Creative and Visual Arts
With our stunning landscape, it's no wonder the West Highlands is home to so many artists, designers and makers.
Student Creative Arts Festival 2023 to be announced soon!
View subject area course progression routes
Art and Design

Art and Design Portfolio NC
A dynamic course to help you build a portfolio and experience to apply for art college. You'll learn how to work with new processes in a range of disciplines and be taught by professional artists along the way. At the end of the year, you will showcase your work in a full-scale exhibition planned by the class.
- Where? Portree
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time (18 hours per week)
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Art and Design with Textiles NQ
- Where? Fort William
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time (1 day per week)
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Creative Industries: Art and Design Portfolio with Textiles NC
Explore your creative side though a range of specially delivered units of study that prepare you for progression into a creative discipline of your choice.
- Where? Fort William
- Full-time or Part-time? Full-time (3 days per week)
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Introduction to Sculpture NQ
Experiment with a variety of materials including wire, clay, plaster, recycled and found objects to create your own three-dimensional work
- Where? Portree
- Full-time or part-time? Part-time (1 day per week)
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Art and Design NPA
Gain practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of a range of printmaking, mixed media and illustration skills and techniques for art and design applications.
- Where? Running in Auchtertyre, Fort William and Portree for 2023
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time (1 day per week)
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Drawing Skills NPA
A part-time course which allows you to gain practical and theoretical knowledge of a range of drawing skills and techniques for art and design applications. Develop your skills through practical experimentation including your local environment.
- Where? Auchtertyre, Fort William or Portree (on rotation, not running for 2023)
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time (1 day per week)
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Painting NPA
Learn creative paint techniques and colour theory and develop these into a personal painting project based on a chosen theme. A part-time course which includes a chance to exhibit and sell work at the end.
- Where? Fort William for 2023 (Portree and Auchtertyre on future rotations)
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time (1 day per week)
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Contemporary Art Practice HNC
Develop your artistic talent into a career. Explore the practice and context of contemporary art through drawing, painting and sculpture with up-to-date topics such as conceptual processes and digital art form.
- Where? Portree
- Full-time or Part-time? Both available
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Contemporary Art Practice HND
An advanced course that develops theoretical, conceptual and practical creative skills in contemporary art practice.
- Where? Portree
- Full-time or Part-time? Both available
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Textiles and Fashion

Introduction to Sewing Skills NQ
If you're interested in design for fashion or textiles this part-time, practical and creative course will provide you with relevant skills in cutting, making and decoration of garments and accessories commonly used by the fashion industry.
- Where? Fort William
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time (1 day per week)
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Textiles HNC
A creative design-led portfolio course offering experience across fashion, interior and accessory textile design. You'll develop a broad range of skills and create your own collection. With visiting lecturers and industry professionals, you'll gain exposure to the latest trends and can prepare for a degree programme or a variety of career pathways.
- Where? Fort William
- Full-time or Part-time? Both available
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Textiles HND
A highly creative, design-led course for those with a passion for designing and creating, providing you with the opportunity to explore your creative potential.
- Where? Fort William
- Full-time or Part-time? Both available
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Photography Higher
An exciting part-time course providing you with opportunities to develop a broad range of theoretical, practical and technical skills in photography. You will also learn about the history and art of photography and apply knowledge gained in the creation of your own photographs on a range of themes.
- Where? Broadford, Fort William, Portree
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time
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Photography HNC
HNC Photography is designed for creative practitioners who want to build a solid technical and theoretical foundation in the field of contemporary photography. You will study a range different genres, developing your style and flair whilst generating an extended portfolio.
- Where? Anywhere with an internet connection (including 3 x 1 week residentials at our Broadford Campus)
- Full-time or Part-time? Part-time
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Creative Writing in the Highlands and Islands BA (Hons)
This innovative degree is an opportunity to pursue your individual creativity and to equip yourself with the professionalism required to be a successful writer in your chosen field. Designed to give you a solid grounding in the creative principles of four of the main areas of creative writing: poetry, prose, playwriting and the screenplay.
- Where? All centres
- Full-time or Part-time? Both available
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