Let’s take a look at all things Art & Design at Shrewsbury Colleges Group! We had the pleasure of catching up with two students studying our vocational Art courses who will both be exhibiting at The Show: Lily Deakin and Tom Carser.
Lily Deakin started on our Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design back in 2022. With a passion for jewellery design, Lily excelled in her studies and progressed to our Level 3 Foundation course. Having completed her Foundation year, she is now off to University of the Arts in London, to further develop her craft in jewellery design! Watch the full interview below to hear all about Lily’s journey at Shrewsbury Colleges Group.
Tom Carser is currently studying on our Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design. Having smashed his first year with us, Tom is set to progress onto our Level 3 course, starting in September. His final piece depicts the one and only Liam Gallagher, Tom is pictured below with his work and teacher, Ed Cately.
Here’s what Tom had to say about his first year at Shrewsbury Colleges Group:
What has been your favourite part of the course so far?
My favourite part of the course has been learning all the new techniques and letting my own ideas expand with creativity.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learnt at College?
I have grown in self-confidence a lot and know that I am capable of learning more skills. I have really enjoyed my journey so far at College with the members of staff being so friendly and supportive. They all make the lessons fun and interesting.
What are your next steps?
My next step is starting the Level 3 Art and Design course in September which I’m really looking forward to.
What are your aspirations for the future?
My aspirations for the future are to learn new skills and learn more about art history during my course.
You can see Lily and Tom’s work on display at The Show this Saturday 14 June, 11:00am – 2:00pm or Tuesday 17 June 3:30pm – 5:30pm. Tickets can be booked here.
If you’d like to follow in Lily and Tom’s footsteps but you’re not sure how, explore our Art courses below, we have something to suit all learning styles!
Fine Art A Level
If you enjoyed GCSE Art, get ready to start your journey into becoming the artist you want to be with our Fine Art A Level. Our experienced and specialist teachers will guide you through various techniques and media to explore your creative potential. Our fully equipped facilities will aid the development of your output in whatever form it takes.
We encourage students to challenge their habitual working methods by experimenting with various image-making techniques, media, and materials.
Our Fine Art A-Level is 100% Coursework assessed. Two components: 60% personal investigation, 40% externally set assignment.
Find out more here: Fine Art A Level
Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
This is an exciting and varied programme and provides a nationally recognised qualification designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, understanding and practical skills required for success in the field of Art and Design. After completion of the course students would normally progress onto a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design, Fashion or Multimedia, some students may seek employment.
We encourage originality, we’re here to supply the tools you need to discover your inner artist.
The course is assessed through coursework split into six modules across the two years, an excellent option for those who prefer to spread the assessed workload out, rather than at the end of your course.
Find out more here: Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design
The programme provides a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills and understanding required for success in higher education, and ultimately the creative industries.
Divided into 18 different projects, you will study a diverse range of specialisms, including printmaking, drawing, painting, 3D design, textiles, photography, illustration, ceramics, and contextual studies. These correlate to your 18 units of coursework spread over two years, which are equally weighted and graded at the end of each assignment.
Find out more here: Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design
UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
The foundation year is designed to give you a broad based experience of a wide variety of art and design subject areas. It will give you an insight into the range and expectations of different art and design disciplines and provide you with the knowledge, practical skills, ideas and critical judgement to go on and study at degree level.
Most students choose to extend their studies at renowned 'first-choice' Universities, much like Lily who was a shoe in for a place at her University of choice after going the extra mile with her foundation course!
The course is assessed across three units of coursework.
Find out more here: UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our open evenings, ring our Admissions Department on 01743 653111, or email
We also have a range of part time art courses open to all ages!
Level 2 NCFE Certificate in Creative Craft - Art & Design
Life Drawing: Painting the figure
Sculpting the human figure in clay from a life model
If you have any questions, you can contact Part-time Admissions at 01743 653333 to organise enrolment. If you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop into one of our advice events, ring Part-time Admissions on 01743 653333, use our live chat facility, or email