Course overview

If you have a keen eye for photography, a passion for design or would like to see your work in the Tate Modern then our Level 3 UAL Applied General Diploma/Extended Diploma in Art and Design is the course for you.

In today’s competitive work environment, artists and designers are required to be multi-skilled adaptable and self-motivated. We have specialist workshops at both our Bromsgrove and Worcester campuses which include photography studios, Mac suites and ceramic workshops. Through using our amazing facilities, with a curriculum designed around you, we aim to provide the opportunity to develop specialist skills relating to a range of creative disciplines. This may include Fine Art (sculpture, painting, printmaking, photography), 3D design (interior design and product design), and Graphics (information design).

We recognise that expressing your interest in the visual world will take many forms and we offer learning opportunities for those who wish to create work both traditionally and digitally. Students will be able to customise their own pathway by selecting from a full range of specialist units and assignments.

During the course You will be invited to meet with specialist practitioners and are encouraged to visit galleries, both locally and some of the more acknowledged contemporary galleries within the UK. We also hold an end of year exhibition where we invite experts from the industry to view your work, giving you the opportunity to make great links with local employers.

Please note that this course is predominantly aimed at 16 to 19 year olds.

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs (A*-C) or (Grade 4 and above) including English and maths. Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design with Level 2 Functional Skills in maths and English will also be considered.

You will also be asked to attend an interview with a portfolio of art, design and media work and complete a simple pre-interview project. Entry decisions will be discretionary at interview. Students will continually be assessed through probation period to ensure they are on the correct level.

Course Modules

- Materials, Techniques and Processes
- Ideas and Concepts
- Visual Communication
- Specialist Techniques
- Collaborative Working
- Generating Creative Ideas
- Developing and Realising Creative Ideas
- Promoting Art and Design Work

How will I be assessed?

Each assignment will contain course units which are assessed at the end of each project and awarded grades of pass, merit or distinction. There are no external exams to take for this art and design qualification and all of the course units are assessed by your teachers. Pass, merit and distinction unit grades have numerical points and these are added together to determine your final qualification grade.

Please be aware that you will be required to complete 30 hours of relevant work experience alongside this course. Work experience is compulsory to the successful completion of this qualification. The College has excellent links with local employers and a dedicated work experience team who will be on hand to support you when sourcing and undertaking your placement.

What can I do next

Students who successfully complete this course can progress onto the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, this could then lead to studying a variety of creative art courses at university.

Alternatively you may want to progress into creative arts based careers which could include (but not limit to):
- Artist
- Print Making Technician
- Graphic Designer
- Photographer
- Arts Therapist
- Sculptor
- Visual Merchandiser
- Art Restorer
- Fashion and Product Designer
- Creative Director
- Exhibition Manager
- Interior Designer