Level 3 UAL Applied General Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design

At Stanmore, we pride ourselves on providing an interesting array of provision, including Photography, Art and Architecture, Graphic Design, and Art and Design. Our enthusiastic and creative teachers are keen to encourage students to experiment with new techniques, materials, processes, creative software (where part of course content). They aim to help you develop your creative skills, knowledge, problem-solving (where required) and see to it that you achieve the right qualification to enable you to progress either to university or into employment.

The Diploma qualification is for students seeking to undertake a broad and then a specialist art and design study program. It focuses on developing students' understanding and application of the creative process to develop creative ideas and produce outcomes in a creative discipline, such as fine art, architecture, graphics, interior design, photography, illustration, and many more.

This qualification is ideal for those who have not decided what discipline and subject area within art and design they wish to use to develop their practice.

The Diploma is a precursor of the Extended Diploma. Therefore, those choosing to do the Extended Diploma will cover the same knowledge as those doing the Diploma, but in more complex tasks and will also learn to apply their knowledge of the creative process to their personal practice, for example, architecture, interior design, graphics, photography, illustration, textiles, etc.

The course is divided into two separate years. In your first year, you will study to complete a Diploma, and in your second year, the Extended Diploma is equivalent to 3 A levels and the maximum UCAS point. The Art and Design course will prepare you for entrance into the relevant degree courses or employment. You will receive help to develop a successful portfolio for your interviews and help you manage your UCAS application process. The structure of the 1st year level 3 Diploma introduces you to the underpinning principles of creative practice in art and design whilst enabling you to explore various alternative disciplines. These disciplines will allow you to develop practical skills and theoretical understanding within the specialist practice.

You will learn and explore 2D Fine Art street and graffiti art by creating mural paintings, 2D practical skills of Printmaking through Photoshop, and traditional printmaking by creating designs to be printed on clothing. 3D Architecture and Interior Design through architectural drawings and model making 4D through a computer, drawing tablets and animation design

A significant part of the course is the Final Project of the year, where you are supported in your personal interest and art and design outcomes. The FMP is for you to explore your personal interests, pathway, and future university or career options with your lecturers' support. In this assignment, you choose topics that you would like to develop in 2D, 3D, time-based, or a combination of them.

Your 2nd year is the Extended Diploma, which is a more specialist learning experience. You are allowed to work more independently on your chosen pathways in art and design with support from your lecturers and peers. This qualification is equivalent to 3 A levels and the maximum UCAS point.

You will learn how to master professional skills in 2D, 3D, and time-based project outcomes by learning and using digital skills and programs such as laser cutters and 3D printing through Abode Illustrator, Photoshop, and Apps. There is a strong emphasis on practical and critical activities through history and contemporary art and design with several exhibition visits and workshops.

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 or the equivalent A*to C including English, Art or Design Tech at Grade 9 to 4. Alternatively, Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design at Merit grade or above.

Successful attendance and satisfactory references at the interview event.

All students will have an interview and bring their best sketchbook and coursework for the interview.