With over 300 creative subjects available to study at degree level, students studying creative subjects have a range of diverse career opportunities ahead of them should they choose this pathway. If students aspire to work in the creative industry but are unsure of the specific direction they want to take at this stage, then this course is for them.

Every year our students apply for and gain high quality places on some of the best creative degree courses in the world at Universities such as Glasgow School of Art, Central St Martins, London College of Fashion, Ravensbourne, Manchester Metropolitan University and Leeds College of Art.

Outline

The UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art and Design is an exciting, intensive and in-depth introduction to the creative industries. This is a full-time level 3 course, equivalent to studying three A levels and is designed for those students who have set their sights on a career in an art design related field.
Within the Schools of Creative Arts at Pendleton Sixth Form we are very much focused on developing the necessary skills, critical thinking and individual voice to allow each student the chance to discover their specific strengths and creative direction. Students will develop visual language skills working in a two-dimensional, three-dimensional and time-based formats whilst responding to a range of creative assignment briefs designed to really test their creative problem-solving abilities.
The level 3 Art and Design course is broader based and therefore offers the opportunity to explore a range of creative disciplines from drawing, painting, printmaking and experimental photography through to mixed media textiles manipulation and working in 3 dimensions (such as ceramics). At the end of both year one and year two students are required to complete a final project which allows them to write their own creative brief and therefore personalise their practice. Practical work will be supported throughout by contextual studies, guest speakers and live briefs (set by external organisations or professional creative practitioners) which will push student’s creativity further, developing a solid understanding of their place within the global creative community.

Most of our students choose to progress to study on one of a wide range of degree courses offered at universities across the United Kingdom before going on to work in what we believe is the most exciting and dynamic employment sector in the country. Studying at degree level is still one of the best ways to secure employment in the Creative Industries and as part of the course our students benefit from expert careers advice and support in choosing and applying to higher education or looking for alternative routes to employment.

This qualification is awarded by University of the Arts, London Awarding Body (UAL), the only specialist art and design awarding body in the UK and is highly regarded in this country and internationally. We deliver UAL qualifications because they inspire students to reach their true potential and have high achievement rates due to their relevance to industry needs, and student progression plans.

All work is externally moderated by specialist creative practitioners appointed by UAL to ensure fairness of assessment and that national standards are maintained.

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Entry Requirements

To study at Level 3, students will need a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 which must include a GCSE grade 4 (or above) in English Language (or English Literature as an alternative). Students who enroll on this course will typically have a broad range of GCSEs 9-4 which will typically include a GCSE (or vocational) qualification in a creative subject. Applicants who do not have a creative qualification will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary knowledge, skills and interest to succeed on the course usually via a portfolio of creative work produced outside of the school environment.

If students do not meet the requirements fully, they can start their journey on one of our two Level 2 UAL qualifications designed to prepare students fully for level 3 study.