Develop your artistic voice in contemporary fine art
The HNC in Contemporary Fine Art Practice is the first step on a flexible pathway towards a BA (Hons) degree in Creative Practice.
Designed to reflect both the realities of the creative industries and the need for flexibility in modern life, this course allows you to build your degree one year at a time. You can progress, pause or change direction while still gaining a recognised, industry‑relevant qualification at each stage.
A flexible route shaped around creative practice
This staged approach means you don’t need to commit to three years of study from the outset.
The course enables you to:
- explore and define your creative and professional identity
- develop your practice at a manageable pace
- gain a recognised qualification each year
You can leave at the end of any stage with a formal award that supports creative employment, freelance practice or progression to further study.
Learn, explore and experiment in a studio‑based environment
Based at Blackpool School of Arts, you’ll study within a dynamic, supportive and experimental creative environment.
You’ll benefit from:
- a multi‑disciplinary curriculum that encourages exploration across fine art practices
- opportunities to collaborate with students from other creative programmes
- small class sizes and personalised tutorial support
This studio‑led approach supports creative risk‑taking, collaboration and the development of confident, independent artistic practice.
Build creative, professional and enterprise skills
Alongside developing your creative work, you’ll build practical skills that support a sustainable future in the arts.
You’ll learn how to:
- use a range of fine art techniques and processes to produce professional‑quality outcomes
- manage multiple creative projects effectively
- build enterprise skills, including self‑promotion, portfolio development and networking
- work collaboratively with others, reflecting professional creative practice
- stay informed about contemporary art and industry trends
Learning is hands‑on and practice‑led, helping you translate ideas into meaningful visual work.
Professional facilities and expert guidance
You’ll work in outstanding fine art facilities, with access to:
- dedicated fine art studios
- industry‑standard Adobe software
- traditional printmaking facilities and darkrooms
- photographic studios and equipment
- 3D design and technology suites
You’ll be supported by experienced tutors and visiting lecturers who are active in the creative industries, offering professional insight alongside studio guidance.
A strong foundation for what comes next
Whether your ambition is to progress to a full honours degree, establish yourself as a freelance artist or move into creative employment, this HNC provides a strong foundation.
It’s designed to help you develop as a confident, adaptable and critically engaged fine artist, ready to take the next step in contemporary creative practice.
Before applying, please check whether you meet the entry requirements under 'Key Information' for this course. Don't hesitate to call us on 01253 504343 if you need assistance.
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£28,950 average annual salary in this sector
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A stunning public gallery space - offering students the opportunity to see professional artists' current work and exhibit their own
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Access to state-of-the-art equipment and art studios
Entry Requirements
Grade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, or L2 equivalent
- A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline or
- 2x A Levels in appropriate discipline or
- Level 3 Extended Diploma or Merit from Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate discipline or
- Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma or Foundation Diploma Art & Design or
- An international equivalent of the above qualifications
Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis. Recognised prior learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body’s regulations.
If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 5.5.
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in Art & Design, along with the specialist pathways, which students can build on, should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. Live art and design production covers several careers in the art and design industries and there are different routes to follow. Artists and designers create work for a range of creative outputs and may be involved exhibitions, publications, commissions and in support of the wider creative industry.
Next steps at B&FC
On successful completion of the Higher National Certificate, you will be ideally placed to progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Contemporary Fine Art Practice which in turn leads onto the BA (Hons) Creative Practice degree.
Employment Opportunities
Employment opportunities include:
Freelance Commercial Artist | Bespoke Portrait Painter | Mural Artist | Private and Commissioned Public Artworks | Tattoo Artist | Commercial Illustrator | Printmaker / Print Technician | Animator | Concept Artist
Key information
Qualification obtained
BTEC Higher National Certificate in Fine ArtFees and funding
Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding, including additional financial support for those on low incomes, with dependent children or adults, or with disabilities.
Extra costs and equipment
You will need to spend approximately £250 p.a. on basic materials, as well as an SD card and hard drive. A full list of material requirements will be issued to you after enrolment. You should also be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.
There will be a variety of trips and other activities that may incur a small fee, as well as the cost of materials and basic equipment listed above.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: Pearson
Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)
Terms and conditions
Please visit our Student Terms and Conditions page for more information.
What will I learn?
The programme provides work-related learning opportunities which are designed to embed and develop a range of transferrable skills to prepare you for employment opportunities in a range of related creative professions. These include skills in spoken, written and visual communication, the ability to manage collaborative and independent projects, creative problem-solving. Assessments are designed and created with industry professionals, meaning they are all related to scenarios that occur in the industry.
The curriculum team are also working professionals engaged in various aspects of the industry, alongside the expertise of the team, local employers are engaged in certain aspects of the course which will be tailored to your development, skill set and knowledge. External engagement with industry representatives may include:
- Field trips to local destinations and environments
- Inviting members of the local creative communities to present guest lectures
- Using employers to judge the quality of assessed presentations and/or products
- Establishing a panel of experts who students can pitch ideas to
Essential skills: English and Maths
A grade 4 GCSE or a Functional Skills Level 2 or above in maths and English are required for this programme. If you don't have any of the qualifications listed, please contact us to discuss your options.
Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers
While work-based learning isn't compulsory for this programme, the programme offers invaluable work-related learning opportunities aimed at honing a diverse range of transferable and graduate skills. These opportunities are strategically designed to equip you with the necessary tools to thrive in a variety of academic, creative, and digital professions. By engaging in these experiences, you will gain practical insights and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive job market.
Trips and guest speakers are frequently distributed throughout the programme and will give you the opportunity to experience the industry from several perspectives. Industry professionals will feed into the delivery of the programme, enriching your experience and supporting your development and understanding.
Learning Support - at a glance
We offer a range of services to support you across all areas of student life, with specialist support available for students with disabilities.
- Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
- One-to-one and group learning support sessions
- Pre-degree preparation workshops
- IT Support
How will I learn?
Throughout this programme, you will take an active role in your learning through a combination of enquiry, project and problem-based learning by working collaboratively and in partnership with your fellow students, lecturers and specialist practitioners to take ownership of your personal and professional development. Working in partnership will support your learning processes and enable you to develop as an independent creative practitioner, peer to peer review, class discussions and seminars encourage the development of analysis, reflective thinking and self-evaluation.
Collaboration with other programmes across Blackpool School of Arts, formally and informally, will enrich the learning environment, supporting the discursive approach to learning. You will acquire an insight into industry through lectures, seminars and live briefs, this will support you in the transition from student to industry practitioner. Sessions will be delivered through tutor led demonstrations, one to one development workshops and group work.
Learning Methods
| Learning Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled | 820 | 0 | 0 |
| Independent | 1230 | 0 | 0 |
| Placement | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 2050 | 0 | 0 |
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How will I be assessed?
Module A: Process and Practice
A1: Concept and Development (340 GLH – 85 credits)
A2: Creative Project (140 GLH – 35 credits)
| Assessment Method | Level 4 | Level 5 | Level 6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 100% | 0% | 0% |
| Exam | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Practical | 0% | 0% | 0% |