Year Zero
Why choose this course?
- This course will help you to realise your creative potential in a well resourced, stimulating and supportive environment
- You'll be taught by a dedicated team of professional staff
- You'll explore and experiment with a wide range of materials, processes and ideas, building a diverse range of transferable skills.
- You'll develop your practical and intellectual knowledge and explore, challenge and extend your visual and conceptual skills to gain a sound understanding of art and design practice.
Fact file
UCAS code: This will depend on which subject you intend to specialise in see How to apply
Start date: This course can be studied full time or part time in September 2013.
Course length: Students starting the course in September 2013 will study part time for two years or full time for one year.
Campus: Markeaton Street site, Derby Campus
This course is available to international students
About this course
Students starting this course in January 2013 will study over the summer and complete the course in only eight months. Provided they have successfully completed the course, they can then begin studying the appropriate Bachelor’s degree in September 2013.
We’ve developed this course for students who have not completed a traditional foundation course or who are not quite ready to go on to degree level, but who know which subject they wish to study.
You will have an individual space in the studio and take part in the following classes in our fully equipped workshops: woodwork, metalwork, glasswork, laser cutting, vacuum forming, printmaking (screen printing, mono printing and collographs), plaster casting, life drawing, observational drawing, photography (including photograms) and Photoshop.
This course is the first stage of a bachelors degree – it is not a standalone course. Following the successful completion of the year you'll then progress on to the first year of the appropriate degree:
What you will cover
You’ll study modules such as:
- History and Theory
- Creative Skills 2D and 3D making.
- Visual Studies
- Visual Technologies
- Negotiated Project
- Visual Approaches
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are usually 160 UCAS points, of which at least 120 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.
We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.
We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.
We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.
Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.
The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.
How to apply
If you intend to study the course full time, apply through UCAS.
If you intend to study the course part time, apply directly to the University.
| Subject | UCAS code | Code for part time study |
|---|---|---|
| Animation | WW26 | W615F |
| Architectural Venue Design | K111 | K110F |
| Commercial Photography | W645 | W640F |
| Fashion Studies | W233 | W221F |
| Film and Video | W619 | W617F |
| Fine Art | W101 | W100F |
| Graphic Design | W210 | W211F |
| Illustration | W290 | W220F |
| Photography | W644 | W650F |
| Product Design | W240 | W241F |
| Textile Design | W231 | W230F |
Information for international applicants
Fees and finance
This is a classroom based course.
UK/EU students
- Full time: £7,700 (each year)
- £965 per module (you usually take 12 of these modules in total)
International students
- Full time: £9,945 (per year)
*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.
How you will learn
Workshops, demonstrations and inductions will introduce you to core practical skills including issues related to health and safety. Seminars and critiques will focus on developing your critical skills and providing a contextual background to your practice. Individual and group tutorials will monitor your progress and provide an appropriate context for feedback to develop reflective practice and personal planning. Directed study will give you the opportunity to work under supervision and guidance, whilst self-directed study enables you to gain confidence as an independent learner.
We've got a team of really friendly and supportive staff, who'll be there to help you every step of the way.
Please contact the Programme Leader for information on how you'll be assessed.
Careers and employability
Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be able to move on to the first year of your chosen degree here at Derby.
What our students say
"I developed skills in being more creative as well as improving my making skills. I think the development I've made throughout, will make me more innovative towards my approach to future projects."
Mel Palmer, Year Zero Fashion Studies student.