UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
Course level: 3
Course code: CP0009
07/09/2026
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.
Course details
Entry Requirements:
For external applicants:
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
- 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
*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
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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