L3 Extended Diploma Design and Communication

The course is structured around a series of practical projects that introduce you to different creative disciplines and ways of working. As the course progresses, you will begin to focus on your chosen specialist pathway, developing a strong portfolio of work tailored to your interests and career ambitions.

Across the two years, you will produce a range of 2D, 3D and time-based outcomes, building technical skills while refining your creative voice. Each year culminates in a highly professional public exhibition, giving you the opportunity to showcase your work to a wide audience and gain experience of presenting your practice in a real-world context.

The course is delivered at our WISE Campus, conveniently located near Bristol Parkway and Bristol Abbey Wood train stations, as well as our Stroud campus in the heart of Gloucestershire. Both locations provide dynamic studio environments that support creative exploration, collaboration and professional development.

Alongside your creative practice, you will develop transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving and self-management, which are essential for progression into higher education and employment.

Achieving a good standard of English and Maths is essential for many career pathways. If you do not yet have a GCSE grade 4 (C) in English and/or Maths, you will study either GCSEs or Functional Skills alongside your main course to support your progression.

We have a working studio where learners produce images for various clients, helping them to gain valuable experience and confidence in producing images to a professional standard.

You will need to demonstrate enthusiasm, commitment and a genuine interest in creative practice, supported by a portfolio of recent work shown at interview.

Entry requirements include:

• Five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English and/or Maths

or

• A Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design with merit or distinction grades, alongside a strong record of attendance and engagement in English and Maths.

The progression opportunities following this course are broad and flexible. Many students progress to higher education, apprenticeships or employment within the creative industries. Our learners regularly move on to leading degree courses across a wide range of creative subjects.

This course provides a strong foundation for pursuing careers in art, design, media and related creative fields, while also developing skills that are highly valued across many professional sectors.