Art and Design NC

What is special about this course?

The National Certificate Art & Design is a one-year course located in the distinctive location of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides.  The Island has a diverse landscape and is renowned for a rich natural history and fascinating archaeological past. The Hebridean islands also retain their unique Gaelic culture and language.

The course attracts a diverse group of learners from the islands and further afield, and is made up of younger students moving on from school as well as those returning to education. With small group sizes and the input of a number of specialised tutors, the learning experience is full of new challenges and creative opportunities. Portfolio preparation is embedded into the course structure for students intending to apply on into Higher Education art courses.

A particular feature of the course is its location in Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Arts Centre, the award winning arts venue in North Uist. With a changing exhibition programme, and stunning waterfront studios, this is a vibrant hub of creative and cultural activity.

Entry requirements

Applicants should aim for 3 National 5 passes or equivalent, preferably including Art and English. Applicants will also be asked to show examples of their work, particularly drawing, at interview which will help determine their level of experience.

Applications to the course are welcome from adults returning to education who may not possess the entry requirements.

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Graphic Design
  • Digital Media
  • Colour
  • Photography
  • Exploratory Media Handling
  • Project
  • Sketchbook Development
  • Contextual Studies
  • Printmaking

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time
  • Part Time

Studio and workshop based.

Field trips to various locations around the island.

How long will my course last?

1 Year
  • Full time – the course runs for 3 days a week on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Part time – In discussion with the Course Leader, applicants can select a number of units to study. Units are normally delivered in blocks over 2 weeks. Full time students are given priority. 

Where can I study my course?

    • UHI Outer Hebrides
    • UHI Outer Hebrides (Lochmaddy Campus)

    Please note, UHI Outer Hebrides will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study.

Start date

September

Fees

Please contact leadmissions@uhi.ac.uk for further information on fees and funding.

What can I do on completion of my course?

The course allows students to prepare a portfolio with which to apply on to Higher education level courses. This could be progression onto the BA Fine Art (level 1/2), also offered by UHI Outer Hebrides at Taigh Chearsabhagh or to other Art Colleges or HND level courses.

Is there more information available online?

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“An inspiring and diverse course, exhilarating”

“A beautiful and inspiring place with a closely knit community, what more could you ask for”

Younger students and adults returning to education work within a creative and stimulating environment to extend their experience, skills and understanding – a year of discovery or a stepping stone on to further in-depth study.

Apply for Art and Design NC

I want to start in 2023/24

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Outer Hebrides. Please note, UHI Outer Hebrides will be changing its name to UHI North, West and Hebrides in August 2023, subject to Scottish Government approval. This will not impact on your choice of course or how and where you will study. UHI Outer Hebrides operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.