As an artist, you will question yourself and at times, you may feel like an imposter that isn't up to the task. The imposter is what has inspired the great artists of today, to become even greater.
Our Art and Design courses are for 16-18 year olds who wish to gain a vocational qualification as a step towards a career in the industry.
Successful students tend to have creative energy, new ideas, the ability to work independently, an understanding of design and a passion for self expression. Is that you?
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Art and Design at West Lancashire College
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Meet our Art and Design students and tutors
Neil Farrell
Head of Curriculum for Creative Service IndustriesHaving studied Sport and Exercise Science through college and university, I began my career in the sport and active leisure industry before moving into the education sector. During my time at West Lancashire College, I have managed a wide breadth of Curriculum areas and different types of learning provision. This has included 16-18 provision, adult education, apprenticeship provision, Higher Education, community learning programmes through to provision for adults and young people with SEND. I strongly believe that education has the power to transform lives and that everyone should have access to high quality educational opportunities.
Gary Owens
Art and Design LecturerLike all of the Art and Design staff at West Lancashire College, I am a working artist myself. It is always a pleasure to work with like-minded creative people and to see how their skills and ideas develop over time.
Louise Curran
Art and Design LecturerAs a multi-disciplinary artist and designer with a background career in film and television costume, I offer students a relevant and realistic insight into working in creative industry. As an educator, I have experience of working with learners of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs, across a range of artistic disciplines. Effective art and design teaching offers a space which nurtures and challenges the individual and diverse creativity of every student and equips them with the technical skills and confidence to progress in their chosen specialism. I am passionate about what I do and consider it a privilege to play a role in enabling our students to realise their professional and creative potential.
Sarah Haj-Manouchehri
Art and Design LecturerWith 12 years in the industry and a Visual Arts degree from Salford University, I have a strong background in secondary teaching and providing students with support with their GCSE Photography. I am looking forward to providing our students with their skills and knowledge needed to gain confidence to express their individual styles and to progress in the industry.
Beth Land
Art and Design TechnicianAfter completing my Undergraduate degree in Visual Communications and my Masters in Illustration, I am so excited to be working as an Art and Design Technician, where I'm able to support the students with their design concepts.
Nourhan
Art and Design Alumni StudentStudying Art ad Design at West Lancashire College helped me develop my ideas and express myself through my artwork. I would highly recommend the course to anyone looking to follow a similar path. I am now studying for a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design at UCLan.
Jess
Art and Design Alumni StudentI was originally studying three A Levels at another college before realising that I would be happier focusing on Art and transferring to West Lancashire College. It was a great decision, as I was able to get to know my classmates, which helped me develop both my personal and artistic skills. What I liked most about the Art department was the variety of rooms and equipment for different types of art—it felt like a supportive, creative community. The overall college experience felt very mature, with more independence, and the campus itself is excellent, with a modern, futuristic feel.
Evie
Art and Design Alumni StudentI really enjoyed my Art course because it offered such a wide range of activities. Before coming here, I thought the course would be quite restricted and that we would only be able to do certain things, but it wasn’t like that at all. College life was also very different from high school—what I didn’t like about school was how everyone had to fit a certain mould. At West Lancashire College, I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be.
Hannah
Art and Design Alumni StudentI really enjoyed my Art course, as it offered such a wide range of activities. Before coming here, I thought the course would be quite limited and that we would only be able to do certain things, but that wasn’t the case at all. College life was also very different from high school—what I didn’t enjoy about school was how everyone had to be a certain way. At West Lancashire College, I felt like I could be whoever I wanted to be.
Hanga
Art and Design Alumni StudentI really enjoyed all the experimenting on my Art course, taking part in workshops across a wide range of techniques and styles. You were able to be much more independent than at high school, but support was always available from tutors and fellow students—it felt like a true community. I progressed on to study a degree in Illustration at Sheffield Hallam University in September. I chose Illustration because it is very flexible, and I hope to pursue a career in book illustration or concept art in the future.
Caitlin
Art and Design Alumni StudentMy time as an Art student was a fantastic experience. When I joined, I didn’t have many skills, but by my second year, I had developed the skills I wanted and met a lot of great people. The college has a lovely atmosphere, support is always available when you need it, and the facilities are excellent. Initially, I thought I would focus on photography, but after attending a workshop on advertising, my interest was sparked, and I discovered my career direction. I am now studying Marketing at Edge Hill University.
Corey
Art and Design StudentChoosing to study Art and Design was an easy decision for me, as I am passionate about the subject and it offers clear progression opportunities. The practical experience and the freedom to explore new elements have been the highlights of the course for me. Once I have completed the course, I plan to progress to university to continue studying Art.
Dylan
Art and Design StudentI chose to study Art and Design because I enjoy being creative and expressing myself through art. I have particularly enjoyed exploring a wide variety of mediums throughout the course.
Connor
Art and Design StudentI knew I wanted a career in the industry, and this course is ideal for progression. I’ve really enjoyed the independent work and the trust and support provided by the tutors.
What can I do with a qualification in Art and Design?
Careers for this subject will be updated soon.
Upcoming events
February Open Event
West Lancashire College
Monday 2nd February 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
April Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 30th April 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
