96% would recommend NESCol to others.
Art, Design & Photography
Bringing Art & Design to life.
Courses
NESCol’s studios are a hub of creativity and imagination.
Our experienced lecturers will support you with the tools and techniques to develop your artistic style and build a portfolio for further study or a creative career.
For many of our courses, we collaborate with local communities and industry. This gives you the chance to work on real client briefs and participate in exhibitions and excursions.
Whatever your aspirations, we’re here to help you discover and develop your talent.
View all full-time art, design & photography courses
As well as a host of full-time courses, we also offer part-time courses in art, design & photography where you can study at a location near you with daytime, evening and weekend options.
£100m
extra culture and arts funding by 2028¹
Never stop learning. Life is what you make of it. When you grow older, your priorities change. I decided to follow my heart and I am so much happier learning and being creative.”
Nora Bandyopadhyay
Nora worked in Hospitality, then studied HND Textiles at NESCol before progressing into year 2 of a degree in 3D Design at RGU’s Gray’s School of Art.
Career opportunities
Whatever your aspirations, there are many exciting roles in the ever-evolving creative industries. North East Scotland College will equip you with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact within your chosen field. Opportunities include:
Art & Design
Freelance Artist, Designer, Illustrator, Art Co-ordinator, Printmaker and Gallery Curator.
Fashion & Textiles
Fashion/Textile Designer, Visual Merchandiser, Seamstress/tailor and Retail Management.
Photography
Photographer, Image Editor and Content Producer.
Visual Communication
Animator, Product Designer, Graphic Designer, Content Producer Media Assistant.
Floristry
Florist.
110,800
in Scotland's Creative Industries workforce in 2025²
Where you can study
Building the right environment for creativity to flourish is very important to us. Across the City and Fraserburgh campuses there are a range of vibrant learning spaces, ranging from textile rooms and art studios to newly created photography studios equipped with the very latest industry equipment.
Study art, design & photography in Aberdeen
- 4,500+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 4 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
Our Aberdeen City Campus is situated in the heart of Aberdeen city centre, within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.
Study art, design & photography in Fraserburgh
- 950+ students
- Fitness Suite
- 2 Cafés
- Quiet & social areas
The bright and modern Fraserburgh Campus provides a fantastic environment for NESCol students, staff and visitors.
Study part-time
Part-time courses are offered at locations throughout the region.
What our students think
More than 4,100 full-time students responded in our Student Satisfaction and Engagement Survey, covering the 2025-2026 academic year. We are delighted to share some of the feedback we received.
"Learning at college has been incredibly fun."
96% feel safe and secure at College.
"I feel very supported in my learning and staff are very helpful."
93% feel College has helped them develop knowledge and skills for the workplace.
"Staff use their industry experience well."
Student stories
Don’t take our word for it!
Alana Jade Miller
HND Art & Design
Professional hairdresser and mum of three Alana decided to take time out of her busy life to explore her creative talent and love of art at Fraserburgh Campus.
Abby Watson
HND Photography
After a difficult time at school, College has allowed Abby to discover her passion and develop new skills – and she is now set to continue her studies at Gray’s School of Art.
Robert Johnston
HND Contemporary Art Practice
Robert first came to NESCol for part-time evening classes. After taking early retirement, he seized the opportunity to focus on his art and study full-time – an interest he has had since childhood.
Get in touch
Our student advisers can help with any application enquiries.
Contact the team directly by calling 01224 612330, dropping into your local Student Advice Centre, or by emailing studentadvice@nescol.ac.uk. Student advisors are also available on LiveChat when the chat icon appears at the bottom of our website.
¹ Source: Scottish Government
² Source: Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Sectoral Skills Assessment