UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

The advanced Level 3 Art and Design pathway has been specifically designed for students wishing to study a single creative subject plus work experience, tutorial and personal and professional development.

The qualification is designed for students aged 16 years or over who have already achieved GCSE grade 4 [C] or above in at least 4 subjects, including English and a creative GCSE/ level 2 qualification. 

The Art and Design pathway provides you with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to Advanced Level 3 Higher Foundation Studies, higher education, employment or an apprenticeship.

It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in art and design to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding and which provides a supportive transition from further to higher education.

Typically, you will have at least four GCSE’s 4 and above, including English Language and Maths. Alternatively you may have equivalent level 2 qualifications at Merit grade or above, along with GCSE grade 4/C in English Language and Maths.

Importantly a university application will potentially require five GCSEs at grade C (4) or above, including both English Language and Maths GCSE at grade 4/C or above.

In addition to these entry requirements, you will be asked to bring a portfolio of art work to your interview to enable us to assess your level.

The course is generally delivered over two years and will enable you to develop a practical portfolio of work that could support progression into a range of higher education courses or employment.

This exciting and challenging course is designed for curious, creative, and motivated individuals who are passionate about art, design, and visual communication.  

You will be encouraged to investigate ideas, take creative risks, and engage with both traditional and contemporary approaches to art and design. The course is ideal for students who enjoy drawing, exploring different new techniques and diverse ways of making, questioning, and exploring the world around them, and who are willing to work hard to develop their skills and creative potential.  

 Through practical projects, workshops, exhibitions, and professional-style briefs, you will build confidence, technical skill, critical thinking, and independent working practices. By developing a strong portfolio of creative work, you will be well prepared for progression to higher education, apprenticeships, and careers within the creative industries. 

This course will be delivered on-site through a range of practical workshops and projects.

You will be provided with the resources required to complete the course. However, you will be expected to purchase your own sketchbook and some basic equipment. If you wish to explore additional specialist materials or non-traditional materials that are not covered within the course, you will be responsible for sourcing and providing such materials.  You will also need to make a contribution towards compulsory visits to London – or other – galleries to undertake essential research. 

Assessment of practical and written work occurs regularly throughout the course.  The outcome of the course is graded at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Further Study
 

Following successful completion of the Advanced Diploma, most students will progress to the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design. At the end of the 2 year course a number of students may progress to the advanced level 3 Higher foundation studies course.

Careers

There are many specialist areas in the creative industries that you will be introduced to on the course. In your second year of study you will choose a specialist area to develop your practice from one of the following areas: Fine Art, Graphic design/ visual communication, Animation, Illustration, Fashion/ textile design, Architecture, Interior design and other 3 dimensional design areas. 

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk