Our Creative and Design department offer a wide variety of Visual Arts courses specialising in a range of art forms.
Visual Arts
Explore our Studios
Ceramics
The Ceramics Studio is the perfect place for you to specialise in a wide range of sculpture, pottery and stone carving projects.
Fashion and Textiles
Our textiles workshop is equipped with reams of fabric, sewing machines and equipment you’ll expect to use in the workplace.
Fine Art
Our studios are equipped with a wide range of mediums. Our large studio spaces give students the freedom to explore different mediums and disciplines.
Photography Studio
You will have access to our modern photography suite, equipped with industry standard equipment, backdrops, lighting and dark room.
Printing
You will learn the art of printmaking within our professional-standard print room.
Full Time courses
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Get Ahead with Higher Education
Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Prepare for a degree in fine art, photography, graphic design or illustration with this course.
This course will kickstart your future in Higher Education as you learn the foundation knowledge needed to progress onto a full undergraduate degree.
Foundation Degree in Art – Creative Professional Practice
Study a brand new course that has been designed and written in conjunction with academics and employers in the visual arts.
This course will blend and develop emerging artists and designers’ own practice to equip them with the skills necessary to work professionally in a wide range of careers.
BA (Hons) Visual Arts (Top-Up)
This is a top-up degree course for students who have already completed the Higher National Diploma or equivalent who are seeking an in-depth creative experience.
Unlock Your Creativity
You will have the opportunity to gain industry experience as you work with local businesses, galleries and artists to create inspiring pieces and promote the diverse world of Visual Arts.
Curate and Showcase Your Work
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.
Progression Opportunities
We get you ready for employment through meaningful work placements or links with our industry partners.
Photography student, Lucy, has earned a place on The Marlowe’s Theatre list of freelance photographers.
Impress at Skills Competitions
Students are encouraged to enter skills competitions as a way to improve confidence in their ability and further embed knowledge.
Graphic Design student, Billy, placed gold at the WorldSkills UK National Finals in Manchester.
Students take part in unique work experience opportunity
30 October 2023
Graphic Design students got the chance to see their creative concepts realised thanks to a project with Keel Toys.
Adult Courses
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.
Students gain positive industry experience from the Streets Ahead Collective
Visual Arts students have helped transform the former Saffron Café in Canterbury High Street into a pop-up art shop, selling a collection of art designed by students, local artists and clients from Catching Lives, an independent charity supporting the homeless and vulnerably housed.
Level 3 Art and Design student Holly, said about her time working for Streets Ahead: “I’m appreciative of the experience this has given me. Not only have I been able to expand my business knowledge, but we’ve also been able to expand the art offer within the city. As Canterbury is such a tourist spot, there’s such a wide audience for art and culture, so it’s been great to be part of a project that can showcase local artists and get students’ work into a more public space.”
Be taught by practising artists
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.
Career prospects
Example:
Artists
£
£35,880
Annual pay
Annual pay is per year, based on full-time employment and on the South East region.
Role description
Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.
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How you apply for a course at Canterbury College
Step 1 – Find a subject you’re interested in
Explore our range of Creative and Design courses here at EKC Canterbury College.
Step 2 – Apply
Apply for the subject you have selected, through our website and application system.
Step 3 – Come to an interview
Come to an interview here at EKC Canterbury College, where you get to meet our team, show off your previous work and find the course that is right for you.
Fashion student Maddie helps out at Kit Lifestyle in Broadstairs, after impressing the manager with her ‘can-do attitude’.
Maddie Dungar
“I enjoy experimenting with different materials, and I love that we have access to different studios such as the print room and the sculpture studio. These facilities are fantastic and really help inspire different ideas.”
Bianca Albeanu
Art & Design course
Art & Design students worked with professional artist Freyja Crow to brighten up some of the hoarding in Canterbury.
CSVA Social Action
We’re part of six community-based colleges
