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

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Study Mode: Full Time Programme Component Course Level: 3

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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 Applied General Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design 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.

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.

To enable you to put the skills you learn on the course into practice, you will be expected to complete 30 hours of work experience. Students are expected to find their own work placements, however will be provided with support and guidance from teaching staff to find these. We have a small range of WEx opportunities available for over 18s including work experience in Florence Italy through the Turing scheme, and Walsall Art gallery.

Our creative arts courses have been named the best in the country and earned the college a prestigious national award. We have been named Training Provider of the Year at the Creative and Cultural Skills Awards 2019! Our creative arts department is forward thinking, innovative, committed and that's why we have been nationally recognised.

Awarded Arts Mark Gold status by Arts Council England for our excellent courses and links with employers we pride ourselves on producing work-ready students equipped with the skills and knowledge to be a success in the industry.

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

To access this course you are required to:

Have five or more GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above
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

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

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

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.

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

You'll train in our dedicated facilities which include dedicated 3D, graphics, fashion and print making studios together with a range of classrooms and facilities on campus including digital recording studios, TV studios and editing suites. All tutors are active within the art and design industry and have a wealth of knowledge and experience to call upon enabling you the best opportunity to progress in your chosen career.

As part of the National Skills Academy for Creative and Culture we pride ourselves as being at the forefront of education and training for the ever changing art and design industry. Linking with local artists and companies and regularly hosting guest speakers, allows all learners to gain current and relevant training which gives them not just a qualification, but the experience in the career they wish to pursue. Arts Council England has endorsed the quality of our teaching and learning and links with employers by awarding us 'Arts Mark Gold'.