UCA Rochester Pre-degree and Foundation Prospectus 2020

Pre-degree & Foundation

Courses for 2020 entry

UC A

Ro ch es te r

One and two year courses to prepare you for a degree

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Vi us si O a t pe t a n n D ay

To uc bo a. ok ac y .u ou k/ r op pla en ce da , g ys o t o:

You’ll get the best start to your creative career

You’ll belong to a caring, creative community

You’ll fulfil your creative potential with our specialist facilities

You’ll be inspired by our beautiful campus locations

You’ll be taught by our team of experts

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Welcome to UCA

Sarah Clark Head of School, Further Education

If you’re passionate about a future in art and design or creative business, you’ve come to the right place. We have a range of further education courses here at UCA which are designed to help you realise your creative potential and prepare you for a career in the creative industries.

At UCA, all of our campuses are devoted to creative courses and our pre-degree students are an integral part of university life, working with the same industry quality equipment as our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

You’ll be part of a community where creative ideas and passions are shared on a daily basis, where students of all levels inspire one another to create extraordinary work.

Our pre-degree (further education) courses offer you the opportunity to explore the wide range of art, craft, design and media subject areas we offer – before choosing a specialism for undergraduate study.

You can discover your artistic strengths and expand your portfolio by exploring a wide range of subjects, including creative business, fashion, textiles, graphic design, art and design, animation and media.

Studying with us at pre-degree level will provide excellent opportunities for progression. Due to the quality of our programmes and learning environment, we are able to guarantee your progression onto one of our prestigious degree programmes, following the successful completion of your course. We’ll help you to develop as a creative professional and truly build a foundation for your future career.

You’ll learn in a university environment with access to industry-standard equipment, and be taught by dedicated teaching staff – most of whom are practising artists and designers. You’ll enjoy our art and design studios, and benefit from using extensive facilities that you won’t find at most schools or colleges, along with exceptional library and learning centres.

“ Our aim is to help you identify your passions and prepare you for the next stage of your creative arts education.”

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Modern University of the Year Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019

96.9%

96.9% of our graduates in employment or further study six months after graduating Destinations of Leavers in Higher Education (DLHE) survey, July 2018

Top 35 Top 35 of all UK universities Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019

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No.1 No.1 Specialist Arts Institution in the UK Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019

Top 10 Amongst the top 10 in the UK for teaching quality National Student Survey 2018

Top 30 Top 30 in the UK for student experience Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2019

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Choosing the right journey for you

In the arts, most universities will assess whether a student is ready to study on a degree programme by examining a portfolio of their creative work.

This is very different from other subject areas where academic qualifications are the main deciding factor.

Pre-degree courses give you the opportunity to build your portfolio, whilst exploring a range of disciplines and developing yourself as creative individual.

Where are you now and where do you want to go?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Is there a subject or a specialism that really appeals to you? And what future career can you see yourself pursuing? It’s always worth remembering that you’re more likely to do well studying a course that you really enjoy and that you know will help you to fulfil your ambitions.

So, ask yourself what subject you feel the most passionate about as a creative individual.

How do you want to get there?

The diagram opposite shows you the different further and higher education routes that are available to you here at UCA. There are a number of routes you can take, depending on where you are in your journey, and where you want to go.

If you have GCSEs, but not A-Levels…

You can come straight to UCA aged 16, after completing your GCSEs. Our Extended Diploma courses are an alternative to AS and A-Levels, developing your creativity and skills in a university setting.

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You’ll earn the same amount of UCAS tariff points as if you’d studied AS or A-Levels and you’ll also develop a portfolio that will help secure you a place on a degree programme.

We’ll also offer you support on our Diploma 2 Degree scheme when you’re ready to progress to a degree course – see page 8 for more details.

If you’ve completed your A-Levels…

Our Diploma in Art & Design – Foundation Studies is globally recognised as bridging the gap between A-Levels and a creative degree course. It’ll give you the chance to explore specialist subjects that aren’t covered by A-Levels, such as crafts, fashion, graphic design, animation and fine art. After receiving a grounding across a range of subject areas, you’ll work with our Programme Directors and Specialist Lecturers to build an impressive portfolio of work in your main area of interest.

If you’re returning to education…

Our Access to Higher Education Diploma is offered on a part-time basis and is designed to prepare those returning to education for a degree course.

Question? Get in touch!

