Art and Design
Attendance: Full Time
Location: City Learning Quarter
Course code: X0049
Start dates:
06/09/2027
Age:
If you enjoy being creative and would like to develop your skills, our UAL Art & Design courses offer a pathway from beginner to advanced level.
You will explore a range of creative disciplines including fine art, graphic design, illustration, 3D design, digital media, printmaking, textiles and ceramics while developing your practical, technical and professional skills.
You will develop your skills in our dedicated creative studios, take part in practical workshops, benefit from attending gallery visits and exhibitions, and build a portfolio of work that prepares you for further study or a career within the creative industries.
You will also have opportunities to gain industry experience through work placements and projects delivered for employers.
City of Wolverhampton College is an approved centre for the UAL qualifications.
Qualifications available
- UAL Level 1 Award and Diploma in Art, Design and Media
- UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design
- UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Arts, Design and Communication
- UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
The qualification level you will be enrolled on will be discussed with you during your interview, based on your qualifications, experience and portfolio of work.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
- Level 1: Four or more GCSEs at Grade 2 or above, including English and maths*
- Level 2: Four or more GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English and maths*
- Level 3: Four or more GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and maths*
- Foundation Diploma: A full Level 3 qualification (such as A Levels, UAL or BTEC), plus five GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above
* We will also consider applications from applicants without formal qualifications – eg adult learners – in which we would require a portfolio of artwork to assess suitability for the course.
For all levels, you will also be required to:
- Attend an interview with a college admissions tutor
- Present a portfolio of recent artwork to demonstrate your interest, enthusiasm and suitability for the course
- Show how you have previously demonstrated a good attitude to learning, good attendance and good punctuality
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
*This course is not for school leavers and you would need to be aged 17+ at the start of the course and have completed a Level 3 qualification.
What will I learn?
Depending on your chosen level, you may study:
- Drawing and visual recording
- Fine art techniques
- Graphic and digital design
- Illustration
- 3D design
- Ceramics and printmaking
- Textiles
- Visual communication
- Design methods and creative processes
- Professional practice
- Art and design contextual studies
- Exhibition planning and presentation
What skills will I gain?
By studying for an art and design qualification you will:
- Develop practical creative and technical skills
- Learn to generate and communicate ideas visually
- Build a professional portfolio of work
- Gain experience using specialist equipment and software
- Improve teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills
- Develop employability and industry awareness
- Prepare for further study, apprenticeships or employment
How will I be assessed?
During your course you will be assessed in the following ways:
- Coursework
- Practical project work
- Presentations
- Portfolio development
Assessment methods may vary depending on the level studied and also include externally assessed units where required by the awarding body.
What can I do next?
Successful completion of the course will enable you to progress to:
- A higher-level Art & Design qualification
- University study
- Apprenticeship
- Employment within the creative industries
Potential career areas include:
- Animation
- Architecture
- Concept art
- Creative media
- Fashion
- Fine art
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Interior design
- Product 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.
Discover what life’s like at City of Wolverhampton College
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Study in purpose-built workshops with industry-standard equipment and commercial facilities, gaining real client experience. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, tech-equipped classrooms, and access to laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets—everything you need for success.