Art & design
Courses
Whether you’re a painter, potter or graphic designer, your creative and technical skills will flourish in our Art & Design department.
Learn through creating
As an Art & Design student, you will have the freedom to explore new ideas while developing technical skills in your chosen medium.
Your creativity will be enhanced with a unique learning environment. Truro & Penwith College offers purpose-built facilities containing specialist studios, exhibition spaces and inspirational views. These studios will provide you with an experience of the diverse creative industries.
You will have the opportunity to build a portfolio of work as well as a chance to exhibit in our exhibitions. Many students progress to university or to our successful Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, based at our Tregye campus.
Click above to watch our film about studying Art & Design at Truro and Penwith College and the career and university opportunities available to you.
Every year, our students develop and explore new skills and ideas. They progress to prestigious universities and become part of the creative industries.
Arlo Tinson - Programme Team Leader
a variety of courses
We have a wide range of qualifications, from Access Courses, Apprenticeships and A Levels to Undergraduate Degrees. We also run IB Visual Arts as part of the IB Diploma. All of our tutors are experts in their fields, whether silversmiths, illustrators or interior designers, and will give you the support and tuition you need to achieve your outstanding potential.
inspirational settings
Studying with us, you’ll have access to industry-standard studios and vibrant exhibition space in the purpose-built specialist White building at Truro College and the refurbished Nanjizal building in Penwith, which offers space, light and fantastic views over the Penwith Campus and Mounts Bay beyond. Some of our adult part-time courses are also run in the inspirational setting of the Penzance School of Art, a beautiful building dating back to the mid-19th century.
learn and create
Through the study of art history, theory and techniques, you’ll be encouraged to explore and experiment with different ideas in a way that will spark your creativity and energise your practical work.
Get Creative
Students exhibit their work locally and nationally, at live venues and over digital platforms, including the Mall Galleries, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Royal Academy of Arts, the Truman Gallery and New Designers, London. We also host our own annual Art Shows in Truro City Centre and Penzance School of Art, exhibiting artwork from all levels and courses.
100% achievement on eight of our Art and Design courses. 10 out of 11 courses achieved pass rates above the national average.
2.5m
The Creative Industries account for 24% of the UK workforce (2.5 million jobs) contributing over £77 billion per year to the UK Economy.
1 - 6
Our Art & Design Department offers progression pathways from Level 1 through to Level 6 BA Hons in Silversmithing and Jewellery and Design Craft Maker.
travel
Student residential visits have included travel to Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, New York, and London and many individual day trips to visit local exhibitions, museums, studios, workshops, and galleries.
Expert
Students work with energetic and well qualified staff, who have expert knowledge and are practicing creatives in many specialisms.
I love the social side of College; I’ve made so many new friends that all come from different parts of Cornwall. I've also received so much support from all my lecturers. I’d like to thank the Technicians who have helped guide me during my time studying A Level 3D Design.
Ella - A Level 3D Design, Maths and Geography
Select a pathway
All
Access to Higher Education: Art & Design
HNC/D Fine Art
UAL Level 1 Diploma in Art & Design
UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
A Level Fashion
UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
A Level Art & Design: Illustration & Graphics
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art, Design & Communication (Creative Practice)
School Leaver
A Level Art & Design: Illustration & Graphics
UAL Level 1 Diploma in Art & Design
A Level Art & Design: Fine Art
A Level Fashion
UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
A Level Art & Design: Illustration & Graphics
A Level Textiles
University Centre
HNC/D Fine Art
UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
Access to Higher Education: Art & Design
Access to Higher Education: Creative Arts
Adult & Professional
Digital Arts
FAQs
To apply for an art and design course at Truro and Penwith College, visit the course page on our official college website and complete your application online.
Entry requirements for art and design programs vary. Check the specific course details on the college website or prospectus or contact the admissions office for the most accurate and up-to-date information on entry requirements.
Graduates from art and design programs at Truro and Penwith College can pursue diverse career paths, including roles in Animation, Fine Art, Interior Design, Architecture, Fashion and Textiles and more. The field offers a wide range of opportunities in various industries. Visit the Career Zone or truro-penwith.ac.uk/career-zone to find out more.
Yes, students exhibit work locally and nationally, over digital platforms and live venues including the Mall Galleries, New Designers, Royal Society of British Artists and the British Art Medal Society in London. We also host our own annual Art Shows in Truro City Centre and Penzance School of Art, exhibiting artwork from all levels and courses.
The White building at Truro is a purpose-built art facility containing specialist studios and exhibition spaces. At Penwith, the Nanjizal building has space, light and views over the campus. These exceptional studios with fantastic resources, including the south west’s largest range of 3D printers, laser cutters and profilers, will provide you with an experience of diverse creative industries. Come and see for yourself at one of our Open Events. Visit truro-penwith.ac.uk/events.
We strongly recommend making an application for your chosen course as soon as you can when you are in your final year of school. After you have submitted your application, you will be invited to attend an interview where you can make amendments to your application if need be.
