UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

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If you would still like to enrol on a full time course that started in September 2025, please contact our admissions team directly – admissions@wolvcoll.ac.uk

UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

Attendance: Full Time

Course level: 3

Location: City Learning Quarter

Course code: CP0009

Start dates:

07/09/2026

Age:

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Is this course right for me?

Art and Design covers many exciting and innovative areas of the creative industries. This focused and intensive course is for those with a real enthusiasm and creativity and will prepare you for your future as one of the next generation of artists and designers.

You will begin your first year of study on the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication and then once successfully completed you will progress to your second year, which is equivalent to three A Levels. This is a practical, work-related course and you will learn by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic workplace situations, activities and demands. As well as learning about the employment area you have chosen, you develop the skills you need to start your career. The course provides students with the necessary industry-relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to access appropriate entry-level roles, training programmes or apprenticeships in the creative sector, or apply for progression to related higher education courses.

This course will give you experience in different art and design disciplines, including 3D Design, visual studies, textiles, illustration, print making and graphic design. Each term you will work on a number of assignments and exhibit your practical work around the college 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.

City of Wolverhampton College is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body Level 3 Applied General Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design.

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Course details

Entry Requirements:

To access this course you are required to:

Have four or more GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above (ideally including English and maths)*
Attend an interview at the college
Present a portfolio of recent art and design work which demonstrates your interest, enthusiasm and commitment to undertaking this level of course

*If you do not have a Grade C/4 in English and maths, you will attend lessons to achieve these qualifications alongside your Level 3 qualification

What will I learn?

During this course you will study:

Visual recording
Materials, techniques and processes
Ideas and concepts in art and design
Visual Communication
Design methods
3D design
Drawing from observation
Contextual influences in art and design
Application, exploration and realisation
Professional practice
Personal and professional development
Graphic image making
Narrative 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 un a range of dedicated studios including graphics, 3D, fashion and print making
Use a wide range of artist and studio equipment and software
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 ‘Arts Mark Gold’ by Arts COuncil England for the level and quality of our education provision

How will I be assessed?

The course is mainly project/assignment based, however there are exams in year 1 that are externally assessed. In year 2 there are no exams, and work is internally assessed and external moderated.

Throughout the course you will be continually assessed and it will culminate in a final project which will be graded as a pass, high pass, merit, high merit or distinction.

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 our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Study for a university degree in a relevant subject

UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

Course code: CP0009

Full Time

City Learning Quarter

Apply Now

Future careers

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