Creative Arts (Top-Up)
- BA (Hons)
- 1 Years
- Full-time
- 09/2026
- Undergraduate
- Boston Campus (Rochford)
- Awarded by:
- University of Derby
Course summary
The Creative Arts BA (Hons) Top-up Level 6 is a contemporary and multi-disciplined course awarded by the University of Derby and is designed to provide an excellent progression route and develop the knowledge you've already gained on your HND or Foundation Degree in art and design, media and film, photography, graphic design, fashion, performing arts, or music, with a further stage of study which results in a full honours degree.
Make your mark as an innovative, highly skilled and entrepreneurial creative professional. Take part in real-world assessments with live briefs from external clients and work with an interdisciplinary team of creative peers. Develop mastery of your craft, gain valuable leadership and management skills, have a platform to explore innovations in the professional field to equip you for advancements in the diverse, dynamic creative industries, and develop the entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in the ever-evolving creative economy. Take the opportunity to explore the creative industries through a self-managed curriculum that allows you to tailor your work to your unique creative career aspirations and will prepare you for working in the local, regional, and national creative industries.
As a University of Derby partner student, you will have access to the university’s virtual learning environment, including University of Derby Online (UDO) and online journals and texts, as well as library facilities.
You will have access to Boston College's creative facilities which include, printmaking, paper making, drawing, painting, sculpture, textiles and fashion, photography, portable theatre setups, dance studios, recording studios, DJ technology rooms, Apple Mac computers and industry standard software, rehearsal rooms, a large recital hall, iPads, film making, photography studio, darkroom, film and TV studio, library, art shop, studio space and computer suites.
Modules
Application of Study to the Creative Industry
Innovation in Creative Arts
Professional Advancement in Creative Arts
Creative Exposition
Independent Final Project
Assessment method
You will be assessed via a mix of practical and theory based assessments, such as assignments, group work, case studies, course work, presentations and work-based evidence.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- 2601
- Institution code:
- B01
- Campus name:
- Boston Campus (Rochford)
- Campus Code:
- B
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
In order to study the Creative Arts BA (Hons) Top-up Level 6, you will need to have successfully completed 240 credits at Level 4 and 5 in art and design, media and film, photography, graphic design, fashion, performing arts, music, or a related subject (this may be from a HTQ/HND, Foundation Degree, or an equivalent Level 5 qualification); and GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 and/or minimum IELTS score of 6.
Please note that relevant work experience may be considered if you do not meet the above criteria.
All applicants will be invited to attend a one-to-one interview with a member of the Creative Arts BA (Hons) Top-up Level 6 delivery team. All applications are managed by the Learner Services Department within the college, and interviews are planned for one evening per month.
All applications are subject to approval by the University of Derby (UoD). In order for the University to approve your application we are required to share your personal information. This includes sharing the application form that you have completed to study this course, and in some instances, copies of your maths, English and highest-level qualification certificate.
Entry criteria:
A Merit or Distinction on a relevant Higher National Diploma (HND).
A Pass profile on an FdA in Creative Arts or related subject.
A relevant Level 5 qualification with a minimum of 240 credits.
Level 2 qualification or above in English (e.g., GCSE or Functional Skills).
All applications are subject to approval by the University of Derby (UoD). In order for the University to approve your application we are required to share your personal information. This includes sharing the application form that you have completed to study this course, and in some instances, copies of your maths, English and highest-level qualification certificate.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £7600 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £7600 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £7600 | Whole course |
| Wales | £7600 | Whole course |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.