Level 3
UAL Level 3 Diploma Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (General)
| Duration | Age Group | Study | Start | Available Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 YEARS | SCHOOL LEAVERS | FULL TIME |
01/09/2026 |
Southend Campus |
| Duration | Age Group | Study | Start | Available Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 YEARS | SCHOOL LEAVERS | FULL TIME |
01/09/2026 |
Southend Campus |
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Overview
Where ideas take shape
If you’re passionate about creativity but not ready to specialise, this course is your space to experiment, develop your skills, and discover where your strengths truly lie.
The UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication at Southend Campus gives you the opportunity to explore a wide range of creative disciplines before choosing a specialism. This course is ideal for learners who want to develop practical skills, creative thinking, and professional practice in a supportive, industry-relevant environment, who have not yet decided which art or design pathway to specialise in.
You will work towards the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice Art, Design & Communication qualification in year 1. If you complete year 1 successfully you will be able to continue on year 2 of the course to work towards the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice Art, Design & Communication.
UCAS points: First year UAL Level 3 Diploma: Pass 36, Merit 60, Distinction 84. This is equivalent to 1.5 A levels. Second year UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass 72, Merit 120, Distinction 168. Equivalent to 3 A levels.
Link to the qualification specification: UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication specification
Why should I do this course?
This exciting two-year Level 3 course gives you the opportunity to explore art and design skills and techniques in research, the creative process, fine art, 2D and 3D design, illustration, drawing, painting, printmaking and textiles using a balance of digital and non-digital methods and techniques. You will develop a portfolio of work unique to your own specialist interests through a hands on learning experience where you will develop skills in industry software, working with digital technologies together with traditional skills in drawing, printmaking, 3D design and making, that will ensure that if you progress to higher education or industry you have a competitive edge. You will receive industry relevant briefs and have opportunities to work with employers in a variety of areas in art and design. You will visit galleries and museums to support your projects e.g. the V&A, Tate and Framestore (VFX). You will be supported and encouraged to develop your own visual language through a portfolio of work that reflects your interests in your chosen pathway.
Related careers could include graphic design, illustration, advertising, packaging design, concept art, gallery assistant, animation, textile design, product design, comic artist, UX & UI, social media and marketing, art or design technician, art/design teacher, art therapy, buyer.
Students have progressed to Higher Education (degrees) in the following areas: Fine Art, Architecture, Design, Jewellery Design, Footwear Design, Graphic Communication, Digital Advertising, Illustration, Scenic Art, Textile Design and Education. Other progression routes include Level 4 Foundation Diploma Art & Design, apprenticeships, internships and employment.
Why this course?
You’ll gain a strong foundation in visual arts and design, improve your creative and professional skills and leave with a portfolio of work demonstrating your versatility and readiness for the next step in your creative journey.
Entry Requirements
- You will be asked to provide evidence of your ability in the subject at level 2/GCSE level.
- We will ask to see a portfolio of art/design/textiles or media work including sketchbooks.
- Successful attendance at interview event.
We will consider applications from those without an Art GCSE if their portfolio of work is strong enough to demonstrate ability at level 2 standard.
Entry criteria
- Level 2 qualification or GCSEs x 4 at grade 4/C - one to be grade 4/C in ENGLISH OR MATHS dependent on vocational subject to be studied.
- Portfolio of art/design work and successful interview.
- Existing interest, flair and ability in the creative arts. You will be enthusiastic to try all areas of art and design practice, to learn about the work of artists and designers and to pursue a career in the creative arts.
Course Structure
What you’ll study
The Creative Process: Explore ideas and develop projects across 2D, 3D, and digital media.
Developing Creative Practice: Experiment with materials, techniques, and methods to build your own creative style.
Responding to Briefs: Apply your learning to real-world projects, developing problem-solving, research, and presentation skills.
Portfolio Development: Produce a professional body of work to support progression into higher education, apprenticeships, or employment.
Specialisms you might explore:
- Fine Art
- Illustration
- Graphic and Digital Design
- Photography and Moving Image
- Fashion and Textiles
- 3D Design and Sculpture
- Mixed Media and Experimental Practice
Assessment & Feedback
You will be assessed on practical projects completed during your course. Units 1 & 2 in year 1 are internally assessed and verified, unit 3 (marked pass, merit or distinction) is internally assessed, internally verified and externally moderated by UAL. Units 4 & 5 in year 2 are internally assessed and verified, unit 6 (marked pass, merit or distinction) is internally assessed, internally verified and externally moderated by UAL. All units have to be passed in order to achieve the full Level 3 Diploma in year 1 and the Level 3 Extended Diploma in year 2.
Course Cost
School Leavers,
full_time:
FREE to UK under 19s not in employment
Important: Aged 18 as of 31st August and applying for Level 3 Extended Diploma?
Your application and enrolment will be for the one year Level 3 Diploma. If you wish to complete the full Extended Diploma you will need to apply for an (Advanced Learner Loan) to cover the tuition fees after successfully completing the Diploma.
For more information please contact our admissions team by email: admissions@southessex.ac.uk
Full cost (UK) £6,200 -1st year Level 3 Diploma
16-19 year olds-school leavers
Your application and enrolment will be for the one year Level 3 Diploma. If you wish to complete the full Extended Diploma you may need to apply for an (Advanced Learner Loan) depending on your age, to cover the tuition fees after successfully completing the Diploma.
For more information please contact our admissions team by email: admissions@southessex.ac.uk
What Next...
Foundation Diploma Art & Design Level 4, Higher Education courses at university or college including our own internal BA (Hons) degrees in Fine Art, Photography, Interior & Spatial Design, Graphic Design & Illustration, Animation, Games Design (BSc Hons), Costume Construction and Creative Media & Promotion at University Centre South Essex, apprenticeships, HTQ's, employment.
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