Neath College and Afan College

Nidum Arts Centre

Newtown College

Hafren Theatre

Art, Design, Sustainable Fashion and Creative Media

Unleash your imagination and explore your creative potential. Our courses provide the perfect introduction to Wales’s vibrant and growing creative industries, where there is increasing demand for skilled professionals in areas such as graphic design, photography, visual effects, costume and set design, digital design and interactive media.

Whether you’re passionate about drawing, painting, fashion, photography, animation, film or design, our Level 2 and Level 3 courses will help you develop both your creative flair and technical expertise. You’ll gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment and software, while being encouraged to experiment, refine your style and build confidence in your work.

You’ll be taught by experienced artists, filmmakers and designers who will support you every step of the way. Through practical, project-based learning, you’ll explore a wide range of techniques and develop your own unique creative voice and professional skills.

Students studying the Level 3 Sustainable Fashion course are based in a purpose-designed, industry-standard studio at the iconic Pryce Jones Building in the centre of Newtown, a site with strong links to renowned designer Laura Ashley. Here, you’ll explore techniques including printmaking, digital design, upcycling, and eco-fashion.

All students benefit from access to Apple Mac suites with industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Suite.

What will I do?

You’ll learn in a creative, supportive environment, using cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment within specialist facilities.

Throughout your course, you’ll have opportunities to exhibit your work both within the College and at external events, helping you gain confidence and real-world experience. Creative Media students will also take part in live projects, working with clients and presenting their outcomes professionally.
By the end of your programme, you’ll have built a strong professional portfolio, preparing you for progression to:

  • Level 3 study (from Level 2)
  • Higher education
  • Employment in the creative industries

Many students progress to the Foundation Year in Art and Design, a recognised pathway to university-level study.

Career Opportunities

  • Architect
  • Arts heritage
  • Craftsperson
  • Designer
  • Director
  • Film producer
  • Fine artist
  • Graphic designer
  • Photographer
  • Print maker
  • Product designer
  • Prop and set designer
  • Spatial, interior and landscape designer
  • Tattoo artist
  • Teacher and educator
  • Videographer
  • Web designer

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (ASBW) and Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

These qualifications have been developed as a direct result of discussions with industry and due to a shortage of recruitable applicants with the crucial transferable skills required alongside subject-specialist knowledge.

These qualifications meet the needs of industry and make our students infinitely more employable and better prepared for higher education. All learners within the Creative Arts and Digital Industries department benefit from completing either the ESW Digital Literacy and Communication Skills at Level 2, or ASBW Global Community, Future Destinations and Individual Project at Level 3.

Performing Arts – Dance, Music and Performing Arts

If you’re passionate about performance, creativity and making your mark in the arts, the School of Creative Arts and Digital Industries is the perfect place to begin your journey.

We offer full-time courses in Dance, Music and Performing Arts, delivered in a vibrant, supportive and inspiring environment. You’ll train using cutting-edge, industry-standard equipment within outstanding specialist facilities, including the Nidum Arts Centre – our purpose-built theatre designed to reflect real-world performance spaces.

You won’t just study your subject – you’ll live it. You’ll develop your skills through our music academy, theatre productions and dance companies, gaining valuable experience both on and off the stage.
Our expert staff provide extensive one-to-one guidance, supporting applications to leading conservatoires and universities. With tailored preparation, you’ll be confident, prepared and fully audition-ready.

Your experience extends beyond the classroom, with opportunities to take part in:

  • College Choir
  • Funk Band
  • LIFT Dance Company
  • And much more

What will I do?

Our courses offer exciting and challenging opportunities through specialist training in dance, drama, singing and musical theatre.
You’ll perform regularly as part of the College’s theatre, dance and music companies, using professional studios and the fully equipped Nidum Arts Centre. This is your opportunity to build technique, express creativity and grow in confidence as a performer.

Career Opportunities

  • Actor
  • Arts administrator
  • Choreographer
  • Dancer
  • Musician
  • Music or drama therapist
  • Musical theatre performer
  • Pilates or yoga instructor
  • Screenwriter
  • Teacher
  • Theatre director

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (ASBW) and Essential Skills Wales (ESW)

These qualifications have been developed through close collaboration with industry and address the need for strong transferable skills alongside subject knowledge.

They make learners more employable and better prepared for higher education. All students within the Creative Arts and Digital Industries department complete either the ESW Digital Literacy and Communication Skills at Level 2, or ASBW Global Community, Future Destinations and Individual Project at Level 3.

Click the image below for PROCESS – the online exhibition of Art & Design and Creative Media Production student work.

Blue and white pastel image with text "Process Art & Design Exhibition"

Courses
BTEC HNC/HND in Performance - Higher Education & Degrees
Level 1 Diploma in Art, Design and Media – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 OCR Diploma in Performing Arts – Grass Roots Theatre Company (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 Technical Diploma in Music – BTEC (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 UAL Diploma in Performing & Production Arts (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production & Technology – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Dance – BTEC (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music – BTEC (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing and Production Arts – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Performing Arts (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3 Extended Diploma Sustainable Fashion and Design (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 4 Diploma in Technical & Production Practice for the Creative Industries – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Level 4 Professional Diploma in Performance – UAL (Full-Time) - Further Education
Creative Threads: Sustainable Fashion & Textiles for Beginners - Further Education
Level 1 Fashion and Textiles (Part-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 Certificate in Fashion and Textiles (Part-Time) - Further Education
Level 2 Dance GCSE (Part-Time) - Further Education
Painting and Drawing for Beginners (Part-Time: Evening) - Further Education
Photography for Beginners (Part-Time: Evening) - Further Education