Level 3 Art and Design

Course Overview

Are you creative? Do you want to enhance both your creative and technical skills?

As an artist and designer, do you want to explore sculpture, fine art, fashion, textiles, and graphic design? Or, as a digital designer, are you eager to dive into graphic design, visual communication, 2D and 3D concept art, and animation?

If so, this course is perfect for you! Through practical, hands-on learning, you will express and refine your ideas using a range of traditional and digital materials, techniques, and processes, including industry-standard software and equipment. You will reflect on your own work, as well as that of other artists and designers, with visits to galleries and museums enriching your studies.

Through a diverse range of projects, you will gain the skills necessary for progression into university-level study or full-time employment.

Entry Requirements

New Students

4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Art and Design or a related subject, such as Textiles, Graphic Design, or Photography, at GCSE level.

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 created in your own time.

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

Progressing Students

UAL Level Two Diploma in Art and Design, with a minimum of a Merit grade. You must also provide a satisfactory tutor reference for attitude, behaviour, and punctuality, and maintain a minimum attendance of 85%.

What the course covers

The UAL Level Three Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design, and Communication is a two-year qualification with no exams, consisting of six units – three in Year One and three in Year Two.

Teaching is delivered by subject specialists through workshops, one-to-one tutorials, lectures, group work, and group critiques. 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 develop both creative and practical skills, as well as confidence in communication and problem-solving. You will be encouraged to engage in open discussions about the themes and ideas in your work, helping you refine your individual creative practice. You will compile both traditional and digital sketchbooks to document your ideas, practical work, and supporting written content.

The course is divided into two pathways: Art and Design and Digital Design. Both pathways aim to develop your practical and critical thinking skills through a variety of projects, underpinned by art and design history and theory. Life drawing is a component of both pathways. You will explore a wide range of themes and ideas, study diverse artists and designers, and gradually develop your own personal interests and creative direction as the course progresses.

Year One introduces different specialist areas of art and design while building essential practical and creative thinking skills. Year Two focuses on progression to Higher Education (HE) and employment. You will work on more self-directed projects within your chosen discipline, resulting in a professionally presented portfolio that will support your university or job application.

At the end of both Year One and Year Two, you will complete a final major project within your specialist area, each culminating in a public exhibition, showcasing your skills and personal growth throughout the course.

Art and Design Specialist Areas Covered:

• Sculpture and 3D Design
• Fine Art and Image Making
• Fashion and Textiles
• Graphic Design and Animation

Digital Design Specialist Areas Covered:

• Graphic Design and Visual Communication
• 2D Concept Art and Animation
• 3D Concept Art

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, a Fashion Show, 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

Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 with a valid EHCP, who are studying Further Education courses are not charged course fees.

For more information about financial support, please visit our Student Finance and Bursaries page. Click here for the Student Finance and Bursaries page