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This course is designed for those who enjoy Art and Design but are unsure of which career path to follow and wish to explore all the possibilities.

On completion of this course, you will achieve a Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

  • What will I study?

    The first year is broad-based and will cover visual recording and communication, critical and contextual studies, the creative process, materials and techniques, developing a portfolio, managing a client brief and developing and realising creative intentions. You will develop your practical skills in observational drawing, ceramic design, graphic design, fashion and textiles, fine art and 3D design.

    Year 2 is more specialist, where you will have the opportunity to develop your area of interest and application to a Higher Education course. You will finish by writing and completing a final major project and mounting an exhibition of your work.

    The units you will study are likely to include:

    Core Units: Diploma

    1. The Creative Process
    2. Developing Creative Practise
    3. Responding to a set Brief

    Core Units: Extended Diploma

    1. Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
    2. Specialist Technical Skills Development
    3. Specialist Creative Outcome
  • Who is this course for?

    This course is ideal if you have an interest in Art and Design and wish to gain a Level 3 qualification in the subject. You should be highly motivated and passionate about studying art and design.

  • How is the course assessed?

    Portfolio/Assignment based assessment working with strict deadlines in line with UAL expectations. External set units for the final major projects.

    On the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design, students will take a total of three units to complete the diploma qualification and 6 for the extended diploma. All work is internally set and assessed and unit 3 and 6 are externally moderated by the exam board.

    All units are graded and students are required to achieve a minimum of a pass in each unit to achieve the full qualification grade. Units 1 & 2 and 4 & 5 are awarded at a pass grade only. Unit 3 and 6 provides the overall qualification grade either P (Pass), M (Merit), D (Distinction).

  • Your Study Programme

    If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme this could be a vocational or technical qualification. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can.

    Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career.

    If you have chosen to study for a T Level qualification, this will involve college-based theory and practice lessons along with relevant work placement to enable you to gain the knowledge, skills and behaviours that employers are looking for.

    Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

    All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses).

  • Knowledge

    You will develop a thorough knowledge and understanding of:

    • A range of different artists, crafts and designers both from current art practise and in art history and other cultures
    • The creative industries relevant to a specific chosen area of focused interest

    • Sustainable practise in the creative industries and how this can be applied to student's own studio practise.
  • Skills

    You will have the ability to:

    • Develop specialist skills in a range of art and design materials, techniques and processes relevant to the chosen course of study

    • Develop skills in applying design ideas, problem solving and to be able to apply them to specific design project briefs

    • Develop skills in presenting art work in a portfolio of work, both digital and practical to prepare for progression to employment or university.
  • Behaviours

    What is required?

    • To be able to plan and organise your own work to meet industry standards and expectations in the creative industries and to meet specific timescales

    • To be able to work as a reflective practitioner, evaluating and analysing work practise and action plan to make changes and improvements to own work practise

    • To be able to take responsibility for your own work through project management and development, responding to feedback from potential clients or stakeholders.
  • General info

    The course is made up of coursework and external examined units. You are expected to achieve at least a pass in each unit to complete the qualification.

    Throughout, you will be encouraged to develop your skills in literacy and communication, and will receive strong personal tutorial support.

    The course is taught through vocationally relevant project work and is highly practical in nature. As the course progresses students are encouraged to take an increasingly more independent approach to their work and to explore the specialist area which most interests them. You will also be expected to complete a period of work experience as part of your programme of study.

    Students will be expected to purchase some basic equipment relevant to the course. This will be conveyed to them in the form of a kit list, sent via email during the summer before they enrol.

    There may be opportunities to go on trips throughout the year, the cost of these will be discussed with students ahead of time.

  • Progression and Career Opportunities

    On successful completion of this qualification students could continue their studies to a Foundation course in Art and Design, Higher National Diplomas or Degree level in various specialist Art and Design subjects.

  • Entry Requirements for new students

    4 GCSEs at Grade 4 including English & Art & a portfolio showing your skills & particular interest in art. This can include GCSE artwork and personal work produced at home. The level of course you enrol on will be based on the quality of your artwork.

  • Admissions Process

    We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply.

    These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.

    Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.