UAL Art and Design Level 2 Diploma

Course overview

The UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design is an ideal introductory course for school leavers or adult returners who have a keen interest in Art and Design but need to develop a suitable portfolio to progress onto more advanced courses the following year.

You will broaden your knowledge of art and design by undertaking a range of stimulating projects using a variety of 2D and 3D media within our Art and Design studios. 

Students are encouraged to explore and contextualise their creativity using a range of materials, methods and creative approaches. The importance of drawing, contextual research and the Creative Process underpin the course which culminates in the presentation of a personal project. 

On successful completion of the course, our UAL level 2 students can progress on to more advanced study in Art and Design for example an NC, UAL level 3 or UAL Foundation Diploma. Some UAL level 2 students progress straight onto HND or Degree if they meet more advanced entry requirements. Below is a selection of offers that our UAL level 2 students have gained in previous years:

•    NC Graphic and Communication Design at Edinburgh College
•    NC Architecture and Interior Design at Edinburgh College
•    UAL Level 3 Diploma at Edinburgh College
•    UAL Foundation Diploma at Edinburgh College
•    HND 3D Computer Animation at Edinburgh College
•    HND 3D Design at Edinburgh College
•    HND Contemporary Art Practice at Edinburgh College
•    HND Textiles at Edinburgh College
•    HND Visual Communications: Graphics at Edinburgh College
•    HND Visual Communications: Illustration at Edinburgh College
•    HND Visual Communications: User Experience at Edinburgh College

• An introductory experience to some of the materials, methods, processes and technical skills that support art and design activity
• An introductory understanding of the context in which art and design activity is located
• An opportunity to test student interest in art and design activities
• Development of an awareness of the value of research to support art and design activity
• An introduction to drawing skills necessary to support creative activity in art and design
• Development of an understanding of the role of communication skills in the development of ideas
• An opportunity to use the knowledge understanding and skills developed in previous units to identify research and produce a personal art and design project
• Present personal project work at the end-of-year Diploma Exhibition

How the course is assessed

• Continual assessment of Art and Design work
• You will gain an overall final grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week

Entry requirements

• Four National 4’s including Art and Design and English (or equivalent)
• You must submit a portfolio of practical artwork that demonstrates your creative potential
• Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

All applicants for this course are required to submit a Digital Portfolio and/or bring along examples of their work when invited to a portfolio review session.

Specific information on Digital Portfolios and review Sessions for the course you have applied for will be sent to you after you submit your online application form.

For more information and advice on your portfolio please read the Art and Design Application and Portfolio Guide This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses.

Privacy Notice School Of Art And Design

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• NC Architecture and Interior Design
• NC Graphics and Communication Design 
• UAL Level 3 Diploma 
• UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
• HND 3D Computer Animation at Edinburgh College
• HND 3D Design at Edinburgh College
• HND Contemporary Art Practice at Edinburgh College
• HND Textiles at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: Graphics at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: Illustration at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: User Experience at Edinburgh College

Career options

• Employment at a junior level within the creative industries