Level 3 Art and Design Course in Norwich. Classes run at City College Norwich, full-time over two years. If you're 16 to 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, tuition is free. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths, and Art and Design or an art-related subject. This is a practical art and design qualification covering the skills and knowledge needed to move into higher education or employment. The course is graded from Pass to Distinction, with a Distinction worth 168 UCAS points.
Who this course is for
During this two-year course, students study the UAL Level 3 Applied General Extended Diploma in Art and Design. The course is designed to provide post-16 students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress into further, higher education and training or employment. The Extended Diploma are graded at Pass, High Pass, Merit, High Merit or Distinction, with the Distinction grade being worth 168 UCAS points (equivalent to 3 full A Levels at A* grade). This is a broad and diverse, hand-on practical course. The course mixes digital, online training, with 'off-line' and analogue art-studio materials and processes. The course helps you explore all kinds of drawing and image-making, including magazine and book illustrations, comics, graphic novels, and mixed media. You will get to sketch, draw, and create eye-catching images while learning how to interpret briefs, experiment with styles, and express ideas in your own unique way. You'll develop problem-solving skills, learn to tell stories through visuals, and improve your ability to research and create illustrations for different purposes. You will be encouraged to think outside the box and push the boundaries of Digital Arts, Graphics and Illustration, both online and offline. With support from expert tutors, you'll gain the confidence to work independently and prepare for a creative career in visual storytelling.
Entry requirements
Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Art & Design (or an art related subject). Students will be required to attend and interview and portfolio review as part of the selection process for the course.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills across a range of art and design disciplines.
You'll build a professional portfolio of creative work.
You'll explore materials, processes, and techniques used in art and design practice.
You'll research and respond to design briefs independently.
You'll develop critical thinking skills to analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.
You'll gain the knowledge needed to progress to a degree or higher-level art and design course.
How you will learn
You'll learn through studio-based practical work, projects, and design briefs. Assessment is through a portfolio of coursework and externally set assignments. There are no written exams. Your work is graded at Pass, High Pass, Merit, High Merit, or Distinction. Classes are daytime, full-time across two years at City College Norwich.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. City College Norwich will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and media
Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms
Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or portrait photography
Visual merchandiser: design in-store displays for retail businesses
Art technician: support artists and studios with materials and equipment
Textile designer: design patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors
Animator: produce moving image content for film, games, or online media
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related subject: the most common next step, using the UCAS points this Diploma earns.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3): a one-year course some learners take before a degree to build their portfolio and specialise.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design (Level 5): a two-year higher education route available at some colleges.
