why choose this course?
This course is a fast paced, creatively rewarding, hands on practical subject. In art and design, you will explore how to successfully express your ideas visually and how to develop your practical skills in different artistic techniques and processes. The Level 1 and 2 Art and Design Diploma encourages you to be experimental with your approach and to explore lots of visual ideas which will lead to you making exciting two-dimensional and three-dimensional finished work. You will have the opportunity to explore and discover new ways of working with methods of production and specialist techniques in areas such as drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, textiles, and sculpture.
You will also research the lives and work of other selected artists and designers related to each project. This research will inspire and inform your own creative outcomes alongside developing your verbal and written analytical skills and use of formal art and design language. You will have the opportunity to exhibit your artwork at different points throughout the year, which then culminates in a large external exhibition of the whole art department in June.
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Start date: 08/09/2025
TOP COURSE HIGHLIGHTS
small classes
excellent tutor support
exceptional facilities
live projects
exhibition opportunities

Specialist studios
Specialist studios and equipment including 3D workshop, Ceramics studio, Ceramic and Glass kilns, printing presses and screen-printing facilities.

Friendly and creative staff
The Art Department is friendly, supportive, ambitious and hardworking. Achievement in this subject relies heavily on your attendance, punctuality and commitment to learning, both independently and within lectures.

Series of workshops
The workshops designed to give you an understanding of a wide range of practical and theoretical techniques and processes.
what will i learn?
The Level 1 and 2 Art and Design Diploma provides the perfect steppingstone to further study by engaging students in a wide range of media. It enables you to build your skills, knowledge and portfolio in preparation for progression to the Level 2 Progression in Art and Design or Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design or alternatively a range of other qualifications offered at the College. The course is taught through practical projects and assignments. The projects cover a range of art skills such as drawing, painting, printmaking and crafts such as textiles. You will produce individual outcomes through guided research, ideas, development, media experimentation and evaluation. During the course, we also make research visits to art galleries and exhibitions.
where will it take me?
The Level 1 Diploma gives you the ideal foundation of skills to progress onto the Level 2 Progression in Art and Design or a range of other programmes within the College. Many of our alumni have progressed into careers such as print and textile design, animation, designer-makers, and design crafts.
Employment within the creative industries is as varied as it is challenging. Students from this course usually undertake the Level 3 Extended Diploma and then specialist degree level education before entering employment.
assessment arrangements
Each unit has interim assessment points and a final assessment, which is pass/fail. Your final unit in each year is graded pass, merit, distinction and this will be your yearly grade if all units are successfully completed. There are no exams on the main award; it is all assessed on practical work.
entry requirements
The Level 1 and 2 Diploma give you the ideal foundation of skills to then progress onto the Level 2 Progression in Art and Design or the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design or a range of other programmes within the College.
information & support
Independent practice will be supported through PowerPoints, worksheets and other guides available through our Moodle course. College trips to visit museums and galleries will be offered and we encourage our students to visit galleries both locally and nationally to support their work.
Awarding Body: UAL – University of the Arts London
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