About the course

Within the Art and Design Level 3 course at Harlow College there are a number of specialist pathways including:

• Fine Art pathway: Drawing, Painting, Mixed Media, Digital Illustration, Sculpture, Installation
• 2D Design pathway: Illustration, Graphic Design,  Comics and Graphic Novels, Animation, Concept Art and Character Design, Surface Pattern and Textiles
• 3D Design Pathway: Architecture, Interior Design, Theatre Design (Set, Costume, Props), Design Crafts, Visual Merchandising, Ceramics

Students can specialise in their chosen career pathway from unit 3 to unit 6 utilising their creative interests and individual skills or may choose to work in a range of specialist disciplines throughout the course.

The course content also includes Art and Design History, careers in the creative industries, environmental issues, ethics and sustainability live briefs and competitions, portfolio preparation and opportunities for work experience.

Entry requirements

4 x GCSEs including English (Literature or Language) at grade 4 or above. You will be expected to show examples of art and design work at interview.

Or Merit for Level 2 Diploma Art and Design.

How much does it cost?

Free to those aged 16-18. If you are aged 19+ you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

There is a range of financial support that you may be entitled to, including: Learner Support funds, grants and bursaries and employer support.

iPad returnable deposit £75.

Studio charge (covers consumable materials used in studios and workshops) £80.

Trips to galleries, exhibitions and universities £100.

Your own art materials – budget for up to £50.

Why study?

Educational visits will include major London museums and galleries such as Tate, V&A, Fashion Textile Museum, London Transport Museum, Bankside Gallery, Barbican, Guildhall Museum, Gibberd Gallery.

Core modules

Year 1 Diploma:

Unit 1 The Creative Process

Unit 2 Developing Creative Practice

Unit 3 Responding to a set brief

Year 2 Extended Diploma

Unit 4 Researching a specialist industry practice

Unit 5 Specialist technical skills development

Unit 6 Specialist creative outcome

How will I be assessed?

There are no exams in Level 3 Art and Design! The course is delivered across different assignments in specialist studios with professional staff. Coursework is internally assessed and moderated. Units 3 and 6 are internally marked and externally moderated. These units are known as FMP (Final Major Project)

To be awarded the UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication you are required to achieve a minimum of a Pass grade in the three mandatory units.

The overall grade for the qualification is based on Unit 03: Responding to a set brief and is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

To be awarded the Ual Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication students are required to achieve a minimum of a Pass grade in the six mandatory units.

The overall grade for the qualification is based on Unit 06: Specialist Outcome and is graded Pass, Merit, Distinction.

Where will this course take me?

Diploma/Extended Diploma: the qualifications provide the necessary industry relevant skills, knowledge and understanding to access appropriate entry level roles, training programmes or apprenticeships in the creative sector, or apply for progression to related higher education courses.

Most Diploma students progress to Ual Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice Art, Design and Communication Year 2 (Art and Design).

As part of your main course of study you will explore career opportunities within the creative industries and appropriate progression routes.

Aspirational Jobs

• Architect
• Interior Designer
• Fine Artist
• Illustrator
• Costume Designer