UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMAGRAPHIC & DIGITAL DESIGN
Artwork - Mac Brown

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
Turn your creativity into powerful visual communication. Explore specialisms such as branding, editorial, and digital design while building a standout portfolio that gets you noticed.
This two-year course is for students who want to explore how ideas, messages, and emotions can be communicated visually. You will develop skills in both traditional and digital techniques - from image making and typography to layout, packaging, editorial, motion graphics, and design for advertising.
You will work through creative briefs, problem-solve like a designer, and explore how to build visual identities that connect with real audiences. Across the course, you will use industry-standard software such as Adobe Creative Cloud, and learn to think like a professional designer, researching trends, presenting concepts, and creating final pieces for a variety of platforms.
Working in our specialist Apple Mac suites and studio spaces, you will be supported by tutors with years of experience in the design industry. You will also build a personal portfolio that reflects your own style, strengths and interests, ideal for applying to university, an apprenticeship or employment.
Expect to take part in live projects, competitions and collaborative briefs, working with local businesses, charities or creative teams.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Explore a range of disciplines from branding to motion design
- Learn in studios using Apple Macs and Adobe Creative Suite
- Work on real-world briefs and design challenges
- Build a professional portfolio for university or industry
- Learn from designers with real agency and freelance experience
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 advice would you give to someone thinking about studying here?
Do it, apply. It feels scary to apply to a specialised college especially if your friends are going somewhere different, but the bonds you make in college with those with similar interests are so important.
Jenna Lee Thomas
Level 3 Graphic & Digital Design
VIDEO SHOWCASE
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.





