For more information, come to one of our Open Days – see the inside front cover or visit: uca.ac.uk/opendays

Or ask us a question online: uca.ac.uk/ask-uca

Pathways to undergraduate study & postgraduate study

GCSE, Diploma or equivalent* Get Creative

UCA workshops for 13–18-year-olds

Two years Extended Diploma

Pre-degree

Two years A-Level, Scottish Highers, BTEC Nationals, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent*

One year Access to Higher Education Diploma – Art & Design

Three or four years

BA (Hons) or BSc (Hons) Degree

MA, MArch, MBA, MFA, Graduate Diploma or MPhil/PhD

Undergraduate

One year International Foundation

Postgraduate

One year Diploma in Art & Design – Foundation Studies

Employment

*Not offered at UCA

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Diploma 2 Degree

We’re confident that our pre-degree courses will give you the technical skills, creative eye and hard work ethic needed to succeed in an undergraduate degree.

Diploma 2 Degree is our progression scheme which guarantees you a place on a UCA degree course if you pass your pre-degree course and meet the entry requirements for undergraduate study.

The process is simple and stress-free, and it means no lengthy application process, no applicant interviews for your degree, and no UCAS fees.

You can choose from any of the four UCA campuses – Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham and Rochester – and while you’re on your pre-degree course we’ll take you on visits to the other campuses to have a look around and meet students and tutors.

Our tutors on your pre-degree course will also discuss with you the course options available that fit the subjects you’re interested in, and provide some helpful advice on which courses and campuses might be best suited to your future career.

For more information, visit: uca.ac.uk/diploma2degree

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“ I learnt a lot of new skills and techniques in my diploma that I was able to apply straight into my degree. My first year meant that I was refining and enhancing the skills I’d already learnt, rather than learning them from scratch. I found it really useful to already be in the habit of documenting and mapping my thought process and story behind the work I was producing, it meant that I always had it there to refer back to.”

Zara Zaidi

Zara Zaidi

Milly Houldey

Diploma in Art & Design – Foundation Studies, UCA Rochester

Diploma in Art 7 Design – Foundation studies, UCA Rochester

BA (Hons) Interior Architecture & Design, UCA Farnham

BA (Hons) Film Production, UCA Farnham

“The Diploma 2 Degree scheme was one of the key factors that drew me into considering UCA in the first place. I’d seen a similar scheme at a different university, so when I learnt that UCA had a Diploma 2 Degree scheme which focused solely on a student’s creative abilities instead of exam success, it made me want to look into UCA much more.

“I decided to study a foundation course at UCA Rochester because I wanted to work in the creative industries but wasn’t sure what I wanted to do yet. I had always been interested in film and animation but hadn’t had the chance to study them during my A-Levels.

“When I progressed from my diploma onto my degree course, I also moved campus. I had studied my foundation year at UCA Rochester, but when it came to my degree, the course I wanted to study was based in UCA Farnham. I found it exciting that there were new locations at my fingertips, whilst still studying at the same university. It meant that I could branch out and explore somewhere new, but in a place that still had the same collaborative, friendly feel. It still very much felt like UCA. “It was during the specialism period of my diploma – which was after rotations and before the final major project – that I sat down with my tutor and discussed the degrees that I wanted to pursue. They were able to talk me through my options and what was available to me. From there all I had to do was complete a form stating which course I wanted to study and where, via the Diploma 2 Degree scheme.

Then I received my offer, followed by my grades in May. And now here I am, starting my final year before graduating.”

“I realised that I could also specialise in one of the creative subjects without having to worry about UCAS, because I could apply to an undergraduate at UCA via the Diploma 2 Degree scheme. This meant I didn’t have to rush a portfolio and I could focus on making my final project in my specialism really good instead.

“I was always interested in film but didn’t know enough about it before my foundation course.

From studying photography, I started to become interested in cinematography but I didn’t have the facilities or the confidence to explore it myself. The foundation helped me realise that it’s more doing and learning than overthinking about how it works and not trying.

“I chose to continue with an undergraduate at UCA because I already loved the atmosphere at the university and was comfortable with transitioning from the foundation.”

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Easter & Summer Schools If you’re considering studying creative arts at college or university, our Easter and Summer Schools are the perfect way to open up the world of your creative arts education.

Easter School

Summer School

Our Easter School is the place to be if you’re studying, or have an interest in, creative subjects and would like to develop your skills and portfolio. The Easter School runs for four days during the Easter break and is a nonresidential course.

During July, we offer students aged 14–17 the opportunity to enter our exciting Summer Schools. With the choice of residential or nonresidential courses, you’ll get the chance to experience living and learning like a university student.

