About the course

The purpose of the course is to allow the opportunity to gain knowledge, acquire skills and understand the professional practice sought after, and required for progression into employment in the creative industries. During this diverse programme of study you will find out what you enjoy and what you excel in. The focus is on practical, communication and professional skills development, through the exploration of the fundamentals of art practice. Within this broad-based advanced level course you will undertake critical, and contextual work and expand your technical and problem solving skills, utilising a variety of exciting 2D and/or 3D materials and processes. You will develop your understanding of the creative process and develop skills in a full range of media, both traditional and digital which reflect current industry practice. You will develop your visual awareness and experience working in a number of disciplines such as: Fine Art: Textile Design; Print; 3D Design; Graphic Communication; Fashion and Photography; depending on your chosen specialist pathway (Art and Design/Fashion). Work is generated through practical workshops, contextual studies, visiting lecturers/ practitioners and your independent responses to industry relevant projects and live briefs. The second year of study focuses on an individual programme, enabling you to develop your strengths within chosen specialist pathways.

Start Date/s

04/09/2023, 04/09/2023

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for the Level 3 course: 5 x GCSEs (Grade 5 or above; preferably including an Art & Design subject) or BTEC Level 2; Merit/ Distinction profile. You should also submit a portfolio of evidence at the interview stage.

Modules

Year 1: Module A: Exploring and Developing Art & Design Skills. A1: Skills Development and A2: Creative Project. Year 2: Module B: Advancing Creative Practice B1: Personal Progression and B2: Creative Industry Response

Assessment

The completion of an extensive portfolio showcases your skills and knowledge and will prepare you for progression. All assessment is holistic, based on portfolios of work produced in response to assignments. Five common assessment criteria are used to assess all work produced throughout the qualification. Reviews of work will be undertaken as an on-going process with formative assessment within set deadlines throughout the academic year. This will culminate in summative internal assessments (Pass, Merit, Distinction) on completion of the units. The final assessment in the second year of the Extended Diploma offers learners the option of producing additional evidence to demonstrate ability at Level 4 focused on critical reflection to aid transition to university or employment.

Careers & Progression

The skills developed through an education in art and design are integral to many roles within the creative sector, which is a collection of exciting and vibrant industries. As we offer a broad based programme students have gone on to study at university in a diverse range of subject areas such as Graphic Design; Textile Design; Architecture; Fashion Design; Promotion and Branding; Film production; Concept art and Game Development; TV and Film set design; Fine Art; Photography; Fashion and Global Marketing; History of Art; Interior Design and Styling to name a few. Our Alumni include students who are now successfully employed in the creative sector such as; Advertising, Architecture, Children's Book illustration, Commercial Photography, Games Design, Global fashion buying, Graphic Design and publishing, Jewellery Design and Textile Design.

Additional Details