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NQ CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

  • Start date:   August 2025
  • Level of Qualification:   SCQF Level 5
  • Course Type:   Full-time

NQ CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Please be aware this course is now full. Alternatively, you can explore other courses on our website or email choosecollege@west-lothian.ac.uk if you wish to speak to a member of staff.

The course supports students to gain foundation level skills in photography, art and video production. 

The extensive use of practical based skills for all areas of the course aims to assist participants to progress further onto any one of the main areas of study.  The practical activities allow you to work individually and in small groups where teamworking and problem-solving skills are also developed. 

By engaging fully with all the course content designed by lecturers who have professional experience in all the areas of study, you will gain valuable insight into how the Creative Industries work.  You will also have the opportunity to develop the personal qualities and skills required for further study within Art, Photography, Videography and potentially employment within these areas. 

Start date – August 2025
End date –  July 2026
SCQF Level -  5 
Mode –  Full time 
Duration - 1 academic year  

The course allows you to use industry standard equipment and gain valuable and transferrable skills at a good level.  Creativity is the most highly regarded and sought-after employability skill both within the Creative Industries and within the wider jobs market. 

Walter Montgomery studies NQ Creative Industries at West Lothian College and he talks about his experience on the course, and what he enjoys most.

  • What this course includes

    • Photography –you successfully complete the Photography based units you will gain an additional qualification.  The NPA in Photography, this can be used as the entry point qualification for applying to a range of Photography courses. You will learn camera basics.  How to photograph people, places and other photographic genres.  There are opportunities to study and learn individually within areas of personal interest, e.g., macro and portraiture.  You will learn how to set up a photographic studio and light it for a range of studio-based subjects. You will learn how to set up a photographic studio and light it for a range of studio-based subjects and how to manage your files and edit work using Photoshop and other programmes


    • Art and Design – You will also gain the NPA in Art and Design when you successfully complete the units in Mixed Media, Printmaking and Illustration. These units also link into your Graphic Design, Digital and Software Skills units and supports your knowledge and understanding of how the skills required across the wide range of disciplines within the Creative Industries. The Art and Design area of the course is designed to accommodate a wide range of abilities and even if you have no experience of making art you will not be at a disadvantage.  The skills acquired in both Mixed Media and Printmaking, where you will learn a range of printmaking techniques can also be used to create illustrations. The essential Creative Industries skill of being open to experiment, follow guidance and feedback will allow you to attain these valuable art skills.  The art skills you acquire can be used to help create an art portfolio; these skills are valued and helpful to continue studying at either college or university.
    • Video – Students will learn the rudiments of video camera use, video editing and lighting. Making short video films, following industry led practice in film making. Students have the opportunity to plan and produce short films as they progress on the course, using state of the art equipment. Allowing them to progress onto a variety of film/video courses taught across Scotland

Why choose this course

You will be guided and supported by our skilled teaching team and we will support you to progress onto further study. The course develops an awareness of the opportunities for further study and the range of employment within the creative industries. Candidates are able to develop practical skills alongside employability skills, and the attitudes needed to work in the creative industries. You will also benefit from hearing first hand from industry practitioners and former students about their journey with the Creative Industries to further study and employment. 

At the end of your course you will exhibit your work for public viewing, this is another opportunity to gain relevant experience in preparing 2D work for display and potentially selling this work or undertaking commissions.  This is an opportunity that is uncommon at this level of study. 

Entry requirements

  • Three National 5 awards, one which should be English (this supports your progression as it is the minimum level that many higher-level courses will accept).  Other subjects which offer an insight to your interests may include, art, media, ICT and Graphic Communication. 
  • The college applies some discretion and may accept a range of National 4 qualifications if they are supported by evidence of your interest and your portfolio.  
  • A portfolio of digital work and/or practical work showing aptitude for one or more of the areas covered by the course.  This may be work you have created at home or school work.  You will bring this to your interview. 

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

We encourage students with work experience to apply. 

  • Where it leads

    Education:  You may progress onto further study at West Lothian College in NQ Art and Design or HNC Art: Portfolio Production and HNC Digital Creative Media. 

    NQ Creative Industries students have gone on to study at NC Art and Design, HNC Art Portfolio Production, HND Photography, –  HNC Digital Creative Media, B.A. Film Production and B.A. Hons Film and Television. 

    You can also study at various levels in art, photography or video/film studies at other colleges. 

    Employment: Potential direct introductory level employment within the wide range of areas within creative industries, supported by the broad range of skills acquired on the course. 

Interview arrangements

You will be asked to carry out a task in advance of the interview and details will be sent after you complete your application. 

If you are invited for an interview, plan to be in college for around 3 hours.  You will take part in a group interview and task and will also have a one to one review with your portfolio. 

Bring ensure that you bring examples of your work.  This could be artwork, photographs or video and any additional related work you may have. 

Fees, Finance & 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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