The Easter Schools are free to join. To apply, you need to be aged 14–17 and be able to attend the whole four-day programme.

With courses available at all of our campuses and free admission, you can rest assured that you’ll have a fantastic creative learning journey, led by experienced practitioners and industry professionals. You’ll get the chance to try your hand at a variety of subject areas including Photography, Architecture, Fashion Textiles, Fashion Business, Animation, Illustration, Graphics and Ceramics.

During the course, you’ll be taken through a range of concepts, working on drawing, painting and mark-making. And, at the end of an actionpacked four days, we close with an exhibition for family and friends to come along and see your finished masterpieces.

Find out more and register your interest: uca.ac.uk/easter-schools

During the three-day course, you’ll be able to express your ideas, explore your creativity and add to your portfolio. You’ll then have the opportunity to exhibit your work and learn how to set up a gallery space.

Find out more about the different subjects we offer at our four campuses and register your interest: uca.ac.uk/summer-schools

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Our campus community Perched high on a hill, our purpose-built Rochester campus enjoys great views over the town and the River Medway. The campus is a creative hub for students studying in a rich variety of courses.

Only a 10-minute walk from Chatham station and with good connections to local bus routes, the campus is bursting with creative energy, with students taking advantage of the incredible facilities and inspiring environment to work collaboratively on projects of all kinds.

With halls of residence only five minutes away and a range of exceptional facilities, including an art shop, the Zandra Rhodes Gallery and the unique Gerber Suite, our Rochester campus offers you a genuinely inspirational study experience.

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Accommodation Many of our pre-degree students live close to our campuses and opt to live at home, but for those of you coming from further afield, we have a range of accommodation options.

Your home-from-home Starting a new course can feel a little strange at first, particularly if you’re moving away from home for the first time, but we’ll do everything we can to make you feel right at home. From the moment you arrive here, you’ll be part of a diverse and tight-knit creative community.

Safe & accessible We want you and your family to know that you and your belongings are in safe hands in our halls of residence. And, if you do have an emergency, our halls have trained Student Wardens on duty overnight and during weekends and holidays.

We provide basic contents insurance for all residents living in our halls through Endsleigh Insurance – we’ll give you the details of the policy during your online induction. You can pay more for enhanced cover at any time.

Each campus has a number of bedrooms that are wheelchair accessible and we’ll make reasonable adjustments to modify accommodation to suit particular needs. We operate a no-smoking policy in all our residences and buildings.

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Halls of residence Our halls of residence are all self-catering, and in most cases, you’ll have your own study bedroom with a bed, desk, chair, wardrobe, and blinds or curtains. Bring your own personal possessions to help make the place feel more like home.

All bedrooms and shared areas are heated, and each house or flat has a shared kitchen/dining area. You’ll need to bring your own pots, pans, cutlery, crockery, kitchen utensils, tea towels, towels, sheets, pillows, and a duvet (and cover) or blankets.

All internal shared areas are cleaned once a week, although you’re responsible for cleaning your own room and en-suite bathroom (if you have one). We provide internet access in all bedrooms and shared areas – the cost is included in your residence fees.

Doust Way boasts a great view of the river and is situated just a five-minute walk from campus. The halls house up to 215 students, usually in flats of six.

How to apply We offer rooms to as many new full-time students who want to live in university accommodation as we can. From the March of your starting year, if you’ve firmly accepted an offer from us, you can apply for UCA accommodation through our Applicant Portal.

It’s best to apply for accommodation as soon as possible, rather than waiting for your exam results in August. This will give you the best chance of getting the type of accommodation you’d like.

The first allocation of university accommodation happens in May (you’ll need to apply by May 2020), and on a rolling basis after that – we’ll let you know by email as soon as possible. If you’ve been successful in your application, you’ll be able to view and accept your Accommodation Agreement through our online system.

Visit our website for more details: uca.ac.uk/accommodation If you still can't find what you're looking for, or you’d prefer to contact us in person, please get in touch with our dedicated accommodation team.

They are here to help make your move as smooth, comfortable and enjoyable as possible, so you can focus on getting settled into student life.

Contact us +44 (0) 1634 888 723 rochesteraccommodation@uca.ac.uk 15

Your local city A small historic town with a modern artistic twist – the energy and creativity radiating from Rochester’s vibrant arts and music scene is contagious.

The art scene Whether its arts, dance, exhibitions, lectures, festivals, music, theatre or film, you’ll find your tastes are catered for. With over 30 days of free festivals and over 600 events every year, Rochester and its neighbouring towns will keep you fully entertained.

