Summary

Aimed at 16–18-year-olds post-GCSE, a UAL Extended Diploma in Creative Practice starts with a diagnostic phase of explorative workshops and projects. From here, you can begin to specialise in Fine Art, Visual Communication, Fashion, Textile and 3D Design and Lens Based Media (Photography). This gives you the classic art school education and complete ownership over what creative pathway you want to specialise in.

Whichever pathway you choose, throughout the two years you will build a portfolio of work relevant to what you would like to specialise in. Alongside this you will develop transferable creative skills that give you the best opportunity to take on the professional creative world. At the end of each year, you can take part in a highly professional and exciting end-of-year show, open to the public and viewed by over a thousand people.

What kind of creative person are you?

This Level 3 course is based at our dynamic and exciting WISE Campus, located within easy reach of the city of Bristol and moments away from Bristol Parkway and Bristol Abbey Wood train stations. As well as our Stroud campus in the centre of Gloucestershire, surrounded by the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The campus is a short walk from Stroud train station and easily accessible by bus.

How will I know how I am doing?

Project work is set with structured, achievable targets that are organised around practical assessment.

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 (C) 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.

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 (C) will be enrolled on either a GCSE or functional skills programme alongside their course.

Employability

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.

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 our art school can take you almost anywhere. You can work in illustration, graphics, fashion, textiles, fine art, interior design, sculpture, ceramics, jewellery making, print and many more pathways. Creative professionals can be found working collaboratively, independently as freelancers or as in-house designers. You might also move into art therapy, teaching or studio management. Additionally, you can transfer many of your creative skills into professions including writing, marketing and media production too!