Art & Design Level 3 Applied

Course Overview

Do you relish all aspects of the creative art and design world? This course gives you creative freedom when responding to assignment briefs, meaning you will gain skills in a wide range of processes and techniques. These include digital, photography, printmaking, surface pattern, three-dimensional, fashion and textiles, graphic design and illustration.

This course is available to study as an Extended Diploma (180-credit course equivalent to 3 A Levels).


The course is delivered in specialist studios by experienced teachers. You will work alongside your peers completing final work for your portfolio along with sketchbooks containing your research, ideas and proposals. You will become competent in both presenting and explaining your work alongside, project management and responding to a brief creatively.

We enrich all learning with visiting speakers and trips that will enable you to complete first-hand research. Visits have included destinations such as the National Portrait Gallery, the Courtauld Institute, the White Cube Gallery, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum and Tate Modern.

Students who successfully complete the Extended Diploma in Art course mainly progress to university study. Students have gone on to study a range of creative degree courses including graphic design, architecture, product design, photography, illustration, fashion design, textiles, jewellery design, surface pattern, games design and fine art. Destinations have included Edinburgh School of Art, Central St Martins, Leeds School of Art, Brighton, Norwich University of the Arts, Nottingham Trent and Falmouth. You can also progress from this course onto our Level 4 Foundation Art and Design (see page 90 for more information).

The course is fast-paced, exciting and enables students to gain experience in varying techniques, alongside focusing on specialist areas that provide portfolio evidence for their next progression pathway. By the end of this course you will have produced a stunning and varied portfolio, demonstrating your commitment and passion for the creative world.

Year 1 Modules

  • Fine Art Materials, Techniques and Processes
  • Graphic Illustration
  • Photography Materials, Techniques and Processes
  • Visual Recording and Communication
  • Critical and Contextual Studies
  • The Creative Process

Year 2 Modules

  • Materials, Techniques and Processes in Art
  • Printmaking
  • Surface Pattern
  • Developing an Art and Design Portfolio
  • Contemporary Fine Art
  • Developing and Realising Creative Intentions
  • Working to a Client Brief

male student drawing artwork with a pencil, advised by female teacher

This course has been really good at giving me personal freedom in art. I feel fully supported by the teachers and have really enjoyed the working environment in lessons. Being part of this course allow you to become really close to your peers and I have made strong friendships, alongside gaining valuable creative experiences. I like the fact that everyday we are introduced to something new, and it is never the same.