UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMAFINE ART
Artwork - Maria Pirjol
AWARD
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication
DURATION
2 Years (Full-Time)
UCAS POINTS
Up to 168 (depending on grade outcome)
CAMPUS
Middlesbrough
COURSE DETAILS
Explore, experiment and express. This course is for bold, curious artists ready to find their voice and push the boundaries of creative thinking.
This two-year course is ideal for students who are passionate about creating original, meaningful artwork and want to refine their practice in a supportive, professional environment. It’s about developing your own ideas, building your technical skills, and learning how to communicate powerfully through visual art.
You will explore drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, installation, digital work and more. Projects are designed to challenge your thinking and push your creativity - encouraging you to experiment, take risks and find your artistic direction.
You will also study the work of contemporary and historical artists, take part in exhibitions, and learn how to present and speak about your work with confidence. Throughout the course, you’ll build a personal portfolio that reflects your journey, ideas and ambition.
Our experienced tutors - practising artists themselves - will support you in developing your own unique practice. Whether you’re aiming for university, foundation art, or starting your career in the arts, this course gives you the tools, space and mindset to succeed.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
Fine Artist
Illustrator
Print Maker
Gallery or Museum Assistant
Art Therapist (with further study)
Set or Prop Designer
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Work in specialist fine art studios with expert artisteducators
- Explore a broad range of media, from traditional to experimental
- Exhibit your work in public shows and creative spaces
- Learn to think critically and creatively as a practising artist
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 4 GCSEs (9-4/A*-C) – (if you have maths/english at grade D/3 you would be required to work towards grade C/4 for these qualifications alongside your course)
- 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?
Painting and the vibe of the course, its so different from school - I really enjoy being in the studio.
Heidi Souter
Level 3 Fine Art
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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