Level 3 Art and Design Course in Norwich – City College Norwich

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

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 practical and hand-on course that is client-facing and requires students to work collaboratively with local and national organisations and charities. In addition to learning about the employment area chosen, you will develop the skills needed to start a career. Successful students can either choose to progress to a higher education course in visual arts or go straight into employment. You will also have the opportunity study Maths and/or English. Please check our English and Maths page for further information. Follow @CCNPhotography on Instagram for updates and examples of current student work.

Entry requirements

Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Art & Design (or an art-related subject).

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.

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