Art and Design

Level 3 Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design

Introduction

This course is designed to help you develop your confidence in working independently and fine-tune your skills, learning from our tutors who have unrivalled industry experience. Explore a wide range of disciplines in a practical, studio-based environment as you prepare for your creative career.

You will explore, think and evaluate to help you gain a critical awareness of the contemporary visual world, essential for you to succeed in this exciting creative industry, all the while building an outstanding portfolio to enable you to further your education or enter the working world.

• Course Code

  Course Code:

  8508

• Entry Criteria

  4 GCSEs (A*-C/9-4), including English or maths or completion of the Level 2 programme, and a portfolio of work.

  Don't meet the grades? Take a look at the Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design for a solid understanding of key areas - you will be able to progress to the Level 3 upon successful completion.

  You will also be invited to a Course Introduction Meeting.

• What will I study?

  In your first year of study, you’ll be given the freedom to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques. You’re encouraged to adopt an open-minded approach to your work, to creativity and to problem solving as you study the following units:

  • Introduction to visual language in art and design

  • Introduction to research skills in art and design

  • Introduction to critical and contextual awareness in art and design

  • Introduction to materials, processes and technical skills in art and design

  • An integrated approach to 2D problem solving in art and design

  • An integrated approach to 3D problem solving in art and design

  • An integrated approach to time-based problem solving in art and design

  • Developing an art and design project

  • Opportunities for progression in art and design

  In your second year you’ll specialise in either 3D design, ceramics, textiles and printmaking, graphic design and illustration, photography and digital arts or fine art. You’ll study the following units:

  • Characteristics and contexts in art and design

  • Preparation for progression in art and design

  • Engaging with an audience in art and design

  • Project proposal and realisation in art and design

  Concentrating on the skills needed for your chosen field, you will develop a portfolio of work aimed at helping you find employment or a place at university. Visits to galleries and museums will grow your artistic appreciation and you’ll develop your confidence in communicating ideas and opinions around creativity.

  You will study towards the Level 3 Diploma (90 credits) in your first year, and progress on to the Extended Diploma (180 credits) in your second year.

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  Alongside your course you’ll study English and maths and take part in GAP work placements to develop your skills and confidence.

• What can I do next?

  A variety of creative careers await in areas such as fashion, textiles, design and model-making through to illustration, graphics, packaging or computer-based design.

  Alternatively, you could further your study at higher education level in a number of art and design specialisms. Progress your learning with a Foundation diploma, BA Hons, Foundation degree or HND in any number of related art and design specialisms.

  To find out more visit the National Careers Service.

Apply now