UAL LEVEL 2 DIPLOMAART & DESIGN
AWARD
UAL Level 2 Diploma
DURATION
1 Year (Full-Time)
GCSE EQUIVALENT
4 GCSEs in creative subjects
CAMPUS
Middlesbrough
COURSE DETAILS
Build your creative confidence, explore a wide range of techniques, and take your first steps towards a future in the creative industries.
This one-year, hands-on course is designed to help you explore the foundations of art and design while developing your own creative voice. It’s ideal for students who want to progress onto a Level 3 creative course but need to strengthen their skills, confidence or portfolio first.
You will experiment with a wide range of techniques and materials across 2D, 3D and digital processes - from drawing, painting and collage to textiles, printmaking, ceramics and photography. Alongside practical projects, you’ll learn how to research and develop ideas, respond to creative briefs, and reflect on your work.
Working in professional art and design studios, you’ll be supported by specialist tutors and technicians who will help you discover your strengths and prepare for the next stage of your creative journey.
This course is a great opportunity to build a varied and exciting portfolio, helping you progress onto a Level 3 programme in subjects like Fine Art, Design, Photography, Graphics, Textiles, or Fashion.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
Artist or Illustrator
Graphic Designer
Fashion Designer
Art Technician
Interior Designer
Ceramicist or 3D Maker
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Try out a wide range of creative techniques and media
- Develop your skills in drawing, design, photography and more
- Work in professional studios with expert tutor support
- Build a strong, personalised portfolio for progression
- Prepare for Level 3 creative study in your chosen specialism
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 4 GCSEs (at grade D/3) or
- TCL Silver Arts Award (or above)
- 1 portfolio of artwork
LEARNER HOURS
Our Further Education study programmes are designed to meet the guided learner hours as per their funding bodies.
AWARDING BODY
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern College of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
What do you enjoy most about your course?
The best thing is the creative freedom that you are given. It's completely different to school. I've leant lots of new techniques and grown in confidence.
Dillian Wood
Level 2 Art & Design
IMAGE GALLERY
OUTSTANDING Student Experience
The Northern College of Art had an exceptional history for its further education when formerly known as The Northern School of Art, and Cleveland College of Art and Design prior to that. The institution previously achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding in 2009, and held it consecutively across all inspections until the last inspection under the Education Inspection Framework in 2025. The institution is one of only a handful of colleges to make this achievement.
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