Through exciting and inspiring events and exhibitions, local creative talent is nurtured and residents and visitors can revel in a range of inspiring and innovative arts and cultural experiences.

UCA Rochester is at the centre of a busy community of creative arts initiatives. Organisations such as Nucleas Arts and The Deaf Cat Gallery and Studios produce, promote and retail the very best in contemporary design, craft and media, making Medway a phenomenally vibrant centre for all creatively minded people.

Explore the town Rochester is certainly big in character – with loads of activities on your doorstep, this location is perfectly suited to the student lifestyle. It’s only 40 minutes from London by train, and offers a variety of creative industry links and vibrant nightlife.

Charles Dickens lived here for much of his life, and you’ll find places that pop up in his books still sitting among the town’s characterful streets, shops and ancient buildings today.

You can spend your free time strolling around the local flee market or heading down to the river for some water sports.

Getting here Nearest airports: –– London City –– London Gatwick By rail: –– 40 minutes from London St Pancras –– One hour from London Victoria By sea: –– One hour from the English Channel ferry crossing at Dover –– One hour from the Eurotunnel at Folkestone Nearby towns –– 40 minutes to the beautiful Whitstable coast –– 45 minutes to lively Maidstone –– 45 minutes to busy student city Canterbury.

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Upnor

Strood

St Mary’s Island

Rochester Gillingham

UCA Rochester Cuxton

Rainham Capstone

UCA Rochester

New Road

New R oad A2

UCA Rochester

RRX 20

Bus Stop Closest bus stop to UCA Rochester: New Road/A2* Train Station Closest train station to UCA Rochester: Chatham

Rochester Castle Shopping Walking Route

Approx. 11mins from Chatham Train Station.

UCA Rochester

ood and Drink F Options avialable ill H tt Pi t r Fo

Hospital Rochester Cathedral

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Trips and visits Throughout your time at UCA, you’ll have the opportunity to broaden your creative learning experiences with exciting trips and visits.

Our pre-degree courses offer a selection of educational outings to enrich your studies, from local galleries and museums, to European excursions and everything in-between.

Previously, our students have visited cities including London and Oxford, as well as the south coast of England. European expeditions have included a trip to the Netherlands’ creative capital, Amsterdam, where our students had the chance to immerse themselves in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and home to an inspiring creative environment.

You’ll get the chance to get out of the classroom and into a new environment in order to inspire and enhance your ideas, whilst fuelling your creativity and ambition. It’s something our students always enjoy here at UCA, which is why we always ensure we have a strong programme of trips and visits available to you.

In most cases, students will be required to cover the costs of overseas visits, but they aren’t mandatory. Field trips inside the UK are sometimes free, but it’s likely you’ll need to cover the travel costs.

If you decide to stay on to study an undergraduate degree at UCA, the opportunities to explore the creative industries beyond the classroom expand even further. Many of our students go on to visit inspiring locations including Rome, Berlin, Paris and New York, as well as interesting industry events across the UK.

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Meet your course leader & specialist lecturer Chris has a BA in Fine and Studio Arts from Loughborough University, and a Master’s degree in Printmaking from the Royal College of Art in London.

He has taught Further Education at UCA Rochester for over 15 years.

Chris Wraith “The team and I all studied Further Education courses prior to beginning our degrees. This gives us a very good understanding of the needs of each student to gain the learning and subject confidence to proceed to undergraduate study.

“We all maintain an art or design practice and have, for several years, taught and developed valuable teaching practice to strengthen the experience for our students.”

Chris’s own work is influenced by sci-fi illustration and noir rock album art, and he has made abstract collages to play with digital perspective and virtual senses of reality. He has explored the restrictive qualities of screen-based images, interested in the way untouchable 3D objects can be translated into a physical plane.

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“As part of all the subjects we teach, we equip each of our students with a range of approaches. If students develop their understanding of research, concept, experimentation of ideas and materials and are able to reflect and evaluate this process, they have a very good starting point to prepare themselves for undergraduate study.

“We help students uncover their artistic strengths and develop a portfolio within a chosen subject pathway. We challenge ideas, extend students critical independence and enable them to demonstrate a full understanding of standards required for higher education, or the career of their choice.”

Our courses

ccess to Higher Education A Diploma in Art & Design iploma in Art & Design D – Foundation Studies xtended Diploma in Art E & Design Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology Accessing Higher Education through Year 0

“ The opportunity to study within a university whilst completing a Further Education qualification is an incredible experience. All students get large studio spaces and access to specialist tutors, technicians, materials and equipment which makes the step up from school learning to university-environment learning a fantastic leap for all individuals.”

