Christmas Closure Information

Our campuses close on Friday 20th December and re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2025 for the Christmas Break.

Students will return to timetabled lessons on Monday 6th January 2025.

For information on term dates and enquiries please visit our information page using the button below.

Art and Design, Fashion and Photography Courses

If you’re highly creative, dynamic and self-motivated…

Our Art and Design, Fashion and Photography Courses courses are delivered by tutors with extensive experience in the visual arts sector and their professional expertise is valued by our students. We believe that people learn best when they work together, engaging in the process of debate and dialogue, instruction and construction.

Our focus is on developing an environment where your imagination and creativity can flourish, in studios and workshops that are equipped to offer you the opportunity to express and realise your ideas and ambitions.

Career options include:

  • Animator
  • Artist
  • Concept Artist
  • Fashion Designer
  • Graphic Designer
  • Illustrator
  • Photographer
  • Stylist

There are excellent facilities including studio spaces for painting, sculpture, ceramics, textiles and printmaking, as well as photo studios, digital suites and dark rooms. Further Education study programmes are offered across a wide range of art and design subjects and the Hay Gallery provides a versatile exhibition space for displaying students’ work.

One of the things I enjoy most about the course is that we’re able to exhibit our work to a wider audience and experiment with different mediums. My final piece is a 3D wallpaper design aimed at those who are visually impaired which involves touch as well as sight.

Shannah – Art and Design (Progressed from: The Helena Romanes School and Sixth Form)

On successful completion of our level 3 courses applicants will have the opportunity to progress onto a wide range of art and design related degree courses at university.

There is also a range of popular short courses offered by The School of Art in areas including ceramics, interior design, photography and printmaking.

Full-time Courses

Art and Design Level 2
Concept Art and Animation Level 3
Fashion and Textiles Level 3
Fine Art and Illustration Level 3
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Level 3
Graphic Design and Branding Level 3
Photography Level 3

Leila Anderson LuckLeilaLevel 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and DesignWhat I like most about my course is how it provides
such a wide range of resources in the workshops.
There are endless materials and techniques that I never
knew about or got the opportunity to use in the past.
marselina adelineMarselinaLevel 3 Art and DesignColchester Institute has helped me develop many of the
skills I need in the art industry such as research and
problem-solving, context knowledge and technical skills.
My tutor always offers advice on how to get a higher grade.
Bill MartinBillLevel 3 Animation and IllustrationThis course has a unique approach to learning which
brings the best out in me. I love the creative freedom to
do what you want and the student teacher relationship
that you cannot find anywhere else.
Grace WigginsGraceLevel 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and DesignThis course has brought me out of my shell and helped
me develop my art practice. I like the freedom given to
us to explore and create whatever we want, along
with the workshop resources we can use.
AishaLevel 3 Art and DesignI chose Colchester Institute as it enabled me to study and
work at the same time, allowing me to gain experience in
two industries. The tutors have been immensly helpful and
I have had access to a lot of resources.
Aisha Gould

Apprenticeships

Event AssistantLevel 3 Apprenticeship

Short Courses and Workshops

An Introduction to Studio Photography
Clay Club
Colchester Sewing Bee
Improving Digital Content Creation