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HNC Art

NQ ART & DESIGN (PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT)

  • Start date:   August 2026
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 6
  • Course Type:   Full-time

NQ ART & DESIGN (PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT)

This course allows you to develop and learn methods in a style that will support a wide range of creative skills with the emphasis being on preparing for HNC and the eventual art college learning experience.

Please note: Applications for all Full-Time, Part-Time and Schools courses for August 2026 entry are now closed.
If you are interested in studying with us, applications for our January 2027 Full-Time Short Courses will open on 13th October 2026.

Applications for August 2027 entry will open in mid-January 2027. These courses will be showcased at our December Showcase Event, with full details available closer to the time.

Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) still have spaces available, and applications are accepted throughout the year. For information on our available Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) and how to apply, please visit our Work-Based Qualifications (SVQs) page.

Please check our website regularly for updates, course information and future application dates.

 

The NQ provides an invaluable introduction to developing individual creativity.

The course introduces the processes of research, investigation and development through both practical and written tasks. These are essential foundational skills for progression.                                

NQ Art and Design is for those with a keen interest in the arts, and who have some formal qualifications and experience of art and/or design; and also, mature students who would like to develop their art skills to go into higher-level courses.

Start date – August 2026
End date – June 2027
SCQF Level - 6
Mode – Full time

 

  • What the course includes

    The course delivers knowledge based learning and practical skills in diverse subject areas, for example; drawing, painting, sculpture, media-handling, colour, printmaking, contextual studies, photography, digital media, video, sketchbook development, life drawing, introduction to contemporary art practice and core skills.  These are explored through project-based learning - this reinforces the connection and interaction between all aspects of the course. 

    At the end of your course you will have the opportunity to exhibit and sell your work in a gallery setting.  This is an added bonus at NQ level. 

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Why choose this course

The NQ is the first stage of learning to develop the skills required to create a portfolio for progression to our more advanced level course, HNC Art Portfolio Production. From our HNC 100% of students have achieved multiple art college offers for the past ten years, many with direct entry to 2nd year.  This is unique to West Lothian College. (Please see the HNC Art page for more details). 

After successfully completing your NQ and HNC you will benefit from our guaranteed entry to Gray's School of Art at Robert Gordon University. With an ’A' grade pass in the HNC graded unit you are guaranteed entry to 2nd year studies in Fine Art. 

You will develop your creative skills; gain new ones; learn about contemporary art; build a portfolio of work; participate in field trips and take part in an end of year exhibition. Experienced lecturers with a wide range of personal creative practice experience and subject knowledge will support and guide you throughout the course. 

Entry requirements

Minimum of four subjects at National 5, including English and Art. 

A portfolio with a variety of examples of work such as sketchbooks, creative processes and  development work,painting, printmaking, drawing from observation (not photographs), photography, jewellery, fabric or textiles, 3D work such as jewellery, product design or sculpture. Places are limited, so a strong portfolio will give you a greater chance of success. Here is the portfolio guide 

We do not wish to see work copied from photographs, anime, manga, fan art, cartoons or tattoo designs. The work you present should be entirely your own and original. 

If English is not your first language, ESOL Level 5 is an entry requirement for this course. 

  • Where it leads

    Education: Progress on to the HNC Art (Portfolio Production); year 1 of an HND in an art-related subject area; application for degree foundation-level. 

    Employment: any area within art, design or the creative industries as well as having transferrable skills to work across other disciplines. Creativity is one of the most sought-after employability skills. 

    From the NQ the majority of students progress to our HNC.  From our HNC our students have gone on to study; 

    West Lothian College HNC art students have gone on to study animation, computer arts, video games design, teacher training, art therapy, digital media, film and T.V., visual effects, graphic design, illustration, product design, costume design, fashion, jewellery design, painting and printmaking, sculpture, environmental art, contemporary art practice, fine art, moving image, concept design, fashion, footwear and accessory design, international fashion branding, fine art photography, intermedia design, interior and spatial design, comic book art, stained glass conservation, applied arts, virtual reality, immersive systems design, simulation and human anatomy. 

    Our former students work in a range of areas including community arts, teaching, art residencies, animation, graphic design, fashion, illustration, publishing, visual effects and TV, curatorial, gallery and museum work, conservation, museum and gallery archiving, marketing, web design, as well as a number of self-employment roles and commissioned work. 

Interview arrangements

You will be invited to a portfolio review at the college, this will take approximately 3 hours.

Find out more about portfolio requirements here

You will have opportunity to ask questions about the course, this is to support your understanding of what your course will involve. 

Questions that we are likely to ask: 

  • Why do you wish to study art with us at West Lothian College? 
  • What do you know about our courses? 
  • What do you see yourself going on to do after college? 

We also like to hear about how you have developed some of your projects and the processes you used. 

You will also have a practical drawing and written task to complete followed by an Individual portfolio review with course tutors during which you will discuss your work. 

At the portfolio review you will be asked to do a short-written research task. Please do not do this in advance you will be required to do this with the support of the tutors when you attend the portfolio review.  

You can view, read over the task and download the file here

Please bring a portfolio of your work along to the interview and evidence of your qualifications. 

You are applying to a course which has allowed students to fulfil their creative ambitions and go on to achieve at the highest level in their Art College courses. 

Artist in Residence Programme  

Our art department offers an Artist in Residence Programme for the duration of the academic year; the post is offered to recent degree graduates who are former students of the college.  

The presence of an art practitioner in the studios allows you to gain valuable insights from a qualified art school graduate, enriching the overall studio environment. The Artist in Residence will offer informal mentoring, take part in studio discussions as well as giving you the opportunity to view their working practices. 

Fees, Finance and Funding

There may be help available to assist with your study related costs. Impartial, confidential help and advice on financial matters is available from the Student Funding Team - including Bursaries, Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA), Student Awards Agency for Scotland, Student Loans Company and student support funds. Click here to find out more

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