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Overview

This is a 2-year course in which the title changes to ‘Extended Diploma’ in the second year. This course is accredited by the world-renowned UAL (University of the Arts London) awarding body and is designed to give students a good grounding in contemporary art and design. The course is studio practice based with students participating in various workshops during the first term which aim to broaden a student’s skill set, with a particular emphasis on cutting-edge contemporary art and design materials, techniques and processes. These workshops and then the further personal exploration in the second part of the course equip students with the skills for fine art, graphic design, lens-based, and 3D/architectural pathways. Unit 3 and Unit 6 both feature a student-led project where personal ideas and pathways can be explored; supported by 1-1 tutorials and group critiques, essential for preparing you for your next steps.  

Course Content

Unit 1 The Creative Practice   

Unit 2 Developing Creative Practice  

You will explore different pathways in the first year to gain an understanding of your interests. Featuring some of the following:  

  • Observational Recording: Drawing, sound & video, Photoshop and semiotics (visual language theory)  

  • Textiles & Digital: various fabric manipulation techniques, machine sewing, stop frame animation, Screenprint  

  • Spatial Design: Model Making, various 3D processes including ceramics, casting and card manipulation. Studio lighting techniques  

  • Print: Various Printmaking processes, Photography  

 

Unit 3 Responding to a set brief  

Personal response to client briefs set by industry professionals which includes valuable experience working to a set brief. Materials, techniques and processes are chosen by the student.  

Year 2:  

Unit 4 Researching a Specialist Industry Practice    

Unit 5 Specialist Technical Skills Development    

Unit 6 Specialist Creative Outcome  

Requirements

Entry Requirements 

To enrol in the L3 UAL Diploma in Creative Practice in Art, Design & Communication course, you’ll need: 

  • Merit at Level 2 Art & a suitable portfolio 

  • Grades 5+ from GCSE (either art, graphics, textiles etc) including Maths and English, and a suitable portfolio 

  • If you were homeschooled, please bring a suitable portfolio and/or sketchbook with you which includes annotation and recent work. We are particularly interested in how you developed ideas, not simply any outcomes you might have produced.  

Careers

Here’s a list of career opportunities for someone with a qualification in Art & Design: 

  1. Graphic Design – Graphic designer, visual designer 

  1. Illustration – Illustrator, concept artist 

  1. Animation – Animator, 3D modeller 

  1. Fashion Design – Fashion designer, textile designer 

  1. Interior Design – Interior designer, space planner 

  1. Product Design – Product designer, industrial designer 

  1. Photography – Photographer, photojournalist 

  1. Fine Art – Fine artist, gallery curator 

  1. Advertising – Art director, creative director 

  1. Architecture – Architect, architectural assistant 

  1. Game Design – Game artist, environment artist 

  1. Set Design – Set designer, prop maker 

  1. Web Design – Web designer, UX/UI designer 

  1. Film and Media Production – Film editor, visual effects artist 

These careers offer a variety of creative opportunities, and many may require further study or practical experience to progress.