John Hancock
Study Type: Higher Education
Study Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Subject Studied: Art and Design
Foundation degree in Creative Practice offers nice content mix
Derby College’s new foundation degree course in Creative Practice provides the ideal content mix, says student John Hancock, who loves making art and music.
John, aged 20 from Etwall, is pleased to be among the first students on this unique full-time programme, which is validated by the Open University.
The course is designed to help participants develop their technical and creative talents then to use these skills to collaborate with other students from different disciplines.
John added: “The foundation degree allows us to be free with our ideas but at the same time it provides structure and discipline. We have to produce reports and portfolios of our work.
On my course I write and record songs but I also make visual art too – painting on canvas – that sort of thing.
If you’re going to record music then there’ll be some visual aspect to that too and this course gives you the opportunity to engage in the whole creative process.”
John, who previously took Art and Design level 2 and Music levels 2 and 3 at Joseph Wright Centre, said it was also “a huge advantage” to be taught by College staff who already know him and the way that he works.
John added: “Our lecturers are fantastic. They’re always on hand to offer support.”
He now plans to go on to take the one-year level 6 top up with Derby College to gain a full BA Hons degree.
John is not sure yet which area of the arts to focus on when he graduates but said his degree will give him options.
The foundation degree allows us to be free with our ideas but at the same time it provides structure and discipline. We have to produce reports and portfolios of our work. On my course I write and record songs but I also make visual art too – painting on canvas – that sort of thing. If you’re going to record music then there’ll be some visual aspect to that too and this course gives you the opportunity to engage in the whole creative process.