Level 3 Fine Art (Painting and Drawing)

Year 1 Unit 1: Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice An exploratory unit where students investigate various creative disciplines to inform their practice. Unit 2: Specialist Practice in Art and Design Students develop a focused approach to their chosen area of interest within art and design. Unit 3: Final Major Project A self-initiated project that synthesizes learning from the previous units, demonstrating the student's creative and technical abilities.

Year 2 Unit 4: Professional Practice in Art and Design Students explore professional contexts and prepare for entry into the creative industries. Unit 5: Collaborative Practice Emphasis on teamwork and collaboration within creative projects. Unit 6: Personal and Professional Development Focus on developing a personal brand and preparing for future career opportunities.

This course is designed for students with a genuine passion for Fine Art, who are keen to develop their creativity into future opportunities. It offers the chance to refine practical and conceptual skills, build confidence, and explore a range of fine art disciplines while working towards a recognised qualification.

If you are motivated to expand your artistic abilities and committed to completing the programme, it will support you in achieving a UAL Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Fine Art. Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to experiment, challenge yourself, and produce work that demonstrates both technical expertise and personal expression.

Completing this qualification provides a clear progression route to higher-level study at degree level, apprenticeships, or entry-level employment within the fine art and wider creative industries. It is an excellent foundation for ambitious students who want to unlock their full potential and prepare for a successful career in Fine Art.

Assessment is portfolio and assignment-based, with work completed to strict deadlines in line with UAL expectations.

• On the UAL Level 3 Diploma, students complete a total of three units.
• On the Extended Diploma, students complete six units. [Inclusive of year 1] All units are internally set and assessed, with Unit 3 (Diploma) and Unit 6 (Extended Diploma) externally moderated by the awarding body. Each unit is graded, and students must achieve at least a pass in every unit to gain the full qualification.
• Units 1, 2, 4, and 5 are graded Pass only.
• Units 3 and 6 determine the overall qualification grade, awarded as: o P ? Pass o M ? Merit o D ? Distinction This structure ensures students develop a broad range of skills before applying their learning to the externally moderated final project, where creativity, independence, and technical ability are demonstrated.

We are committed to ensuring you are working at the right level for your core qualification and are fully supported to achieve the highest grade possible. As part of your programme, you will undertake work experience, designed to complement your college study and prepare you for progression into employment within the creative industries. You will also take part in a range of enrichment activities aimed at developing essential life skills, building confidence, and supporting your personal and professional growth. Your weekly timetable will include dedicated academic coach tutorial support, delivered through both group sessions and one-to-one meetings. These provide opportunities to review your progress, set goals, and access any additional guidance you may need to succeed.

Artists, craftspeople, and designers: Explore a wide range of contemporary and historical fine artists, craftspeople, and visual practitioners, including diverse cultural influences, helping you to draw inspiration and contextualise your own creative work at Level 3.

Creative industries: Learn about sectors relevant to fine art, including galleries, exhibitions, curatorial work, and commercial art, alongside professional expectations and emerging trends, supporting progression to higher-level study, apprenticeships, or employment.

Sustainable practice: Develop an understanding of environmentally responsible approaches in fine art, including sustainable materials, ethical studio practices, and responsible production, and apply these principles to your own studio practice and projects.

Digital skills: Gain competence in digital tools commonly used in the fine art sector, including digital imaging, portfolio presentation, and virtual exhibition platforms, enabling you to produce work that meets Level 3 professional standards.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) in creative practice: Explore how AI can be applied in fine art, including image generation, research, and workflow enhancement, and learn to critically integrate AI into your creative practice.

Specialist skills: Build expertise in a wide range of fine art techniques and materials, including painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and mixed media, enabling you to produce high-quality, industry-informed work.

Design and problem-solving: Learn to generate, develop, and apply creative ideas to fine art project briefs, enhancing your ability to solve conceptual and practical challenges independently and confidently.

Presentation and portfolio development: Gain the skills to present work effectively in both digital and practical formats, creating a cohesive portfolio that demonstrates your abilities and supports progression to higher education, apprenticeships, or employment in the creative industries.

Planning and organisation: You will manage your own workload effectively, plan and organise projects to meet industry standards, and ensure deadlines are achieved.

Reflective practice: You will critically evaluate your own work, analyse your practice, and implement changes to improve outcomes and develop as an independent creative practitioner.

Project responsibility: You will take ownership of your projects, managing development from concept to completion, and responding constructively to feedback from tutors, clients, or other stakeholders.

Professional conduct and attendance: You will demonstrate consistent attendance, punctuality, and good studio practice, maintaining a professional attitude and fully engaging with all academic and practical learning opportunities.

Engagement and collaboration: You will actively participate in group activities, tutorials, and workshops, contributing to a productive studio environment and supporting your own learning and that of others.

The course combines coursework and externally examined units, and you are expected to achieve at least a pass in each unit to complete the qualification. You will develop your literacy and communication skills throughout the programme and benefit from strong personal tutorial support. Delivered through vocationally relevant, practical project work, the course encourages you to take an increasingly independent approach and explore the specialist area that interests you most. A period of work experience is also included as part of the programme. You will be expected to purchase some basic equipment, which will be provided in a kit list emailed during the summer before enrolment. There may also be opportunities for trips throughout the year, with costs discussed in advance.

On successful completion of this programme you can: Progress to a Foundation course or degree in Art and Design Launch a career in the creative industries-Entry level Take on a creative apprenticeship

Gain skills for entry-level roles in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Fashion, Photography, 3D Design, Illustration, and more

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Art
• A portfolio demonstrating your skills and particular interest in Art. This may include GCSE artwork and personal work produced at home
• The level of course you enrol on will be determined by the quality of your portfolio
• References may be requested by the course lead

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.