UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art and Design and Communications

Who is this course for?

This course is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in the field of Art & Design, either as a professional artist or working within a wide range of creative industries.

What are the entry requirements for the course?

Minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above. One of these must be in either Maths or English Language, and another in Art or a similar creative subject.

How long is this course?

A two-year full-time course beginning in September and ending in June.

What will I study on this course?

Students will study a wide range of subjects covering both practical and theoretical areas of Art & Design including, but not limited to drawing, painting, 3D, textiles, graphics, photography, sculpture, illustration and fashion.

During the second year, there are greater opportunities to specialise within a chosen area. Students will also engage in Historical and Contextual Studies which may include formal lectures, visits to galleries and museums, and market research. Throughout the course, students will have the opportunity to work with outside agencies on live briefs or take part in competitions and commissions.

These are the units you may study over 2 years:

The Creative Process – students will develop an in-depth understanding of the creative process as a creative tool used and adapted by professionals across a full spectrum of creative practices. Students will explore the stages of the creative process though a practical learning journey where they will apply their knowledge of the creative process to generate ideas for creative pursuit.

Developing Creative Practice – requires students to gain knowledge of a range of 2D, 3D and 4D creative practices and explore and use materials, methods, techniques and processes in a safe and professional manner. Students will then apply this learning to their own developing creative practice and enable them to refine their vocational ambitions.

Responding to a set Brief – this synoptic unit requires students to draw on learning acquired during Units 1 and 2 in the resolution of a creative problem outlined by a set brief. Students will learn how to manage and fulfil the expectations of an exciting and industry relevant project brief. They will be required to propose, plan, experiment, explore, develop, produce, and present an original solution in response to the brief.

Researching a Specialist Industry Practice – students are required to dive into the creative industries, identifying the sectors and specific roles that ignite their vocational ambitions. Students are required to explore how the creative process is adapted and used by existing practitioners within their chosen field, cementing their learning through the application of specialist practice theory to practical activities. This unit offers students the chance to clarify and define their creative career intentions and focus their future development and progression routes.

Specialist Technical Skills Development – allows students the opportunity to fully interrogate the materials, processes, safety measures and technical skills associated with a specialist practice. Students are expected to use these skills to investigate and identify creative solutions to problems and produce specialist outcomes that reference personal and contextual influences. Students will also gain a developed understanding of ethical design principles – principles essential for progression into their chosen specialist industry.

Specialist Creative Outcome – this synoptic unit requires students to draw on learning from across the entire qualification to propose, plan and fully realise a self-directed, individualised, specialist practice project. Students will be required to identify and propose a thematic enquiry, evidencing a clear grounding in a selected specialist practice and knowledge of a specified audience or consumer. Students will apply the materials, methods, techniques, and processes associated to their specialist practice and develop industry relevant outcomes that support progression towards a career in the creative industries.

What Qualification will I gain?

UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communications (equivalent to 3 A Levels for a total of 72-168 UCAS points, depending on grades achieved).

Will I go out on work experience?

Throughout the course there will be live briefs, interim exhibitions, work placement opportunities, or a work shadowing scheme.

Students are encouraged to take part in competitions and commissions.

What does this course lead on to?

Progression is either to Degree level study in Art & Design related fields, or employment.

Employment within a wide range of creative and communication industries such as:

How much will it cost?

There are no fees for this course.
An off-island study trip maybe planned – costs to be advised.

How can I find out more?

For further information, please contact the Highlands College Admissions team on: 608582 or email: fulltimeapplications@highlands.ac.uk.

Additional Information

All 6th form courses are subject to minimum enrolment numbers. Where a course does not meet the required number, it will be reluctantly cancelled for that academic year. Affected applicants will be contacted and offered a transfer to another course if a suitable one is available.

Anyone who has been out of education for longer than 6 months will be invited for interview. Following interview, the application will be referred to a review panel.

International students should contact Jersey Immigration on immigration@gov.je before making an application.