Graphic Design - UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice

The Extended Diploma in Graphic Design is an exciting and challenging course for students. Whilst investigating a wide range of design disciplines, the course specialises in an extensive variety of graphic techniques, thereby allowing students to develop a portfolio that reflects their individuality and creative strengths. This can then be used as the basis for higher education or entry into the design industry.

The learning environment mirrors a working studio and our approach is busy but relaxed - a place where students are encouraged to develop their own learning. Within this environment, important lessons are learnt about meeting deadlines and maintaining standards of high quality under pressure.

There are opportunities to explore a wide range of projects ranging from branding and identity to advertising, as well as editorial design to name just a few. Furthermore, there are strong links on the course to local businesses and employers and this offers opportunities for students to undertake a range of live briefs while studying on the course. An extensive variety of techniques and skills for Graphic Design are taught allowing learners to develop the knowledge and aptitudes relevant to the industry.

The studio is well equipped with some of the latest Apple Mac computers and you will receive training on industry standard software applications such as:

Adobe Photoshop
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe InDesign
Premier Pro

Teaching methods vary from small group exercises, whole class teaching and one-to-one guidance. You will be required to continue with projects independently and it is expected that there will be 10-12 hours independent study undertaken each week. This will be a combination of supervised study hours at College and work at home.

The work on the course is project/assignment based, and assessment is continuous throughout the course. The units in the first two terms are assessed at Pass grade only.

The final unit is awarded a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction. This unit is achieved through a personal proposal and exhibition and decides the overall grade for the qualification.

How many UCAS points will I achieve on this course?

Our level 3 vocational courses qualify for UCAS tariff points to apply for university in the same way as A-Levels. This course is an UAL extended diploma which is delivered over two years and you could achieve up to 168 UCAS points (which is equivalent to three A* grades at A-Level).

UAL extended diplomas are graded as a pass, merit or distinction (with distinction being the highest grade).

The following table gives some examples on the amount of UCAS points you can achieve on a UAL extended diploma:

| UAL grade | UCAS Points |
| --- | --- |
| D | 168 |
| M | 120 |
| P| 72 |

You can find more details and examples on the UCAS tariff points calculator here.

You will need:

• 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or higher, including English, Maths and a relevant creative-based subject

Or:

• A relevant Level 2 qualification at Merit or Distinction standard studied at CWA or another further education provider
• English and maths GCSEs at grade 4 or higher

You will be invited to an informal interview to help ensure the course is right for you. You will need to bring a portfolio of your creative work for the course team to look at. This is to showcase your creative flair, visual research, ideas and technical skills and can consist of a range of work from different medias such as drawing, painting, photography or 3D design. We really like to see sketchbooks however work can also be presented through photographs.