Chris Wraith UCA Rochester

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Access to Higher Education Diploma in Art & Design UCA Rochester

Sadie Poile

Michelle Clohesy

If you’re returning to education and looking for a part-time art and design course, the Access to Higher Education courses at UCA Rochester is the perfect springboard to a degree, career change or progression in your existing career.

Throughout your studies at our Rochester campus, you’ll have your own dedicated studio space, as well as access to the same facilities as an undergraduate or postgraduate student.

Open to anyone over 19 years of age, you’ll study with us for two days a week, normally experimenting in five disciplines – fine art, fashion and textiles, 3D design, lens-based media and visual communications.

Specifically tailored to those entering education after a break, our Access Diploma gives you the chance to explore a range of art and design subjects, whilst balancing other work or family commitments.

On this course, you’ll develop or rediscover the skills and confidence needed for the art and design world. You’ll be supported by individual tutorials, educational visits, a range of specialist lectures, and opportunities to take part in live briefs and competitions.

All staff members teaching this course are either active practitioners or involved in research in their specialist fields, offering you a great opportunity to build relationships and learn directly from experts.

Our Access Diploma is fully integrated with the other pre-degree and foundation courses at UCA Rochester – so you’ll be working within a wider creative community where you can share ideas, techniques and project concepts.

You’ll also acquire the verbal and written skills needed to present your ideas effectively and to engage in critical debate. Your creative and personal development will be realised by undertaking a final major project of your own choosing, culminating in a final exhibition.

As the year progresses, you’ll have more freedom to specialise. This will help you to grow as an artist and determines which creative direction your academic path and future career may lie in.

Duration: one year part-time

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Entry requirements: No formal qualifications are required. Entry is by interview and evidence of ability and commitment, in the form of a body of work or non-traditional portfolio.

Diploma in Art & Design – Foundation Studies UCA Rochester

Lucy Green

Lizzie Lovell

If you’re preparing to progress onto an undergraduate degree after your A-Levels, our Diploma in Art & Design – Foundation Studies course provides you with an additional year to build up experience, develop your skills further and establish a varied portfolio.

Working amongst our undergraduate and postgraduate students as part of our uniquely creative community, you’ll be immersed in university life from the beginning. Surrounded by plenty of inspiration and collaborating with creative students across a variety of disciplines, you’ll be able to observe first-hand the range of degree options available to you.

You’ll spend the year exploring a range of creative subjects, giving you the time and creative inspiration to decide which area of art and design you’d like to specialise in when you come to choose your undergraduate degree.

The first part of your year will be spent investigating different areas of art and design, identifying your strengths and personal interests to help you grow as an artist or designer.

As the year progresses, you’ll have more freedom to specialise and direct your route through the course, resulting in an exhibition of your work at the end of the year and a unique and varied portfolio, ready for your undergraduate degree.

You’ll have access to the facilities at UCA Rochester and will be supported by teams of subject specialist lecturers – most lecturers are active within their own fields as professional designers, artists and researchers.

Duration: one year full-time

On successful completion of the course, you’ll have a direct entry route onto the full range of our undergraduate degree programmes at UCA via our Diploma 2 Degree scheme. (You’ll need a Pass for most courses, or a Merit if you wish to progress onto BA (Hons) Architecture.)

We’ll arrange visits to all our campuses and give you the opportunity to undertake workshops in several different areas so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you. We’ll also help you with your application – there’s no need to apply through UCAS and there will be no selection interview for progression onto your chosen degree.

Once you finish, you will be awarded the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design – Foundation Studies.

Entry requirements: 32 UCAS points from one A-Level or a BTEC/UAL Extended Diploma, Extended Certificate or Subsidiary Diploma preferably including art, design, media, photography, design technology or related creative subject AND a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade A*–C and/or grade 9–4, including English language and preferably mathematics.

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Extended Diploma in Art & Design UCA Rochester

Harrison Edwards

Jemima Woolnough

If you have a passion for art, our Extended Diploma in Art & Design at UCA Rochester offers you a unique opportunity to study on a practical art and design course within a university environment from the age of 16.

Towards the end of the course, you’ll undertake a final major project and participate in your diploma exhibition – you may also take part in a live project, giving you an insight into the creative industries and the chance to work with studios or galleries in the area or in London.

Equivalent to three A-Levels, this is a two-year course which allows you to try out a wide range of art and design subjects or specialise directly before choosing a degree.

