Hey everyone. I'm looking for some advice on advancing my art/design training. At the moment I'm coming to the end of a geography and archaeology degree, but want to get some art qualifications/training too. At the moment I have a GCSE in 3D Art (and I haven't done anything 3D since) and a AS in design. It's only since leaving school that I've taken a greater interest in my art and possibly making it part of my future career.

What other qualifications are there in the UK for art students/adult education? Which aren't a university degree (I don't want to fork out for another degree, now that they're more expensive!), or Btecs etc.

One of my local colleges was offering something from OCNW: http://www.ocnw.com

 Or maybe I should try and get an A level...

Thanks in advance!

p.s. If you guys are unsure of the answer, do you know of anywhere else that might help?

I'm sure you are looking for a qualification that isn't a uni degree?

The qualifications, when i was at college were as follows (depending on the course)

*NVQ, BTEC, AVCE. But it all just depends on what type of course you are going to do. To me it seems that nothing can beat a BTEC in level 3 (A level)

When i was in college, i didn't look at the qualification, just were it would get me at the end of two years.

*EDIT*

I'm sure you'd have to pay for the qualification. I think only people under the age of 19 get it for free. I couldn't take out a loan to pay for mine since they don't do that with lower qualifications (unless it's a uni course), and it was a private owned college, but a nice tutor sorted it out for me

In my college a Level 3 took two years. I was restricted though in a lot of things e.g. i couldn't get a job. So even if i did pay for my course, i couldn't keep paying for it, because i wasn't allowed to get a job. Depends though.... thats what full time means i guess

Since you are an adult, i'd try and take into account you job aspects, the money you have now, and the cost of living. Sometimes the best choice is either a uni course (because you can take out a loan to pay for it) or a part time course. But that just depends on your living situation.

Anyways, hope this helps just a little.

Thanks very much for your thoughts mate! Of the courses I had looked at, the Btec was the more expensive than an evening course, but it doesn't break the bank for me. You're right, it'd depend on how serious it is. And if I don't get a job straight after university.

I currently work part-time at a supermarket on 1 evening a week, so even a full time course wouldn't interfere with that! Hhmmmm so much to think about!

Thanks again!