Art & Design UAL Level 3 Diploma (Graphic Design Pathway)
This Level 3 UAL (University of the Arts London) Extended Diploma in Art & Design program has been designed to provide the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to degree-level study in art and design, or into employment. You will study in a dedicated building fully equipped with the latest industry relevant resources, and taught by staff with a high degree of industry experience in their field. There will also be the opportunity to visit galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals during the course, as well as the chance to get involved with community projects and competitions. Within year 2 (subject to age) there is also the opportunity to go on a cultural trip to a major European City. The study programme provides an opportunity to develop skills and knowledge in preparation for a future within the creative industry. The structure allows you to focus on one of six pathways but encourages you to be broad and experimental in your approach.
The six pathways are: 3D Applied Design, Animation & Games Design, Fashion & Textiles, Fine Art, Graphics and Photography
You will study in a dedicated building fully equipped with the latest industry relevant resources, and taught by staff with a high degree of industry experience in their field. There will also be the opportunity to visit galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals during the course, as well as the chance to get involved with community projects and competitions.
Entry requirements
To begin this study programme you will need...
Duration: 2 Years
- 4 GCSEs at grades 9-4 or A*-C ideally including English and maths
OR
- Art & Design BTEC or UAL Level 2 Diploma (Merit level or above) with Functional Skills
Course content
The study program covers a range of disciplines that include: typography, brand identity, layout design, packaging, advertising and illustration. You are also encouraged to work with and across the other pathways
In the first year you will explore the basics of the creative structure.
Term one is an introduction to the elements that underpin development and understanding of your subject (practical, research, contextual).
Term two allows you to develop and employ this knowledge within a range of projects focused around two, three and time based dimensions
Term three gives you the chance to work on an Awarding Body set project that will utilise the knowledge from the first two terms. Your overall grade for the year will be taken from this final unit.
The second year allows you to expand on your knowledge, developing work and creating a unique style for your portfolio. This will include exhibitions, vocational assignments and student devised projects expanding on tasks of your choosing.
Within each year there is a mandatory tutorial and work experience programme alongside a number of short additional qualifications devised to support and enhance your journey through college and beyond.
- English and maths:
If you don't already have GCSE English and maths grade A*-C, we will work with you to help you develop your maths and English skills.
- Personal development skills, study skills and employability skills
- Additional vocational learning and qualifications:
- During the study programme there will be cultural trips that relate specifically to Graphic Design, as well as the opportunity for second year students to visit a major cultural capital such as Berlin. You will develop skills in the following software: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign.
Assessment methods
A range of teaching methods are used, including lectures, visits, field courses and studio-based teaching. You will be assessed throughout the course, with assessment feedback at each stage of the programme and at the final stage grade.
Qualifications
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design
Plus:
- English and maths qualifications if required
- Short course in Art & Design practice if required
You can also gain up to 168 UCAS points.
Further study and career options
On successful completion you could progress on to one of our higher education courses in a range of art and design disciplines or go on to an art and design related degree at university. You may also wish to explore options via our UAL Awarding Body Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3).
Additional information
To take part in the study programme you will be required to pay an additional fee of £50 to cover the cost of trips/visits to galleries and/or exhibitions.
You will also be expected to supply your own sturdy sketchbooks to record your development. A basic art kit will be useful and any pathway specific materials/equipment will be discussed at interview or enrolment.
Each pathway arranges a number of trips to enhance your studies, often to key exhibitions. Students aged 18+ will also have the opportunity to pay to go on an educational trip abroad.
Within the Graphics pathway you will have opportunity to enter local and regional competitions and apply your skills to professional work experience opportunities.
Funding information
All full-time Level 1 and Level 2 courses are now FREE for everyone, whatever their age. If you are looking to study a Level 3 qualification, courses are still free if you’re under 19 or 19-23 and studying your first full Level 3 qualification. If you’re over 23 or studying a second Level 3 qualification, you will need to pay a fee. Find out more on our financial support page at www.bedford.ac.uk/finance
If you are aged 19 or over you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan to help you pay the tuition fees for this course. Find out more at www.bedford.ac.uk/loans. You can also pay by instalments to help make the cost of this course more affordable.
PLEASE NOTE: Applications for our full-time study programmes starting in September 2020 will open on Monday 14 October