The course features a variety of skills development, experimentation and stimulation across a range of disciplines. It aims to give you an insight into critical and contextual awareness as well as an understanding of a range of appropriate methods and skills to solve complex creative problems and present work to appropriate audiences. This in turn helps you to identify the specific area of art and design you wish to specialise in. 

Tutor and peer critiques provide the means for effective and appropriate reflection of the skills, methods, actions and results of your work. This encourages you to take ownership of your own learning, development and decision making.

The Level 3 Extended Diploma Art & Design course consists of 13 units which cover a variety of art, design and craft subjects, including 2D, 3D, fashion and textiles, digital and time-based work. 9 units are delivered in the first year and 4 units in the second year including a Major Project.

Research, contextual awareness and creative development of skills are at the core of course delivery. In order to support this, we embed local, national and international visits, visiting lectures and specialist workshops within the curriculum.

This course also includes Essential Skills and a weekly tutorial programme.

Successful completion of the level three Extended Diploma course will enable you to progress to higher-level courses that include a wide range of degrees in a variety of creative subjects, and provides the skills which can lead to other education, training or employment opportunities in a wide variety of occupations.

All units are assessed and graded internally, with an external moderation by the University of the Arts London (UAL) Awarding Body for the final major projects.

All applicants will need to bring a portfolio of art, craft, and design work to their interview.

Suitability for this course will be assessed at interview. You will be invited to a taster day too.

An applicant for the Level 3 Extended Diploma will need to have:

5 GCSEs at grades A*-C, which includes either English language or Welsh (first Language) and maths. Or successful completion of L2 vocational qualification in a relevant subject at Merit or above.

All learners will follow a Skills Pathway in which they will develop their literacy and numeracy skills for employment. Students who do not yet have the necessary GCSE grades at C or above will have additional teaching and support to study for either GCSE or Essential Skills Qualifications depending on prior GCSE grades.

There is a £60.00 fee for materials for the duration of the course. Gallery and workshop visits may be extra.

All learners are required to pay an administration fee of £25.00 prior to enrolment.

You will need to provide your own stationery, and may also incur costs if the department arranges educational visits