Art and Design SCQF 5 (Auchtertyre, Fort William and Portree) NPA

Calendar iconStudy mode: You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time.

Mortar board iconCourse type: NPA

Campus iconStudy at: Auchtertyre; Fort William; Portree

Pen iconStart in: September

Computer and book iconLearning mode: You attend classes in person at the local campus or learning centre.

Clock iconDuration: Part-time: 1 academic year

Book and tick iconHow: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable.

What is special about this course?

The National Progression Award (NPA) in Art and Design (SCQF Level 5) is a practical and creative course designed to help you develop skills and confidence in art and design through hands-on learning and experimentation.

You will explore a range of creative techniques including printmaking, mixed media, and illustration, while developing your understanding of visual communication and creative processes. The course encourages experimentation with materials and techniques, helping you build practical skills and produce a portfolio of creative work.

This course is suitable for beginners, leisure learners, and those returning to education, as well as anyone wishing to develop a portfolio for progression to further study in art and design.

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in art and design who would like to develop practical creative skills in a supportive learning environment. It is ideal for:

  • beginners exploring art and design for the first time
  • learners returning to education
  • candidates interested in mixed media, printmaking, and illustration
  • those looking to build a portfolio for progression to further study

You should have an interest in creative experimentation, mark-making, and visual communication, along with a willingness to explore a range of materials and techniques.

You will study a range of practical and creative subjects designed to develop your skills in art and design, including:

  • Design Studies: Introduction to Mixed Media
  • Art and Design: Printmaking
  • Art and Design: Introduction to Illustration
  • Sketchbook Development
  • Presentation and Preparation for Exhibition

Throughout the course, you will explore creative techniques, experiment with materials and processes, and develop confidence in visual communication and creative practice. You will build a portfolio of work through practical projects, creative briefs, and studio-based learning.

How will I study my course?

  • Part Time
    • Auchtertyre
    • Fort William
    • Portree

Fees

  • Academic year 2026/27
  • Course fee: £462.50

Please note that additional materials may be required and are not included in the course fee. For more information on our course fees, please see our Fees and Funding page.

What can I do on completion of my course?

Successful completion of this course can provide progression opportunities to further study in art and design and related creative subjects. It is ideal for learners wishing to develop a portfolio and continue their creative education.

You may progress to:

Apply for Art and Design SCQF 5 (Auchtertyre, Fort William and Portree) NPA

I want to start in 2026/27

We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI North, West and Hebrides. UHI North, West and 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.