Unleash your creativity and shape your future in the arts! The UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication is your gateway to the vibrant world of creative industries. Designed by the prestigious University of the Arts London Awarding Body, this dynamic course empowers post-16 learners to explore, experiment and evolve as creative practitioners. Whether you're passionate about graphic design, fashion, photography, fine art, or digital media, this qualification offers a hands-on, industry-relevant experience. You’ll dive into the creative process, develop technical skills across 2D, 3D and 4D practices, and respond to real-world briefs—just like professionals do. Sustainability, ethical design, and personal voice are woven throughout, preparing you for a future where creativity meets purpose. With no formal entry requirements and UCAS points awarded, this course is perfect for aspiring artists, designers, and communicators ready to take their next step. Whether you choose the one-year Diploma or the two-year Extended Diploma, you’ll build a powerful portfolio, gain confidence, and open doors to higher education, apprenticeships, or exciting roles in the creative sector. Create. Communicate. Innovate. Your journey starts here.
Site
Lewes
Level
Level 3
Course Type
16-18
| Options | Course Code | Starts | Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| apply | 60031y1 | 07/09/26 | 02/07/27 |
You’ll study a range of units designed to develop your creative thinking, technical skills, and professional practice:
Diploma (1 year):
Unit 1: The Creative Process Unit 2: Developing Creative Practice Unit 3: Responding to a Set Brief
Extended Diploma (2 years): Includes all Diploma units plus:
Unit 4: Researching a Specialist Industry Practice Unit 5: Specialist Technical Skills Development Unit 6: Specialist Creative Outcome
Across these units, you’ll explore 2D, 3D, and 4D creative practices, learn to respond to vocational briefs, conduct research, refine your visual language, and develop a final project that showcases your unique creative identity.
Minimum five grade 4-9 at GCSE or successful completion of the Level 2 course, and English or maths at grade 4. A portfolio of work will be required.
Portfolio of Evidence for Units 1, 2, 4, and 5 Graded Synoptic Assignment for Unit 3 (Diploma) Graded Synoptic Project for Unit 6 (Extended Diploma) Assessment includes written, visual, oral, and digital formats Internally assessed and externally moderated Final grade awarded: Pass, Merit, or Distinction
UAL Level 3 Diploma (and then Extended Diploma) in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
Step confidently into the creative industries or higher education! Graduates of the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma are equipped with a professional portfolio, real-world experience, and the creative mindset sought by employers and universities alike. You could progress to a degree in art, design, fashion, media, or performance—or dive straight into roles like graphic designer, illustrator, filmmaker, UX designer, or curator. Apprenticeships, freelance opportunities, and entrepreneurial ventures also await. This course doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it prepares you for a creative career.
You will need to purchase essential art and design equipment. There is a compulsory requirement to have an art box with everyday art materials and an A1 portfolio that holds plastic sleeves, as this will facilitate the external moderation process. You are required to work in A3/A4 hardback sketchbooks.
This course provides a high-quality alternative to A-Levels and involves compulsory trips and visits, usually one trip per term, to galleries, museums and sculpture parks.