Contemporary Art Practice HND

Course overview

This rewarding studio-based HND provides a broad and advanced visual education for students who have a strong interest in developing skills, knowledge and awareness of Contemporary and Fine Art practices.

You have the opportunity to develop individual practice concerning your interests and benefit from having your own studio space to work in from the start of the course. You are encouraged to research, develop, contextualise and evaluate their concepts and practice in response to your subject choices.

The course develops critical thinking, reflective and evaluative skills and widens your understanding of the influence and contribution made by art practice and practitioners within the 20th and 21st centuries. You will respond to creative challenges through the exploration of a wide range of traditional and non-traditional art media, materials and approaches with drawing and studio practice central to the delivery of the course.

Opportunities exist to work individually and collaboratively, supported by group discussion, and personal and individual support. Professional practice and Exhibition studies provide students with the knowledge of potential careers, and opportunities to present their work and make successful applications for further study.

The course has strong links with the Contemporary Art scene and is the base for the Schools Artists in Residence studio and student-led HubCap Gallery.

Our Contemporary Art Practice students are very successful and receive advanced entry offers to prestigious degree-level programmes across the UK and become successful Artists. 

What you will learn

Year 1

• Developmental Drawing
• Contemporary Art: Two-Dimensional Practice
• Contemporary Art: Three-Dimensional Practice
• Contemporary Art Practice: Graded Unit 1
• Sculpture: An introduction
• Creative Arts Project: Production
• Creative Arts Project: Development
• Contemporary Art Professional Practice and Exhibition Studies 1
• Contemporary Art Practice: Theory and Context 1

Year 2

• Developmental Drawing Portfolio
• Contemporary Art Practice: Graded Unit 2
• Contemporary Art Studio Practice 1: Given Theme
• Contemporary Art Studio Practice 2: Self-Generated Theme
• Contemporary Art Professional Practice and Exhibition Studies 2
• Contemporary Art Practice: Theory and Context 2

How the course is assessed

• You will receive written and verbal feedback throughout the course on portfolio submissions and in group crits and tutorials
• Final grades of either A, B or C are awarded at the end of each year on submission of your Graded Unit

Number of days per week

• 3 Days.
• Access to individual studio spaces for self-directed study Monday to Friday.

Entry requirements

• Year one: Minimum Two Highers or
• UAL Level 2/3 or
• UAL Foundation Diploma or
• SQA NC Level 6
• Year two: Pass all 15 credits available at HNC Level 
• You must submit a portfolio that demonstrates your advanced art and design skills and an understanding of the creative process 
• Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

All applicants for this course are required to submit a Digital Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.

Specific information on Digital Portfolios and review Sessions for the course you have applied for will be sent to you after you submit your online application form.

For more information and advice on your portfolio please read the Art and Design Application and Portfolio Guide This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses. 

Privacy Notice School Of Art And Design

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

The HND Contemporary Art Practice course at Edinburgh College has a strong reputation for progressing students onto Degree programmes across the UK with advanced entry.

Recognised entry to second and third-year Scottish Degrees dependant on each institution’s specific entry requirements, for example:

Art and Philosophy BA (Hons) or Fine Art BA (Hons) DJCAD

Fine Art BA (Hons) ECA Second-year entry

Fine Art – Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Moving Image BA (Hons) Gray’s School of Art RGU

Sculpture and Environmental Art BA (Hons) or Painting and Printmaking BA (Hons) GSA

BA (Hons) Contemporary Art Practice, year 3 entry to the University of the Highlands and Islands

Recognised second or third-year entry to rest of the UK 3-year degrees, depending on each institution’s specific entry requirements.

Guaranteed progression on successful completion of the course onto BA (Hons) Fine Art at the University of Cumbria.

Career options

• Practicing artist 
• Arts educator 
• Painter 
• Printmaker 
• Conceptual artist  
• Gallery curator 
• Gallery assistant
• Gallery technician
• Sculpture studio technician
• Printmaking technician
• Digital media technician
• Curatorial assistant
• Artist assistant
• Studio assistant
• Teaching assistant
• Instructors
• Learning assistant