UAL Art and Design Level 3 Diploma

Course overview

The UAL Level 3 Diploma course is equivalent to 1.5 Advanced Highers and is a broad-based practical course suited to school-leavers or adult returners looking to expand their existing skills and portfolio before moving on to study a Foundation Diploma, HND or Degree in Art and Design.

A range of stimulating briefs gives you exciting opportunities through the year to create personal responses whilst exploring a range of traditional and non-traditional materials, techniques and approaches. You will be introduced to a wide range of historical and contemporary Artists and Designers work and encouraged to contextualise and critically evaluate your own work. Reflecting on your own and other Artist and Designers work allows you to identify your personal strengths and which areas of Art and Design interest you for further exploration. 

You will be supported by experienced lecturers to produce a suitable portfolio for more advanced level study and to present a personal project of your choice at end of year assessment.

Our UAL level 3 Diploma students are very successful and receive offers on to both our UAL Foundation Diploma and HNDs with some students progressing directly onto Degree-level programmes across the UK. Below is a selection of recent offers that our UAL level 3 students have gained in previous years:

•    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
•    BEng Hons Architectural Engineering Heriot-Watt University 
•    BA Hons Illustration Camberwell College of Arts UAL 
•    BA Hons Computer Arts at Abertay University
•    BDes Hons Product Design at Edinburgh Napier University
•    BA Hons Illustration and Visual Media at London College of Communication, UAL
•    BA Hons The Art of Computer Animation at Escape Studios Pearson College 
 

• Develop a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within art design or related subjects of study or work
• Learn how to research analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions
• Be able to understand adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production
• Solve complex problems through the application of art design or related practical theoretical and technical understanding
• Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods actions and results
• Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for your own learning development and decision-making
• Take responsibility for the research planning time management and actions to access progression opportunities
• Effectively present your ideas and artwork to appropriate audiences
• Final Major Project
• London Study trip – this trip is not mandatory but is highly encouraged and valuable to your learning
• Presenation of personal project

How the course is assessed

• You will receive written and verbal feedback throughout the course on portfolio submissions and in group crits and tutorials
• You need to pass each part of the course to progress and undertake the extended personal project in part three
• Final grades of either Pass, Merit or Distinction are awarded on submission of your final personal project

Number of days per week

• 3 days

Entry requirements

• Minimum of four National 5’s or above including Art and Design and English or
• UAL Level 2 Diploma or
• SQA NC / FA in a related subject
• You must submit a portfolio of practical artwork that demonstrates your creative potential 
• A good general understanding of the creative process from either school college or previous study and experience
• 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 will be 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

• The UAL 3 Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 SQA Advanced Highers
• You will gain UCAS (Pass 36 Merit 60 Distinction 84)
• Progression on successful completion of the course onto an HND within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College - dependant on portfolio review.
• Progression on successful completion of the course onto the UAL Foundation Diploma within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College - dependant on portfolio review.
• Progression possible to Degree level study - dependant on each institution’s specific entry requirements.

Career options

• Employment at a junior level within the creative industries 
• Most UAL level 3 Diploma students progress onto either UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma or HND and Degree level study before becoming successful practising Artists and Designers.

Potential occupations:

• Contemporary Artist
• Art Director
• Art Educator
• Painter
• Printmaker
• Sculptor
• Animator
• Illustrator
• Fashion Designer
• Textile Designer
• Product Designer
• Interior Designer
• Games Artist
• Graphic Designer
• UX/UI Designer