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 creative landscape, creative practitioners 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 skills that employers require, 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), Graphic Design (marketing, advertising and typography) and Fashion and Textiles (garment making, pattern cutting, and design).

Initially students will be expected to experiment in an open-mind manner, working with the wide-range of materials, processes, and techniques. Even if you believe yourself to be a specialist in one way of working, learning what you do not like is often beneficial within the creative process. Students will be able to select their own pathway as the course progresses, linking to post-college progression and the development of subject specific skills.

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.

At the beginning of each year students will be expected to pay a studio fee, which is discussed upon application and interview. This studio fee then provides studio with an Art Kit and also covers the cost of one trip that is curriculum based - often to National Art Galleries, and Museums.

When students then begin to specialise they will have continual access to our range of industry standard materials, however materials may need to be discussed with the lecturers and technicians dependant on the nature of the work.

Entry requirements

For our Level 3 we require 5 GCSE's at a Grade 4 or above - including Maths and English.

Course Modules

Year 1:

Unit 1 - Diagnostic Investigation in Art and Design (External Assessment)

Year 2:

Unit 2 - Specialist Practice in Art and Design

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, High Pass, Merit, High Merit or Distinction. There is one External Assessment, at the end of Year One which is assessed by our awarding body UAL. Students are continually given feedback on the development of their ideas, materials, techniques and processes in order to offer alternate perspective and guide their direction.

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):
- Print Making Technician
- Graphic Designer
- Photographer
- Arts Therapist
- Sculptor
- Visual Merchandiser
- Art Restorer
- Fashion and Product Designer
- Creative Director
- Exhibition Manager
- Interior Designer
- Product Designer
- Workshop Facilitator