Banbury and Bicester College provides career-focused education for school leavers and adults in North Oxfordshire. The college is the leading local provider of BTEC qualifications, offering an alternative route to university and employment. It works in partnership with local secondary schools to provide vocational pathways for pupils aged 14 to 16 and offers full and part-time professional pathways for adults, together with a diverse range of evening and weekend leisure courses. As part of the Activate Learning group, the college provides higher education programmes backed by leading universities including Oxford Brookes. Higher education specialisms include creative arts, early years and motorsport engineering.
CREATIVE ARTS
More than 1.7 million people in the UK are currently working in the creative industries. Nearly a quarter of them (24%) are freelancers. In the last two years alone, the industry has grown by 10%, meaning there are 170,000 more jobs than there were two years ago. This trend looks set to continue in the future.
So, if you want to build on your skills and join a growing industry, we've got the courses you are looking for!
Our colleges can provide you with an inspiring learning environment where you can create the projects that will prepare you for a career in digital and creative media. Start your career with us and build a top-class portfolio of your very best work.
Choose our courses to collaborate with professional artists and employers on live projects, putting on exhibitions and learning how to sell your work. Our teaching teams are subject specialists, including practising artists and designers, who have experience in the creative industries.
Our programmes have taken students on to:
- study degrees at top universities
- work in design, marketing and project management jobs
- curate at galleries
- run their own businesses in fashion and clothes design
We also offer several university-level programmes: a graphic design HND, a full-time creative arts and design foundation degree and a creative arts BA top-up year.
Our art and design department has been invited to join the prestigious University of the Arts London (UAL) examining board. This means that all art and design qualifications are awarded and certified by UAL.
Among the benefits, students will have the opportunity to have their work shortlisted to appear at the annual UAL awarding body exhibition at Chelsea College of Art.
LEARNING FOR LEISURE
Are you looking for an engaging, inspiring course, without the stress of exams? Do you have an area of personal interest that you’ve always wanted to explore further? We have just the courses for you!
- Our learning for leisure programmes are shorter options, generally lasting 5 to 15 weeks
- The focus is placed on personal development
- There are no qualifications in these courses, allowing you more freedom to enjoy your learning and focus on the areas that suit you
We have a wide selection of options and take great pride in the broad range of people we attract. There really is something for everyone.
Courses run in the evenings and often through the day too. Many continue in following terms so you can carry on with your subject. Please note courses do not run during college holidays.
Types of programmes include ceramics, pottery, dressmaking, printmaking, digital photography and art clubs for 9-16 year olds.
Take a look; we’re confident there will be something to inspire you!
