City & Guilds Certificate in Creative Techniques (Life Drawing)

Who is the course for?

Drawing is a valuable tool for creative expression and is used by many to, for example solve or to visualise problems, to record information, to explain complex concepts / relationships, to communicate information and to explore the world around us. It is also used to develop an exciting and personal visual vocabulary. The course is aimed at people who have an interest in developing their drawing skills further whether as a novice or as a more skillful draughts person. The importance of drawing directly from observation is stressed throughout so as to form the foundation for further visual exploration. The course will also reward learners with a recognized qualification and a number of UCAS points at the end of this part-time evening course.

What will I study?

The certificate is made up of four units. There are two mandatory units that must be completed as part of the Creative Techniques certificate. The first of these units is ‘Design’ which focusses on the use of colour, line, mark making, texture and form as principals for creative work. The second is ‘Sampling – Exploring Potential of Ideas & Materials’ which looks at processes and ideas, use of different materials and equipment in drawing and how to experiment with them. To make this certificate life drawing focused, the other two units are chosen by the staff team to compliment the mandatory units. They are usually the units ‘Life Drawing – Full Human Figure Line’, which explores materials/techniques to create images direct from observation made up of line only and ‘Life Drawing – Full Human Figure Tonal’ which explore materials/techniques to create images direct from observation made up of different tonal ranges to create the illusion of three dimensions and to use light and shade to bring depth to drawings.

How will the course be delivered?

You will have a range of workshops and classroom sessions aimed at developing your knowledge and technical skills in drawing. You will have the chance to explore and experiment with different materials and techniques for representing the figure directly from observation. The sessions employ a professional life model so that you get the chance to explore the human figure directly in line and tone. The sessions are supported by highly experienced and qualified tutors who will coach you in technique such as measuring, perspective and free expression. You will be encouraged to explore a range of ways to draw which will enhance your confidence and help to develop a personal visual vocabulary.

Course Entry Criteria

The course is aimed firstly at people with an interest and a basic understanding of drawing. Equally it is also for those that may have more developed drawing skills and the sessions are flexible enough to be able to accommodate and develop further any learners with a higher level of proficiency in drawing. The course offers the chance to work in and amongst a group that include the staff (who all practice their craft as professionals) and a mixed ability/interest peer group. Students often find this rewarding as they learn from each other and share ideas. It is also a great opportunity to use the college’s drawing studios, equipment and staff expertise to develop a broader, more experimental body of work for whatever purpose.

The college operates a no refunds policy as detailed below. Cancellations and transfer requests are subject to the following conditions:

• More than 4 weeks notice – no charge
• 4 weeks notice – 30% of the cost
• 2-3 weeks notice – 50% of the cost
• 1-2 weeks notice – 75% of the cost
• Less than 1 weeks notice – 100% of the cost

All cancellations must be made in writing and are subject to a £10 administration charge. The full fee’s policy is available on request.

What will I get at the end of the course?

You will receive a City & Guilds Certificate in Creative Techniques. Your certificate should include the units covered for future reference.

What can I do next?

After completion of the level 2 certificate you may wish to progress to one of our other short qualifications at level 3 which we plan to extend next year. It may be possible with any future offer from the college to build upon the certificate gained in this area. By doing further units in subject such as mixed media working, painting, printmaking and creative computing you could gain a full level 2 diploma part-time. Other students have used this course as a springboard to study a degree such as our own UCBC Fine Art degree. Your tutor will be happy to discuss the options.

How much does it cost?

The certificate is priced at £260 for 30 weeks of teaching (3 hours per week)

There is an additional £40 registration fee to pay for the certificate.

You can speak to our registry team within The Hub, Beacon Centre about ways to pay.

Prices are subject to change.