UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design: Visual Communication Pathway

Course overview

Looking to explore your creative potential within Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Digital Media Design and Communication Design?

These disciplines combine creativity with communication, preparing students for careers in design studios, media agencies, and the wider creative industries. This one-year UAL Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 Advanced Highers and offers a dynamic, practical introduction to the broader field of Visual Communications.

The course is suited to school-leavers or adult returners looking to expand their existing skills and portfolio before moving on to study a Foundation Diploma or HNDs and Degrees in Graphic Design, User Experience and Visual Communications.

A range of industry-focused briefs gives you stimulating opportunities throughout the year to produce and present effective design outcomes within our design studios and MacLabs. You will experiment with traditional and digital Visual Communications techniques, develop transferable skills and learn how ethical and sustainable design principles shape the creative industries.

 Reflecting on your own creative designs and other Artists' and Designers' work allows you to identify your strengths and which area of Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, User Experience Design and Communication Design interests you for further exploration. You will use industry-specific software alongside sketchbooks to explore your ideas and concepts, while investigating the work of historical and contemporary designers to contextualise and critically evaluate your own work. Design thinking and the design process underpin the course, giving you the skills to realise and produce successful digital outcomes for both print and web. 

Our experienced lecturers will guide you in creating a professional portfolio and completing a personal project for your final assessment.

Our students go on to thrive and progress to our UAL Foundation Diploma, HND Graphics and User Experience, or directly to Visual Communications degree courses across the UK.

Recent offers that our UAL level 3 students have gained in previous years:

• UAL Foundation Diploma at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: User Experience at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: Graphics at Edinburgh College

• You will receive written and verbal feedback throughout the course on portfolio submissions, in group crits, and tutorials.
• You need to pass each part of the course to progress and undertake the extended personal project in part three.
• Final grades of either Pass, Merit or Distinction are awarded on submission of your final personal project.

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week 

Entry requirements

• Minimum of four National 5’s or above, including Art and Design and English

Or

• UAL Level 2 Diploma or SQA NC / FA 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 a 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 prepare a Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.
• Specific information on 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 guidance 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. 
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English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• Progression on successful completion of the course onto an HND within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College, for example, HND Visual Communications: Graphics or User Experience at Edinburgh - dependent on portfolio review.
• Progression on successful completion of the course onto the UAL Foundation Diploma within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College - dependent on portfolio review. 
• Progression possible to degree-level study - dependent on each institution’s specific entry requirements.

Career options

• Graphic Designer
• UX/UI Designer
• Art Director
• Web/App Designer
• Product Designer
• Art Director
• Creative Advertising
• Interactive Designer
• Multimedia Designer