We offer a wide range of qualifications here at BCU, covering you from Foundation level all the way up to postgraduate study. It might be confusing to distinguish which degree is right for you at times because of this.
A top-up degree is another way of furthering your study and skills to ready yourself for employment. Find out more about our Art Business Top-up course and if it’s the right path for you.
What is a top-up degree?
A top-up degree is a standalone qualification equivalent to the final stage of study on a degree (Level 6). The course enables you to ‘top-up’ your qualification to a full degree if you hold an HND, Foundation Degree or equivalent.
A top-up is also an option to transfer into if you hold 240 credits at Level 5 from an existing undergraduate programme.
Why should I choose a top-up degree and what can I expect?
A top-up degree can open doors to a new career or a change of direction. It provides the structure and opportunity to bring to life an aspiration to run your own business or launch an exciting career in the creative industries.
It is also ideal if you already hold a relevant qualification and want to top this up to a degree in one or two years. It allows for a change in direction if you are currently studying on another course and this course aligns better to your aims and career goals. Completing the top-up means you will gain two qualifications, broadening out your skills and CV and accurately reflecting your experience.
The top-up in Art Business is highly flexible around your life and commitments and can be studied full or part time.
Tell me more about the Art Business top-up course
If you aspire to work in the creative and cultural industries, the Art Business top-up course may be for you. It will introduce you to the broad range of employment opportunities in the sector and provide you with the knowledge, understanding and professional experience needed to pursue your dream role. Awareness of ethical and inclusive working practices and developing adaptable, transferable skills will help to future-proof your career. The course is a great option for those who don’t necessarily want to be a practicing artist but want to work within the art sector.
The Art Business top-up is one-year full time and two-years part time, and applicants should have completed Levels 4 and 5 of an undergraduate course in a cognate discipline or hold an HND, Foundation Degree, DipHE or equivalent.
You can find the full list of requirements on the course page.
Do I need experience in the subject area of the course?
It is important that you have some interest and/or experience of the subject area of the course you are applying for. This could be educational or professional, but most importantly is that your aspirations align with the nature of the course.
You will be interviewed prior to starting the course, which is important as it gives you an opportunity to discuss whether it’s the right course for you and allows you to ask questions to those running the course.
Why should I come to BCU to study my top-up degree?
The course is located in the culturally diverse city of Birmingham in the West Midlands and situated in our historic Grade I listed School of Art, based in Margaret St and within the Colmore Business District; this is in close proximity to the city’s cultural institutions and creative hubs such as Ikon gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Barber Institute and the Jewellery Quarter.
You will become a part of the dynamic and vibrant community of staff and students in the School of Art, who are all engaged in the creative industries in eclectic and inspiring ways. You will be able to take part in school events and initiate new ones to form and build your personal network. You'll instantly become part of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media’s student community, and you will be supported by our highly experienced staff, who all have experience working in various roles across the creative industries, with a vast array of experience in the sector.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in work placements, network, and respond to live projects, working collaboratively with our unique external partners from the West Midlands and beyond, exploring how to respond to current challenges and emerging opportunities for enterprise in the creative and cultural sector.
