Plans are underway to offer a unique, new foundation degree in carnival arts.

The University of Bedfordshire is joining forces with Luton’s UK Centre for Carnival Arts (UKCCA) to launch the two-year, full-time course starting in September 2010.

Students are being invited now to enrol on the design course which will look at all elements of design and making within the carnival industry. It will also give students the chance to work with experienced carnivalists from around the UK as well as hear from international guest lecturers.

John Stephens, Head of Art and Design from the University’s Faculty of Creative Arts, Technologies and Science, said: “We are delighted to be working with the UKCCA which only opened for business in May.

“The focus will be on bringing out each student’s individual creativity and developing the skills involved in the design and making of carnival costumes.”

Paul Anderson, UKCCA’s Executive Director, said: “This is an exciting time for us. The course is central to our centre’s education and learning collaborations with key Further and Higher Education partners.”

The centre is staging an open day on Saturday, 21 November as part of its Festival of Learning. This date coincides with the University’s open day in Luton so potential foundation degree students can visit both sites, find out about the course in detail and see the centre’s unique facilities first-hand.

For more information about the University and its courses visit www.beds.ac.uk. To find out more about the UKCCA visit www.carnivalarts.org.uk