

UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
Course level: 2
Course code: CP0070
07/09/2026
Is this course right for me?
If you enjoy art and design and would like to develop your practical and creative skills then this course is ideal for you.
Art and design covers many exciting and innovative areas of the creative industries. This focused and intensive course is for those with enthusiasm and creativity and will prepare you for your future as the next generation of artists and designers.
This course will give you experience in different art and design disciplines, including 3D design, visual studies, textiles, illustration and graphic design. Each term you will work on a number of assignments and exhibit your practical work with an end of year final exhibition in the city centre. You will take part in practical workshops, lectures, debates, gallery visits and independent research.
You will learn new skills and develop experience in a number of specialist techniques and approaches from experienced and dedicated tutors together with a range of guest speakers. We will develop your creative potential while improving your understanding of visual communication.
To enable you to put the skills you learn on the course into practice, you will be expected to complete 30 hours of work experience. Students are expected to find their own work placements, however will be provided with support and guidance from teaching staff to find these. We have a small range of WEx opportunities available for over 18s including work experience in Florence Italy through the Turing scheme, and Walsall Art gallery.
City of Wolverhampton College is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Award and Diploma in Art and Design.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
To access this course, you are required to:
- Have four or more GCSEs at Grade D/3 or above
- Attend an interview with one of the college’s admissions tutors
- Present a portfolio of recent art and design work in order to demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and commitment to undertaking this level of course
- Demonstrate how you have previously had good attendance and punctuality and a good attitude to learning
For internal progression learners (already studying with us):
Learners must be able to demonstrate that they:
- Have successfully completed a relevant course that naturally progresses onto this programme, achieving a good standard
- Have improved their English and maths grades since enrolment
- Have maintained good attendance and punctuality
- Show a consistently positive attitude to learning
What will I learn?
During this course you will study:
- Visual recording
- Ideas and concepts
- Visual communication
- 3D design
- Drawing from observation
- Contextual influences in art and design
- Illustration and working to a brief
- Graphic image making
What skills will I gain?
By studying this course you will:
- Be part of a programme of study that has excellent pass rates
- Be taught by our enthusiastic, experienced and talented art and design lecturing team
- Learn in a range of dedicated studios including graphics, 3D, fashion and print making
- Have the opportunity to use a wide range of artist and studio equipment, software and cameras
- Understand how all of the skills you are learning can be applied in the industry
- Improve your knowledge of what art and design industry opportunities are available
- Gain valuable team working and communication skills
- Improve your employability skills
- Learn in a creative arts department awarded awarded “Arts Mark Gold” by Arts Council England for the level and quality of our education provision in creative industries
How will I be assessed?
The course is project/assignment based and assessment is continuous throughout the year both in lessons, set work and through observations. Each unit will be assessed and awarded with a final grade of pass, merit or distinction. Some units may be subject to external assessment.
What can I do next?
The skills you will learn from this course will enable you to:
- Pursue a career as a graphic designer, illustrator, architect, fine artist, interior designer, product designer, fashion designer and stylist, sculptor or concept artist
- Progress on to the UAL Level 3 Applied General Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design or the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
Future careers
Undecided on your future?
Our Future Finder tool can help you explore options and match them to our courses. City of Wolverhampton College partners with employers and leading universities, ensuring our qualifications are relevant and designed to help you succeed.
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