UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMAILLUSTRATION & ANIMATION
Artwork - Harry France
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
Do you dream of telling stories through illustration? Are you passionate about designing characters and bringing them to life through animation? If so, this course is for you.
Develop the creative skills you need to turn bold ideas into captivating visual outcomes. From concept art to comics, 2D animation to 3D model-making for stop motion, zines to client-led live briefs; you will explore a wide range of exciting projects that will shape your personal artistic voice.
You will gain hands-on experience with industrystandard software such as Photoshop, Procreate, and InDesign, while also mastering traditional techniques including gouache painting, printmaking, ink drawing, and frame-by-frame animation.
Create, explore, and grow in our dedicated studio spaces, where you’ll be supported by experienced lecturers focused on helping you build your drawing, design, and employability skills - preparing you for a future in the creative industries.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
Animator
Commercial Illustrator
Concept Artist
Comic Artist
Children's Book Illustrator
Storyboard Artist
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Blend traditional drawing with digital techniques and processes
- Learn how to bring your characters to life, by exploring comics and animation
- Explore frame-by-frame animation and modelmaking for stop-motion
- Build a portfolio and animated showreel for university or industry
- Learn from experienced practitioners with industry links
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's surprised you about your time here?
Getting the opportunity to display my artwork in the Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus gallery window. I have always lacked confidence in my own work so this has certainly helping me to get over that.
Libby Hughes
Level 3 Illustration & Animation
VIDEO SHOWCASE
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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