Level 3 Art and Design Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Cambridge Regional College, full-time during the day over two years. You'll choose a route in General Art and Design, Visual Communication, or Fashion, then develop your skills across a range of creative disciplines. The course carries UCAS points, from 36 for a Pass up to 84 for a Distinction, so it can support applications to higher education. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade C or above, ideally including Maths or English. You're welcome to bring a portfolio, though it is not required.
Who this course is for
Year 1, UAL L3 Diploma
UCAS Points - Pass (36) Merit (60) Distinction (84) The Diploma in Creative practice, Art and Design will build on your previous art experiences and will give you the opportunity to develop, broaden and strengthen your skills, or learn new ones if no previous art experience. You will be encouraged to work on your own initiative, learn to think independently and solve problems with flair; all with the teaching and support of specialist lecturers in our range of well-equipped workshops.
In the first year (diploma) you will initially gain a broad knowledge of Art and Design practices and then specialise within a pathway of your choice: General Art and Design: You will have a series of workshops in art which will allow you to experience and explore, ceramics including coil pot making, still life/portrait drawing, life drawing, water colour, acrylic and oil painting, print making and the use of these materials in 2D,3D and time-based workshops. You will learn new techniques, use new materials and be able to make independent choices about what and how you make things. Visual Communication (Photography & Graphics): As well as exploring 2D,3D, time-based work. As well as learning the skills for digital photography, you will also experience using the dark room to take and produce film photography photographs and develop techniques such as photogram and cyanotypes. The techniques you learn and the work you produce within the photography workshops can be transferred into Graphic Design, where you will learn skills such as editorial design (magazines), digital illustration, marketing, branding and advertising.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs (Grade C or above) which should ideally include Maths and/or English. You are welcome to bring along a portfolio of your artwork, although this is not a rep-requisite. You will need to choose which route you wish to undertake - General Art and Design, Viscom or Fashion.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in your chosen route: General Art and Design, Visual Communication, or Fashion.
You'll build independent creative thinking and problem-solving skills.
You'll explore and experiment with a range of materials, techniques, and processes.
You'll work on self-directed projects with guidance from specialist lecturers.
You'll learn to present and communicate your creative ideas effectively.
You'll strengthen your portfolio of work to a level suitable for higher education or employment.
How you will learn
You'll study in specialist studios and workshops at Cambridge Regional College, supported by subject lecturers in your chosen route. Learning is project-based, combining practical making with research and critical reflection. Assessment is through coursework, portfolio development, and a final major project. There are no written exams. Your work is assessed against University of the Arts London criteria at Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cambridge Regional College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer: creates visual content for print and digital media.
Fashion designer: develops clothing and textile collections.
Illustrator: produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and media.
Visual merchandiser: designs retail displays and brand environments.
Art technician: supports studios, galleries, or educational settings.
Photographer: works in commercial, editorial, or fine art photography.
Junior designer: entry-level role in a design studio or agency.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Fashion, or Illustration: the UCAS points from this Diploma support direct university applications.
UAL Level 4 or 5 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: a further specialist route before a degree.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design: a college-based higher education route leading to degree top-up options.
