ART & DESIGN
Level 3
- Duration - Two years, full-time. In addition to the course’s full-time hours, you will also be expected to undertake approximately ten hours of independent study every week.
- Full or Part Time? - FT
- Start Date - 01/09/2026
- Course Discussion Required - Yes
Course Overview
The course aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the creative industries whilst allowing you to develop and build your skills in your chosen specialist area of art and design. This is a dynamic and versatile course that will enable you to become a well-rounded creative art student.
In year 1 you will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of materials, techniques and processes to enable you to build a strong set of skills and knowledge across the areas.
In year 2 you will focus more on your chosen specialist area to create a strong portfolio of work accumulating in and end of year exhibition that is open to the public.
During the course you will be guided through your progression options through talks, university visits and meeting ex-students. If progressing to University you will be supported through your UCAS application by our experienced team.
Entry Requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4 including maths or English, plus maths or English at grade 3. A good portfolio is also required. Alternatively - Level 2 qualification in related subject and GCSE English or maths at grade 4 plus GCSE English or maths at grade 3 (or equivalent).
Progression - Build your future
Students may progress onto: · UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design · University courses in Art & Design related subjects · Higher apprenticeships · Employment within the creative industries Possible career pathways include: Fine Artist, Illustrator, Graphic Designer, Animator, Photographer, Fashion Designer, Interior Designer, Set Designer, Games Artist, Tattoo Artist, Curator, Content Creator, and many more creative careers.
Exam and Assessment
The course is awarded by UAL Awarding Body. Assessment is project-based and completed through practical coursework, digital portfolios, sketchbooks, presentations, exhibitions, and reflective evaluation. Year 1 focuses on developing creative process skills, experimentation, research, and responding to creative briefs. Year 2 allows students to develop a specialist practice and complete a self-directed Specialist Creative Outcome project. All projects are internally assessed and externally moderated by UAL Awarding Body. The final qualification grade is awarded through the final major project completed in Year 2.
Qualification & Awarding Body
Qualification: Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
Awarded by: UAL
More about the course
You will have access to a range of facilities including studio spaces, printmaking workshops, textiles workshops, photography studios and state of the art equipment. To help you apply your skills you will be encouraged where possible to engage with the industry through competitions, live briefs, community work and employer engagement. Tutors are experienced and still work within the industry as artists and designers.
You will also have the opportunity to go on art based trips to places such as Liverpool, London and Berlin.
In year 1 you will have the opportunity to explore a diverse range of materials, techniques and processes to enable you to build a strong set of skills and knowledge across the areas.
In year 2 you will focus more on your chosen specialist area to create a strong portfolio of work accumulating in and end of year exhibition that is open to the public. During the course you will be guided through your progression options through talks, university visits and meeting ex-students. You will be supported through your UCAS application by our experienced team.