Visual Arts at B&FC

Employment within the creative industries is growing at four times the average rate of the UK workforce (according to statistics from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport).

Exciting opportunities are available in areas such as illustration, graphic design, fashion design and photography.

At B&FC you will have access to a unique creative environment with contemporary studios, think spaces and a stunning public gallery.

A diverse range of programmes are taught by subject experts, who are still active within the industry and passionate about supporting you to find your creative niche.

Discover how B&FC can help you begin or advance your career in creative arts.

Visual Arts programmes

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Careers

The creative and digital sector in Lancashire accounts for 6% of the workforce and there are increasing opportunities in areas such as illustration, graphic design, fashion design, web design and photography.

Creative and digital businesses total 4,500 across Lancashire, with leading employers including Bespoke Internet, Graham and Brown and MotionLab. In Manchester, creative hubs such as Media City and the Sharp Project are providing additional opportunities.

What our staff and students say

“I’m more creative than academic and I’ve struggled in the past because of my dyslexia. I’ve had so much support here though, especially with my English and maths which I’ve been able to re-sit. College has built my confidence so much. I want to do my degree here now as the one-to-one contact with tutors is so good.”

Sian Nicholson, Photography – Level 3

"I learnt so many new skills, which opened my eyes to a variety of possibilities and different employment options."

Heidi Atkinson, BA Hons Graphic Design

“Halfway through my second year as a mature student and the best thing I've done in my life so far. The facilities are ace, so much support and the encouragement to be creative is fab.”

Stacy Sagar gave B&FC an overall university rating of 5 stars – Fashion Design (Contemporary Costume) BA Hons - WhatUni review

“At B&FC you will be guided and taught by industry-experienced tutors. You will study in a creative environment with a vast choice of resources to help you find your personal creative edge, allowing you to fulfil your career aspirations.”

Caroline Wells, Specialist Practitioner

"An amazing unforgettable experience which will stay with me for the rest of my life. The chance to study with the people I met and the tutors who worked so hard for us was exceptional."

Mark Hetherington gave B&FC an overall university rating of 5 stars - Fine Art and Professional Practice BA (Hons) - WhatUni? review

Why choose B&FC?

Employability First

With more than 1,000 employer partnerships, our work with employers has earned us the prestigious Queen’s Anniversary Prize.

Expert Tutors

Our tutors are specialists in their subjects and help you develop the skills you need to be successful. They regularly spend time in industry to keep their knowledge and experience up-to-date.

Personalised Learning

Your own personal progress tutor will help you to settle in, keep you informed about upcoming events and provide ongoing support and guidance. We also offer confidential counselling.

Learning Support

If you have a disability (including a specific learning or mental health difficulty) we will help you to access the support needed to manage your studies as independently as possible.

Getting Here

With our FREE 24/7 Blackpool Transport travel pass, eligible students get unlimited use of any Blackpool Transport bus or tram. From 2019, we’ll also be offering a FREE circular bus service.
Eligibility applies

Career Planning

Our free careers service includes expert advice and resources to help with making career choices, applying to university and coaching to get you ready for employment.

Students' Union

Our Students' Union runs a variety of clubs, societies and events, all aimed at giving you the best student experience possible. You could also get involved as a rep or elected officer.

Sports

Sports are big at B&FC and there are lots of fitness activities and College teams for you to join, facilitated through our all-weather pitch, sports hall and fitness suite.

Food and Drink

From smoothies to sub rolls, we offer a wide range of low-cost food and drink plus a FREE healthy breakfast for everyone and FREE meals for eligible students.
Eligibility applies

Work experience opportunities

B&FC works with a wide range of leading companies, offering specific industry placements that offer valuable sector experience.

"We are so happy to work with a large number of students from Blackpool and The Fylde College, across year groups and disciplines. They are the dancers, artists, producers, technicians, designers, and directors of the future."

Lightpool Festival

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Industry-standard facilities

We’re constantly investing in our facilities to provide a first-rate learning environment with cutting-edge resources.

Our state-of-the-art studios replicate an industry setting, with expert tutors and technicians on hand to support you to develop your craft.

Art gallery at Blackpool and The Fylde College

Our stunning public gallery offers a wonderful exhibition space that has hosted works by Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.

Industry-standard resources and ‘live’ briefs allow you to develop your creativity within a commercial context, to enhance your employability.

Upcoming Events

Jun20

Open Event @ Bispham Campus

Saturday 20 June 2020

Bispham Campus

Discover your future at our open event.

Jun20

Open Event @ University Centre

Saturday 20 June 2020

University Centre

Discover your future at our open event.

Apr29

Meet the Experts @ Bispham Campus

Wednesday 29 April 2020

Bispham Campus

Talk to a subject specialist about your career options.

Latest News

Jan17

Alumni artists in the frame at B&FC exhibition

Blackpool School of Arts relaunches with an exciting exhibition featuring alumni and their work through the ages.

Jan9

Training helps Blackpool Transport move with the times

We take a look at the success enjoyed by one of the region's biggest employers as the team gets set for sustainable success through training and development supported by B&FC.

Jan8

Blackpool barbering's Ben brings masterclass to B&FC

Ben Reynolds showed he was a cut above the rest when he returned to B&FC to show hairdressing and barbering students some style.

Ben, proprietor of The Huntsman in Layton, spent a day with three of his team at the college giving students a series of barbering demonstrations.

How to find us

University Centre
Park Road
Blackpool
FY1 4ES
United Kingdom

Bispham Campus
Ashfield Road
Bispham
Blackpool
FY2 0HB
United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)1253 352 352
E: info@blackpool.ac.uk

Lancashire Energy HQ
Squires Gate Lane
Blackpool
FY4 2QS
United Kingdom

T: +44 (0)1253 504 400
E: energy@blackpool.ac.uk