You’ll explore a variety of media, expand your skills and find your focus in a selection of subjects, including fine art, fashion and textiles, 3D design, lens-based media (photography and film) and visual communication.

After exploring each area in detail, in the second year you’ll be able to make an informed choice of one of the five main areas to specialise in, allowing you to focus on developing specific skills in your chosen area.

Duration: two years full-time

You’ll build a fundamental skillset for a future in art, including drawing, photography, constructions and making, typography, animation, interactive design and moving imagery with sound.

At our Rochester campus, you’ll have access to the same facilities and workshops as all our undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Don’t worry if you still need to get your mathematics GCSE – we’re committed to getting you ready for an undergraduate degree and your future career, so we hold classes in the subject.

On completion of this course, you will be awarded a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design.

Entry requirements: Normally five GCSE passes at grade A*–C and/or grade 9–4 including English Language and preferably including mathematics and either: art, design, media, photography, design technology or a related creative subject.

UK/EU students aged 16–18 without a grade C/4 or above in GCSE maths may still receive an offer but will be required to study GCSE maths as a mandatory part of the course.

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Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology UCA Rochester

Charlotte Beale

Ella Thorne

Take your interest in creative media to the next level and discover more about how it shapes our everyday lives. This dynamic, innovative course will develop and nurture your design and media skills across a wide range of multimedia formats.

We offer a uniquely collaborative learning experience – you’ll be working alongside our undergraduate and postgraduate artists within our specialist creative environment, with access to high-spec facilities and equipment, plus frequent educational visits to creative venues in London and elsewhere across the country.

Equivalent to three A-Levels, you can start this twoyear course after completing either your GCSEs or a Level 2 Diploma.

In the first year, you’ll experiment with a variety of media processes, including preparatory and post-production film techniques, and with digital character design, storyboarding and narrative. You’ll also develop an understanding of stop-frame, GIF and Flash animation, increase your technical skills in photography and learn image editing techniques using leading creative software.

At UCA, we’ll support your transition from diploma to degree to employment – most students go on to study degrees with us such as Animation, Photography, Games Arts or Television Production.

On completion of this course, you will be awarded a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology.

In your second year, we’ll give you the freedom to specialise and deepen your skills by focusing on one of the following: lens-based media, graphic and interface design, illustration, animation, computergenerated arts, or games design. Both years are supported by our cultural theory programme, introducing you to historic and current contextual topics.

Duration: two years full-time

Entry requirements: Normally five GCSE passes at grade A*–C and/or grade 9–4 including English Language and preferably including mathematics and either: art, design, media, photography, design technology or related a creative subject.

UK/EU students aged 16–18 without a grade C/4 or above in GCSE maths may still receive an offer but will be required to study GCSE maths as a mandatory part of the course.

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Year 0 undergraduate course UCA Rochester

If you’ve finished your A-Levels and you’re considering a degree in the creative arts, but you haven’t had a chance to study your chosen subject before, you might want to consider one of our four-year undergraduate courses.

These courses are available at each of our campuses in a variety of subjects from fashion to animation. The first year, Year 0, is an alternative option to a Foundation degree, designed to help build your confidence and your portfolio, before jumping head first into the rest of the degree.

The additional year of study will help you to explore your creative ideas and ways of thinking that are essential to undergraduate success.

Year 0 is the first year of the four year courses, where you will gain the fundamental understanding and practical skills needed to help you transition onto the rest of the degree. You will have access to all the facilities and studio spaces available at UCA, and you’ll start to develop your own creative style.

Depending on the subject, you will be introduced to basic practical skills as well as new learning and research techniques. From drawing to photography to observational skills, you’ll finish Year 0 fully prepared to embrace and succeed in your chosen creative degree.

You might decide to study a four year course instead of a Foundation degree. This would be a good option if you are sure you know what subject you want to study and you want to get a head start on your degree. However, if you want to try your hand at a variety of creative disciplines before you make your undergraduate decision, one of our alternative further education courses might be better for you.

Sedona White

Rachel Simpson

Courses available at UCA Rochester: –– Fashion Design –– Fashion Media & Promotion

Rachel Simpson

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Pre-degree graduation shows Every summer, we welcome hundreds of visitors to the Graduation Shows at UCA Rochester, featuring work from our graduating pre-degree and degree students.

Students on each of our pre-degree courses participate in these impressive exhibitions, displaying their work to family, friends and professional industry contacts.

These showcase events are open to the public and are a great opportunity to view the extraordinary breadth of work our students create. Everyone is welcome to attend for a chance to spot the creative talent of the future.

