Fine Art Higher National Certificate - HNC

This new course embraces a full range of disciplines, reflecting the diversity of studio-based creativity and critical thinking essential to Fine Art practice today. 

This a highly creative interdisciplinary course which explores traditional and contemporary fine art practices.

Whether you work with physical materials or prefer a more conceptual approach, we’ll encourage you to experiment with a wide range of materials, methods, and processes, such as drawing, painting, ceramics, textiles, sculpture, printmaking, illustration, photography, installation, performance and digital technology.

This new course is currently subject to validation with our first students planned for September 2026.

About the course:

Designed to reflect the demands of the creative industries and the flexibility needed in modern life, this course model lets you develop your studies step by step, one year at a time. You can continue, pause, or change direction, while still achieving a recognised, industry-relevant qualification at each stage.

Level 4 (120 academic credits)

Module A - Process & Practice

The module is made up of two units. For each unit you will be assessed against the following criteria:

* Contextual Studies

* Ideas Generation and Development

* Technical Knowledge and Skills

* Professional Practice

* Communication Skills

A1 - Concept and Development (85 credits) - a substantial part of the year’s delivery, this is mostly practical and studio-based.

A2 - Creative Project (35 points) - a design brief that allows you to explore and further develop your creative practice, encouraging your growth as a holistic practitioner.

Our tutors are experienced and highly qualified practising creatives with national and international profiles. You’ll also be supported by specialist technicians and purpose-built workshops to help you develop and progress.

Facilities

The course is based at the Adams Campus, a Victorian heritage building in the "Lace Market" Creative Quarter of Nottingham City Centre.  Purpose-built accommodation features seminar rooms and top-floor studios with amazing natural daylight.  We are proud to offer each student their own personal workspace.  Other features include:

* dedicated fine art studio

* industry‑standard Adobe software

* traditional printmaking facilities and darkrooms

* photographic studios and equipment

* 3D design and technology suites

Teaching and Assessment

This course will be delivered through blended learning with demonstrations, lectures and practical activities.  Assessment is evidence-based including: practical work, portfolios, group work, presentations, written assignments and exhibitions. There are no examinations.

Qualification

Pearson Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Fine Art (subject to validation)

Bursaries

We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Check out our website for more information.

Careers and Progression

The Level 4 HNC offers a strong foundation in fine art practice, giving students the skillsets, confidence and knowledge to progress further with their studies. The following stage - the Level 5 HND in Fine Art - enables students to take the next step in their creative practice and – if desired - advance to the final year of a degree programme.

The creative industries offer many career options with an increasing proportion of graduates freelancing and setting up their own small businesses, locally and online. Some choose to venture into other sectors and are equally successful in gaining employment due to the range of transferable skills acquired.