Level 1 Art and Design

Course Overview

Are you passionate about art and design but don’t yet have a formal qualification? Would you like to develop and expand your knowledge and skills across a variety of specialist areas?

If so, this course is perfect for you! Through practical, hands-on learning, you will build a strong foundation using both traditional and digital art and design materials, techniques, and processes.

Entry Requirements

New students

4 GCSEs at Grade 2 or above. It is not a requirement to have previously studied Art and Design or a related subject (such as Textiles, Graphic Design, or Photography) at GCSE level – just an interest in the subject.*

As part of the ‘Meet the Tutor’ session, you will be required to bring a portfolio, which might include GCSE sketchbooks, a digital presentation, or artwork completed in your own time.

*The College reserves the right to request a school reference if necessary.

What the course covers

The UAL Level One Diploma in Art, Design and Media is a one-year qualification with no exams, consisting of seven units. Throughout the year, you’ll complete a series of projects across various specialist areas, including printmaking, textiles, sculpture, and graphic design.

Teaching is delivered by subject specialists through workshops, one-to-one tutorials, lectures, and group work. You will be taught in dedicated art studios, including the print room, sculpture studio, digital suite, and spacious, well-lit studios.

Throughout the course, you will explore key principles of art and design, such as researching artists, idea development, creative thinking, and self-reflection. These will help you build creative and practical skills, along with confidence in communication and problem-solving. You will be encouraged to experiment in a supportive environment, developing your self-confidence and foundational skills for higher study in Art and Design. Both traditional and digital sketchbooks will document your ideas, practical work, and written content.

At the end of the course, you will complete a final major project within your specialist area, culminating in a public exhibition.

Programme of Study:

Your main course is part of an individually tailored study programme, which includes taught sessions, studio time, and tutorials. As part of your course, you will also gain work experience through a live project brief and the End-of-Year Exhibition. If you have not yet achieved a Grade 4 or above in English and/or Maths at Level 2, these subjects will also be incorporated into your study programme.

Fees and funding

Please note:

• Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP, and are studying Further Education courses are not normally charged course fees
• Adults may need to pay a fee depending on their personal circumstances. This will be assessed against the relevant Funding Body eligibility criteria at point of enrolment
• A studio fee is payable upon successful enrolment, which covers the majority of materials. However, additional costs may apply for specialist materials, trips, and visits throughout the course. Further details will be provided by the course tutors during enrolment.
  
  

If you don’t qualify for fee remission, the fees for 2026/27 will be:

£1,260 (plus registration fee to be advised at enrolment)

Fees are for 2026/27 entry and apply to students eligible for home fee status enrolling to funded programmes. The fees quoted are subject to personal circumstances and will be confirmed at the time of your enrolment, depending on eligibility criteria. For more information about financial support for students, please click here or email studentfinance@nescot.ac.uk