Explore the art of painting, drawing, sculpture and more, while developing the techniques that have shaped artistic expression for centuries.
At College, you’ll experiment with a wide range of materials and processes as you refine your technical skills.
No matter what course you choose, you’ll discover a style that reflects your own unique artistic vision.
Whether you’re looking to begin a new career, upskill or simply take up a new hobby, we’ve got a course for you!
Our range of short courses are specifically designed for adults. These are held in the evenings and we often offer multiple course dates to suit working adults.
Explore our options below.
Students are encouraged to enter skills competitions as a way to improve confidence in their ability and further embed knowledge.
Graphic Design students have made history at WorldSkills UK, with Frankie, who won a gold medal and achieved a perfect score from the judges.
You will contribute to our End of Year Shows that take place in Canterbury City Centre and are open to the public.
We also host some of our artworks in College, for staff, students and external guests to see all year round.
The goal of these exhibitions is to make visual arts more accessible to the people and visitors of Canterbury.
Our department ensures all students have access to relevant industry opportunities.
You are encouraged to work on real projects, with external clients throughout the course.
Previous projects include work with Streets Ahead, where students sold their art at a pop-up shop in Canterbury.
Learning doesn’t just happen on-site as our students take part in exciting trips and visits into the industry.
These trips give them the opportunity to explore potential career paths, and hear from industry professionals.
Our series of artist talks aims to inspire, educate, and provide industry advice to students as they prepare for careers in the arts.
Whatever your goals are in the world of Visual Arts, our facilities will make it happen.
By studying Visual Arts with us, you have access to top quality spaces where they’re creating stunning artwork, developing their creative specialisms and making their mark on the art world.
Jess and Emma are here to give you a tour of our art studios.
Our creative courses allow flexibility for learners to develop their individuality and confidence, providing a comprehensive grounding in a range of creative and design disciplines.
Our students are taught by highly qualified tutors, many of whom are practising artists.
Ben Kidger, Head of Visual Art, is a talented and established artist, sculptor and gallery curator. He holds an extensive portfolio of sculptures and completes commission work for clients. He has worked internationally, most notably in the Middle East on projects with refugees.
“My favourite parts have been things like studying photodynamics for a portrait project, where I experimented with different shutter speeds, and also the Final Major Project.
“I really like that at College, because you get so much freedom, there aren’t many guidelines, so you can make your work your own and show your personality and interests.”
Visual Arts students showcased their final projects across three sites in Canterbury as part of the 2026 end-of-year show “Showoff,” exhibiting in EKC Canterbury College, UCA Canterbury School of Art, Architecture and Design, and Sidney Cooper Gallery in Canterbury High Street.
Joao teaches Art and Design as well as Graphic Design, while being an independent artist outside of the classroom. Working with creative students over the past two years has brought development to his artistry and to the students’ skills.
UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students recently unveiled a striking new public art project, created in partnership with internationally renowned public and land artist, Diane Maclean. The large-scale sculpture now stands on our shared campus with the University for the Creative Arts (UCA).
Every year, photography students have the fantastic opportunity to take part in a professional photoshoot at the Winters Barn wedding venue.
They are accompanied by the Level 3 Theatrical Hair and Media Make-up students, who help to prepare the models for the shoot.
Explore our courses online and see the wide range of academic opportunities that are available to you.
You can make up to five applications across East Kent Colleges Group’s family of Colleges.
Click ‘Apply’ on your chosen course, and follow the steps on the application portal.
Early applications are strongly recommended, as they give you the best chance of securing a place on your chosen course.
Come along to EKC Canterbury College to meet our team, explore our facilities and see if the course is right for you.
If you receive an offer, this must be accepted to secure your place on your chosen course.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot over the four years that I’ve been here.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has helped me along the way and supported me.
“Having my work shown at the Sidney Cooper Gallery is a good opportunity for me to exhibit myself as an artist.”
“I love how you can take something quite simple and make it look really special.
“Taking part in events throughout the year has really helped me build my portfolio.
“Work like what we do at College will show people my style, how I edit, and my final outcomes. If they like that, it shows I can do the job they want.”
“My favourite thing about College has been all the opportunities — especially for art, there’s just been so many workshops, so many different things you can learn from.
“I think the facilities here are also really good as well.
“There’s been lots of support about next steps too, and now I’m going to study Creative Arts Practice at Bath Spa University.”
