Summary

Aimed at 16-18 year olds who wish to pursue a dedicated creative experience rather than studying A Levels, the UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice is a great doorway to explore and define yourself as an Artist.

In this pathway, offered exclusively at Stroud campus, you will explore fine art practices, materials and methods to solve creative problems in 2D, 3D and time based outcome generation. Like the Design and Material Application pathway, this will include the mandatory skills of visual recording via lens based and drawn media, but also Fine Art Printmaking processes via our traditional print presses in the ever popular print room. Selecting this pathway doesn’t restrict your creative growth, but allows you to explore 2D processes in painting, mark making,  darkroom photography and illustration , as well as experimenting with 3D sculpture, ceramics, prop making and installation. This course is designed to be broad, but allows you opportunity to practice a Fine Art way of working and both years 1 & 2 will culminate in self-proposed projects that you will exhibit to gallery goers at the end of year show.

Not only will you have workshops within projects to develop your hand skills and technique, you will also learn how your creative problem solving skills are transferable, as well as how collaborative opportunities are embraced by the industry. Nobody works alone in this world, and  it is important that you are set up for a career in flexible and adaptive processes, compromise and confidence polishing to allow you to follow your aspirations as the world changes.

How will I know how I am doing?

Project work is set with structured, achievable targets that are organised around practical assessment. There are no exams, or tiered grading in the initial stages of either year, so feedback becomes crucial to ongoing development.

You will also discuss project work through group critiques, with verbal feedback from tutors and peers. Regular tutorials and reviews will take place with your personal tutor to discuss targets and progress.

What do I need to join?

You will need to show passion, enthusiasm and commitment and have a portfolio of work to show at interview. You will need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or Maths, or a Level 2 Diploma in Art Design with merit or distinction grades, and a proven record of attendance and engagement in English and Maths.

We would also like to meet you and see your portfolio of work, in order to see what you are interested in and capable of.

Maths & English

A key requirement for obtaining many jobs is to achieve a good standard of English and Maths. Therefore, learners that do not yet have a GCSE grade 4 will be enrolled on either a GCSE or functional skills programme alongside their course.

Employability

Through projects that support wider skillsets, we intend to raise aspirations and support the acquisition of employability skills to aid stronger career prospects. These will include customer relations, working with a client, and valuing yourself financially.

Work Experience

Students are directed and supported to seek opportunities relevant to their specialism to experience a working environment, whether this is a live project set by industry, a creative competition or working for a local or national company.

What can I do next?

Most of our students go on to higher education, apprenticeships or employment. Our students can progress to the best degree courses in the country in every subject.

What are my career options?

The skills you learn at Stroud School of Art can take you almost anywhere. Creative professionals can be found working collaboratively, independently as freelancers or as in-house artworkers. You could work inside or outside in whatever discipline you choose; you might be commissioned to produce a piece specifically, or you might exhibit in a collective. You might also move into art therapy, curation, teaching or studio management to be there to support others to make and showcase their work, or you might wish to move into restoration or Art History; the possibilities are broad and exciting!