Art and Design

You will be able to study the following qualifications in this subject: 

• Level 1 UAL Diploma Art, Design and Media?(1 year) 

• Level 2 UAL Diploma Art and Design?(1 year) 

• Level 3 UAL Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice, Art, Design and Communication (2 years) Fine Art Pathway

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Our Art and Design level 1 & 2 pathways introduce you to drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, installation and moving image, so you build a broad, confident skill set rather than specialising too soon. You'll learn traditional techniques such as observational drawing and print processes alongside using creative digital tools, developing real technical control over materials before deciding where your interests lie.Our Fine Art pathway at level 3 is for you if you want the freedom to develop your own creative voice, backed by proper technical training.

Every project starts with research and idea development, so you learn not just how to make something, but why you're making it — a habit that supports academic and practical portfolio development work at this level and beyond. You will develop your communication skills, team work and problem solving managing projects with skills that are used across many different job roles in the real world. 

Real-world context 

We co-design parts of the course with practising artists and industry specialists, so what you learn reflects real creative practice. You'll gain experience of working in a professional context, creating art for clients including community groups, and private and public organisations — building the confidence, experience and relevant portfolio that support your next step. Gallery and studio visits also enrich your cultural and creative knowledge. 

You'll leave with a strong personal portfolio, technical grounding across 2D, 3D and digital media, and the confidence to keep developing your own ideas — whether that's progressing to Foundation study, a degree, or exploring the creative industries directly. 

Where it can take you 

Artist · Illustrator · Gallery Staff · Art Teacher · Creative Director · Further study Creative at BA Hons level 

Modules and topics

• Drawing Programme - Still Life, Life Drawing, Technical Measuring, Mark Making
• Painting - Landscape, Abstract, Portrait
• 3D Sculpture - Metal Work, Clay, Casting, Installation Art
• Surface Design - Printmaking, Textures, Lino, Screen Print
• Photography - Studio Photography, Portraits, Still Life, Short Film, Animation
• Digital Skills - Photoshop, Illustrator, Adobe Suite.

Work experience

Work experience is an important part of the course. We’ll support you in securing work placements and projects, and our tutors have excellent industry links with employers. We also invite professionals and organisations to deliver masterclasses, guest talks and project briefs, giving you valuable insight into different career routes.

Our students have completed photography commissions, mural projects and community art initiatives, helping them build strong portfolios and professional networks.

How will I be assessed?

You’ll be continuously assessed in a variety of ways to check what you’ve learned from each unit and assignment.

To ensure you are ready for a demanding and successful career in Art and Design, many of your assessments mirror real industry expectations. This means you will pitch your ideas, present planning documents that meet professional standards for your intended outcomes and curate exhibitions for specific target audiences.

For each project, you’ll produce a sketchbook of research and experiments leading to a final piece. This will be formally assessed through a presentation and exhibition. Feedback is recorded on our digital assessment platform at key points, and one-to-one tutorials will review your progress, set stretching targets and help you aim high.

Your final grade will be based on your Final Major Project (FMP), where you’ll bring together the skills and techniques you’ve developed throughout the course. You’ll design and create an exhibition piece of your choice, which will be assessed by your peers and tutors and moderated externally.

Many students starting Art and Design aren’t always sure which path to take. After completing Level 3, you’ll have options to progress to university, an apprenticeship or full-time employment.

You can also choose to study our Foundation Art and Design course, which helps you develop your skills further and build a high-quality portfolio. This is ideal if you want more time to explore your options and prepare a portfolio strong enough for the most competitive university courses.

For those who go on to university, popular courses include Art History, Art Therapy, Curating, Fine Art, Games Design, Graphics, Illustration and Visual Communication.

Many students find employment through self-employment, creating work for agencies, companies and private collectors. Opportunities are also available within artist networks, art studios, education and youth groups and exhibitions.