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Art and Design

UAL Art and Design Level 3 Diploma

Campus Granton Campus

Qualification SCQF Level 6

Study mode Full time

Duration 41 weeks

Start date Aug 2023

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Course overview

This University of the Arts London (UAL) Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design course will give you an understanding of the employment and further education opportunities available in the art and design sector. The course is designed for progression onto HND or first-year university courses or a job in the industry. 

This course will encourage you to build a personal portfolio that can be used to apply for further study or a job in the arts sector. During this course, you will study a range of Art and Design techniques. This course is suited to school-leavers or mature students looking to develop skills in drawing using sketchbooks and to gain a better understanding of the creative process. You will research famous designers and take inspiration from their work. This course will finish with your final major project which can be displayed at our end-of-year show.  

You will complete challenging assignments within deadlines and attend weekly Critical and Contextual Studies. This experimental way of thinking is essential for you to succeed in this exciting creative industry. You will be encouraged to focus on a specialised subject such as drawing, painting, sculpture, 2D or 3D design. This is a flexible course made to meet your interests, abilities and aspirations.

This year our UAL Level 3 Diploma students have received offers to all eight of our specialist HNDs in Art and Design. Below is a small selection of some of the offers received from our UAL Level 3 Diploma students to Degree level study across the UK this year.

  • BEng Hons Architectural Engineering Heriot-Watt University 
  • BA Hons Illustration Camberwell College of Arts UAL 
  • BA Hons Computer Arts at Abertay University
  • BDes Hons Product Design at Edinburgh Napier University
  • BA Hons Illustration and Visual Media at London College of Communication, UAL
  • BA Hons The Art of Computer Animation at Escape Studios Pearson College 
What you will learn
  • Develop a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within art design or related subjects of study or work
  • Learn how to research analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions
  • Be able to understand adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production
  • Solve complex problems through the application of art design or related practical theoretical and technical understanding
  • Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods actions and results
  • Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for your own learning development and decision making
  • Take responsibility for the research planning time management and actions to access progression opportunities
  • Effectively present your ideas and artwork to appropriate audiences
  • Final Major Project
  • London Study trip – this trip is not mandatory but is highly encouraged and valuable to your learning
  • Diploma exhibition

Contextual and Critical Studies ( CCS)

  • You will develop the essential critical and evaluative skills required for a successful Degree and HND study by attending a CCS session each week ( 1 semester).
  • Gain 1 x SQA unit to strengthen UCAS applications: Communication Communication (F3GB12)

How the course is assessed

  • Coursework will be assessed by portfolio submission 
  • You will gain an overall final grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction 

Number of days per week

  • 3 days
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Entry requirements

  • Four National 5’s or above including Art and Design and English (or equivalent) 
  • UAL Level 2 Diploma or NC SCQF Level 5 in a related subject
  • You must submit a portfolio of practical artwork that demonstrates your creative potential 
  • A good general understanding of the creative process from either school college or previous study and experience
  • Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course. 

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

  • All applicants for this course are required to submit a Digital Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.
  • Specific information on Digital Portfolios and review Sessions for the course you have applied for will be sent to you after you submit your online application form.
  • For more information and advice on your portfolio please read the Art and Design Application and Portfolio Guide This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses. 
  • Privacy Notice School Of Art And Design

English Proficiency Requirements

IELTS 5.5

Progression and Articulation Routes

  • You will gain UCAS (Pass 36 Merit 60 Distinction 84) for university applications allowing you to apply for entry to Year 1 at Scottish art colleges.
  • Your portfolio will support applications to the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and specialist HND in Art and Design as well as first-year degree-level study through UCAS 

Career options

  • Employment at a junior level within the creative industries 
  • Most UAL level 3 Diploma students progress onto either UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma or HND and Degree level study before becoming successful practising Artists and Designers.
  • Potential occupations:
  • Art Director
  • Art Educator
  • Painter
  • Printmaker
  • Sculptor
  • Animator
  • Illustrator
  • Fashion
  • Textile
  • Designer
  • Product
  • Designer
  • Interior
  • Designer
  • Games Artist
  • Graphic
  • Designer
  • UX Designer

Study Options

Campus Study mode Start date Duration
Granton Campus Full time 28/08/23 41 Weeks

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