Find out more about when these shows take place: uca.ac.uk/graduationshows

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Preparing your portfolio

Depending on the course you’re looking to study, you may be asked to present a portfolio alongside your exam results as part of your application.

A portfolio is a great way for you to present your creative ideas, showcasing the techniques you’ve used, the choices you’ve made and your personal style.

Your portfolio should represent a selection of your work – it could include short films you’ve made, photography, paintings, illustrations or sketches. It’ll demonstrate your artistic skillset and capabilities which we’ll use to assess your creative potential.

Most portfolios are made up of 16 to 20 pieces of work and should be well presented with a simple and organised layout. No doubt you’ll have a lot of work that you could include, but cutting it down to those 16 to 20 pieces of work is really essential.

Think about how you might put your ideas together, and how your work might flow through the portfolio. How you document and develop those ideas are the elements we really want to see. The areas that you’re interested in should come across in your portfolio – aim to show us your individuality.

It’s important to make sure that your work is concise and consistent to show us that you’ve taken the time to consider what you want to display. A good way of doing this is to choose a theme that will run throughout your portfolio, helping to show the creative journey that you’ve been on so far.

Depending on the course you apply for, a portfolio may not be required, but we’d love to see your creative work if you have it. You can either bring a physical portfolio to your Applicant Day or upload a digital portfolio via our Online Portfolio system.

Check out our library of portfolio videos for further information on how to prepare: uca.ac.uk/study/portfolio-advice

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Applicant Days What is an Applicant Day?

Your one-to-one meeting and portfolio

Applicant Days are your chance to see exactly where you’ll be based, meet course tutors, and speak to other applicants and even current students who have gone before you.

As part of the Applicant Day, you’ll have a oneto-one meeting with a member of your course team where you can ask questions and learn more about your suitability for the course. They’ll want to look at your portfolio of work, so please remember to bring this with you.

It’s a great opportunity to showcase your talent in a relaxed environment and to ask us any questions you might have before your course starts.

The day usually involves a welcome from your Course Leader, a tour of the campus and facilities and a one-to-one meeting with a member of the course team to review your portfolio. Depending on our students’ availability when you visit, we’ll also try to show you students working in the pre-degree studios.

The day is a friendly and informal event, so wear whatever you feel comfortable in. The Applicant Day takes about three hours, but you can take as long as you like to look around campus.

You’re welcome to bring guests along, but please be aware that they won’t be able to attend some parts of the day with you, such as your one-toone meeting.

Applicant Day info

We’ll email you all the information about your Applicant Day once it has been scheduled.

When you receive this email, please log into the Applicant Portal to access your Applicant Day Guide. This will give you full details of the day, including a schedule of events, tips on what to bring with you, what to expect and how to prepare.

If you aren’t able to attend an Applicant Day, there are still plenty of opportunities to come and visit us to get a taste of the UCA experience, such as Open Days and exhibitions. Find out more on our website: uca.ac.uk/events

“ Our Applicant Days have been especially designed to help you discover more about the course, campus and student experience.”

Sarah Simms Head of Admissions

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Fees & finance Although there are many costs associated with studying at university, don’t forget that, if you are a UK or EU student under 19 years old, you don’t have to pay a penny towards your predegree tuition fees.

Pre-degree tuition fees

This information applies to UK and EU students only. If you are an international student, please visit our international fees and finance web pages for information: uca.ac.uk/international/fees

Tuition fees for Year 1, 2019 entry Course

Age group

Course fee

Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology

16–18 19+**

£0 £4,290

Extended Diploma in Art & Design

16–18 19+**

£0 £4,290

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

16–18 19+**

£0 £5,420

Access to Higher Education Diploma: Art & Design

19+**

£3,928

All fees shown are correct at the time of printing.

* Course subject to validation.

Fees for the 2020/21 academic year will be released in June 2019. These may be subject to change as a result of changes in inflation, government policy on tuition fees, entitlement to fee reductions and tax or benefit rules. Please check for the latest information before you enrol.

** If you’re a UK or EU student aged between 19 and 23 on 31 August before the start of your course – and you haven’t already got a full Level 3 qualification – you also won’t be charged tuition fees.

If you’re a UK or EU student and under 19 years of age on 31 August before the start of your course, you don’t have to pay any tuition fees.

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How do I pay my fees?

Are there any other charges?

The first step to pay your tuition fees is to complete the online enrolment process. We will send you more information about enrolment in the August before you start your course.

