- Location
- Anniesland Campus
- SCQF Level
- 7
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- HNC
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 year - August to June
Applications open 15th January 2025
This HNC Fine Art: Painting and Printmaking course is taught in purpose-built studios and is designed to provide a high-level programme of study. We focus on developing your skills and ideas through a programme which will encourage you to explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to working. Development of ideas and conceptual thinking will underpin work in both figurative and abstract subjects.
This course is suitable for applicants applying to art school or to become independent practicing artists.
What will I learn?
This course focuses on three key areas drawing, painting and printmaking. You will be working from creative briefs which will stimulate and help you to develop your art practice in both traditional and non-conventional ways. Approaches to generating work will come through experimentation, research, and studio/location-based work. Contextual studies will help you to gain valuable understanding of the various art practices that have been fundamental in Modern and Contemporary Art.
Teaching is delivered through studio practice, group critiques, demonstrations, and gallery visits. Professional artists and experienced lecturers will provide you with the expertise and facilities to help you reach your full potential in this course.
Your final graded unit project will allow you to focus on your preferred working medium, as well as teach you to become an independent learner.
Key elements of the HNC Fine Art: Painting and Printmaking course are:
- Drawing - Observational, developmental and sketchbook work, including life drawing
- Exploratory 2d painting
- Printmaking - Screen-printing, dry point etching, mono and relief printing (wood and lino)
- Project work
- Portfolio preparation and exhibition
- Art theory and context, including gallery visits and artist talks
- Graded Unit - self-directed project
In addition, there will be an opportunity to undertake a short course with Glasgow Print Studio.
Life drawing is an important additional element and may be offered by the College.
Take a look at some of our previous students' work
Julia - HND Painting and Print Making shares her story.
Entry requirements (minimum)
- One Higher in Art and Design or in a related art subject, band C or above plus a suitable portfolio
- A pass from an NQ/NC or UAL (University Arts London) Level 2/3 course plus a small portfolio of work
- Applications are also invited from those without formal qualifications but who have relevant experience with a portfolio of work
- A personal statement is key to supporting a successful application.
Entry requirement equivalency table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
In addition to the course, you will have the opportunity to...
- Participate in a 2-day workshop with Glasgow Print Studio
- Visit artist studios
- Visit galleries and exhibitions
- You may also have the opportunity to participate in a cultural visit abroad.
Articulation Routes
If you complete your 15 units, you will be able to articulate to year two of the HND in Contemporary Art Practice at Glasgow Clyde College.
If you decide to study with us for two years and gain an HND qualification, this will allow you to apply direct to year two or year three at art school.
An articulation agreement is in place with Gray’s School of Art at Robert Gordon University Aberdeen. Successful HNC/D Contemporary Art Practice students can progress to year one, two or three of the BA Hons Contemporary Art Practice degree programme or BA Hons Painting.
Entry will be dependent on:
- Satisfactory completion of an HNC/D in Contemporary Art Practice
- Grade A in the Graded Unit
- Attendance at interview
- Portfolio review.
Take a look at the course progression map for art and design courses.
Jobs and further study
You will have the opportunity to progress to the following institutions to study fine art. Applications to year one, two or three will depend on your portfolio.
- Edinburgh College of Art
- Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art
- Gray's School of Art
- Glasgow School of Art
- Heriot-Watt University
- Highlands and Islands University
- University of the West of Scotland
- Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
You can also progress to a variety of HND programmes.
Portfolios are suitable for application to all UK Art Schools.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
When you apply
You will receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you will be:
- Asked to upload a small portfolio of your artwork (max 12 slides) in support of your application
- Invited to book a group/ interview session- where you will be given further detailed information about the course
- Once this has taken place you will be informed of the decision and the offer you have been made. (In some instances, we may feel that you would benefit from and alternative course and this will be made clear at the interview and via the offer)
If you do not meet the entry requirements you will be:
- Invited to send in a small e-portfolio of your artwork. If we feel that this is at a suitable level, you will be given a link to sign up for a group information session. Here we will discuss with you on a one-to-one level your suitability for the course.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you do not meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you will be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements (including the portfolio of work), and your place is guaranteed. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You will be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full, and you have been placed on a waiting list. If spaces do become available, you may be contacted. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you will be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.
