beginning of the next academic year.