If you’re under 19, you’ll need to pay an annual materials charge at the start of the course. This is currently £130 for full-time students and £100 for part-time students.

We’ll then email you your tuition-fee invoice within 24 hours of completing your online enrolment. You can pay using our online payment system.

If you’re 19 or over, the materials charge is included in the course fee – except if it’s your first Level 3 qualification, where an additional materials charge will apply.

You must pay your tuition fees and any material charges before starting your course with us, or you’ll be unable to attend classes.

We review our fee levels annually. For the most up-to-date information, visit: uca.ac.uk/fees

Financial support

16-18 Bursary Fund

Care to Learn

Available from the government, this fund helps young people aged 16–18 who face the greatest barriers to continuing in education after the age of 16.

If you’re a young parent under the age of 20, Care to Learn can help with the cost of your childcare while you’re studying. For more details, visit:

Awards are means tested and can help towards your course costs and travel expenses where a clear need for support is evident. There are also a limited number of residential bursaries available.

gov.uk/care-to-learn

Advanced Learner Loan

If you’re aged 19 or older, you can apply for a loan to help cover the tuition fees for pre-degree courses. For more details, visit:

More information

Our website is packed with helpful information.

You can find out everything you need to know to plan your student finances including tuition fees, grants and scholarships. There are also plenty of hints and tips for staying on top of your finances, so that you really enjoy your time at UCA. Visit: uca.ac.uk/fees

gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan Adult Learner Support Fund

The Adult Learner Support Fund is designed to help adult learners with a specific financial need which could prevent them from participating in learning. Awards are means tested and can help towards your course, travel and childcare costs.

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Frequently asked questions Q. What are the benefits of choosing to study further education in a higher education environment?

A. Studying in a higher education setting gives you a different learning experience than a school. It offers a more relaxed environment, and one where you’re encouraged to take more responsibility for your education. And, with students coming to university at all stages of life, and from around the world, you’ll be exposed to a rich diversity of new people and experiences.

A. The University is a vibrant community of highly skilled practitioners and researchers. All the staff continue to practice creatively in some capacity as artists or designers, fostering networks with the local, regional and national creative communities. Some have significant research profiles in their subject. We have a very high staff-to-student ratio, meaning that you’ll benefit from a high level of contact time and support from your course leaders and other staff.

Q. Why should I choose UCA?

Q. What are my options after I finish my studies?

A. UCA has the highest employment rate for a specialist creative university at 96.9% (DLHE survey July 2018). By taking a pre-degree course with us, you’ll be able to explore the subjects that you have a real passion for, which will then help you choose a degree that builds on your talents and artistic strengths, and a career that you love.

A. Student progression at UCA is outstanding.

Year-on-year over 80% of our students progress onto higher education programmes both within and externally to the university. We also offer a Diploma 2 Degree scheme, making it much easier for you to progress onto one of our own degree courses.

Q. What are the facilities at UCA like?

A. Studying one of our further education courses, you’ll benefit from exceptionally well-resourced facilities including studios, workshops, galleries, media rooms and comprehensive libraries, which are all fitting for a university environment and experience.

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Q. What are the teaching staff at UCA like?

Contact us If you have any other questions about studying a further education course at UCA, please get in touch. +44 (0) 1252 892883 enquiries@uca.ac.uk

How to apply

We would be thrilled if you applied to study at UCA. Please apply directly to us using the individual online application form for your chosen pre-degree course. You’ll find this on the specific course information page on our website.

When to apply If you’re looking to start a course with us in September, we encourage you to apply between December and March, as this is when most of our Applicant Days take place. Applying by the end of March will also give you plenty of time to prepare for your studies. We will still accept applications for consideration after the 31 March deadline.

Contact us If you have any questions about applying, please get in touch with our friendly Admissions Team who will be happy to help you.

UK/EU admissions: +44 (0) 1252 892 960 admissions@uca.ac.uk International admissions: +44 (0) 1252 892 785 internationaladmissions@uca.ac.uk

What happens next?

When we get your application, we’ll send you an email with your login details for the online Applicant Portal. This is where you’ll access all the information you’ll need throughout your applicant journey. uca.ac.uk

Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this prospectus, which is believed to be correct at the time of publication (May 2019). The University reserves the right to introduce changes to the information given, including the addition, withdrawal, relocation or restructuring of any programmes. The information in this prospectus is subject to change and does not form part of any contract between UCA and the student and his/her sponsor.

For up-to-date and more detailed information on any of our courses and studying at UCA, please visit uca.ac.uk 1071-0518

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