Find your future and turn your artistic passion into a rewarding career that can lead you to diverse opportunities full of innovation and creativity.
Get one step ahead and follow your dreams towards an exciting career in the ever-growing creative industries sector with one of our courses. We cover a variety of specialisms including art & design, graphic design, animation, and photography. Start your journey today.
What are the Creative Industries?
Choosing a career in one of the many diverse areas of the creative industries can open a world of pathways to unleash your creativity. From photography to 3D design, you can be immersed in a broad range of specialist careers that can lead into production design, illustration, animation, marketing and many more.
Working in the creative sector, you can change the way the world sees information, influence perspectives and create lasting impressions through several different mediums, from moving images to sculpture. The possibilities are endless.
Whether you are aspiring to be the next important thing in the art world or looking to make an impact on an animated feature, a course in creative industries could be for you.
Kirsty MacDonald – Art & Design Student
Dumfries and Galloway College paved the way for me to gain entry into Gray’s School of Art (Robert Gordon University). Before College, I lacked confidence in my own work and practice and was anxious about the big jump from Academy to University, but Dumfries and Galloway College changed that for me.
Why study in the artistic sector?
Artistic studies will give you a range of skills you will need to be job-ready and a sought-after addition to creative teams worldwide. Whether you’re working for a studio, a large company like Pixar, or you would like to start your own business the skills acquired during your study will make you an attractive candidate and valued asset in a fast-paced industry.
Study with us to enjoy:
- Access to world-class learning facilities – our computer pods, art and photography studios and creative spaces will give you the opportunity to gain the skills and knowledge you need to thrive and create.
- Real experiences of work – our courses are designed to provide you with the skills and real work experiences you need by giving you the chance to put your skills into practice through real time projects and placements.
- Support from highly-trained staff – our lecturing and creative support staff will help you learn the academic theory and practical skills needed whilst helping you to develop your portfolio, giving you all you need to get ahead and succeed.
- A route to a viable career – with a qualification in your chosen specialism, you could become a creative director, work in the film industry in the production department or even shape the future of virtual technologies.
- An opportunity to become your own boss – many art and design graduates will eventually go on to become owner-managers of their own design studios, art galleries or marketing and project management firms.
Where Creative Industries could take you
Take a look where a qualification in the arts could take you.
Career Options
As more than 1 in 3 college leavers go on to find employment*, a qualification in creative industries could lead to the following careers:
- Fine Artist – are responsible for producing work on a commission basis, creating illustrations for publishers and writers, using artistic skills to repair and restore damage artworks and running galleries and exhibition spaces for collected works and shows. Average starting salary between £8,000 – £ 27,000
- Graphic Designer – Work in varied medias to bring team and client project briefs and ideas to life. They must be proficient in using a range of different software and technologies with a focus on detail, composition, design and creative support. Other skills include liaising with production teams to ensure design style suits the project at hand and project managing. Average starting salary between £17,000 – £26,000
- Photographer – Bring to life feelings and concepts by focusing their creative energies on capturing the perfect image for a myriad of different uses in the commercial and private sectors. Photographers are highly sought after due to their unique lens on the world around them and skills which include planning, image editing and finishing techniques. These skills are highly sought after in advertising, marketing, design, film and any industry that uses images to create visual experiences or promote products. Average working salary £14,000 – £24,000
Onward Study
As more than 1 in 3 college students who graduate with an HNC or above go on to university study*, a qualification in the creative industries could lead you to the following degree options:
- Degree in Visual Communication and Design
- Degree in 3D Animation and Visualisation BSc (Hons)
- Degree in Fine Art – Painting/Printmaking BA (Hons)
*Based on SFC (Scottish Funding Council) College Leaver Destinations report 19-20
Professional Membership
Artists
Current students and graduates with a qualification in the arts can apply to become a member of the Society of Scottish Artists (SSA) – which is the largest artist-led organisation in Scotland.
Membership offers you:
- Access to exclusive workshops and further development programmes
- Access to a network of varied artists and supporters
- Free submissions to shows which include the Royal Scottish Academy and the SSA Annual Exhibition
- Support to thrive and be at your best as an artist
Designers
Joining the Chartered Society of Designers (CSD) which is an internationally recognised body gives those working in the design sector a supportive and guiding hand for every stage of their career.
Membership offers you:
- Accreditation that shows employers, clients and the industry that you are recognised in your specialist discipline and leading professional.
- SSD offers its members networking, online portfolio hosting and certification services – boosting your skills
- Support via international programmes, services and future development.
Photographers
The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) is an internationally recognised organisation, offering over 120 years of support and networking opportunities to professional photographers.
Membership offers you:
- Feature on find a photographer on BIPP website
- Networking and mentoring across the UK
- Legal and licencing support
- Affiliation to make you stand out from your competitors
Course Entry Requirements
Most courses require you to provide a portfolio of work, ranging from photographic studies to video. Specific requirements will vary by course, but we offer courses where no formal academic qualifications are required. For them, all we ask for is:
- You demonstrate a keen interest in studying creative arts with us
- You attend an entry interview and present yourself well
- You have a positive learner reference – if you’ve studied with us before.
For courses with formal academic entry requirements, we offer a number of routes in – from studying the qualifications that allow you to progress to offering alternative options.
Navid Ali – Previous HND Visual Communication student
I have learned valuable skills that have helped me in the workplace, being more efficient and understanding what might be expected of me.
All Courses
Choose the course for you and click through to find out more and apply:
*Courses listed above are available as at time of publishing. Availability is subject to demand and some courses may stop accepting applications or be withdrawn at any time.
Learning Environment
Our specialist creative spaces give you the opportunity to thrive in an artistic environment developing the skills and knowledge for your future career or further education.
With support from our qualified staff, they will help you learn about the different roles and the academic theory behind the training giving you the opportunity to succeed in your studies.