Art and Design UAL Level 3 Diploma SCQF Level 6

What is special about this course?

The University of the Arts London (UAL) Art & Design Level 3 Diploma will provide you with the tools you need to build a compelling portfolio to apply for further study or employment in the art and design sectors.

Through an in-depth exploration of art and design techniques, and by tackling challenging assignments, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to solve complex problems and develop creative solutions in 2D, 3D and time-based media.

You will be introduced to key practitioners in the world of art and design to gain a deeper understanding of the creative process and hone your critical thinking skills.

This is a flexible course designed to cater to the needs of a wide range of learners, from school-leavers to adult learners. The course aims to meet your individual interests, aspirations, and needs, ensuring that you receive the personalised support you need to succeed.

UHI Inverness strives to offer a stimulating learning experience that can include field trips to museums and galleries across Scotland, guest speakers and industry-relevant projects. As you progress through the course, you will be guided by talented lecturers who are also working artists. You will be encouraged to cultivate your own unique artistic voice and take responsibility for your own development and decision making.

Your studies will finish in a final major project that can be showcased in our end-of-year exhibition, providing you with the opportunity to celebrate your artistic achievements and gain valuable exposure within the arts community.

Entry requirements

  • Four National 5s including Art and Design and English (or equivalent) OR UAL Art and Design Level 2 Diploma or NC SCQF Level 5 in a related subject at C or above. 
  • Art and Design and English/Communication (or equivalent) required.
  • A portfolio of practical artwork that demonstrates your creative potential  (all applicants for this course will be required to submit a Digital Portfolio).
  • Applications are encouraged from prospective students without the standard entry requirements as listed above. Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course.

Units may include:

  • Introduction to visual language in art and design
  • Introduction to research skills in art and design
  • Introduction to critical and contextual awareness in art and design
  • Introduction to materials, processes and technical skills in art and design
  • An integrated approach to 2D problem solving in art and design
  • An integrated approach to 3D problem solving in art and design
  • An integrated approach to time-based problem solving
  • Developing an art and design project
  • Opportunities for progression in art and design
     

Equipment

You will be provided with an art materials pack, for which you may be eligible for funding to cover the cost.

Optional activity costs: these may include costs for additional materials, specialist equipment or field trips. 

How will I study my course?

  • Full Time

You will learn through a combination of face-to-face hands-on demonstrations, practical work, video conference lectures and tutorials, and online study via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors. There will be opportunities to take part in field trips and exhibit your work.

How long will my course last?

1 Year

Where can I study my course?

    Start date

    August

    Fees

    Fee information for FULL TIME Further Education courses

    If you have been living in the UK for at least 3 years, are ordinary resident in Scotland before the course start date it is likely that you will not have to pay fees for your full time course.  Please check our Fee Waiver Policy.

    Full time students will automatically receive the fee waiver if they are eligible. We will use the information provided on your course application form to determine whether you are eligible. 

    Scottish students

    Further Education course  (SQCF 1-6)

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Full-time per year

    £1,790

    £1,844

    Rest of UK students

    For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland, including Channel Islands and the Isle of Man) and with a term time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

    Further Education course  (SQCF 1-6)

    2024-25

    Full-time

    £6,149

    International students

    For students who do not normally reside in the UK, including EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:

    Further Education course  (SQCF 1-6)

    2024-25

    Full time

    £6,149

     Fees are payable on enrolment each academic year.

    Please contact credit.control.ic@uhi.ac.uk if you have any further questions on fees.

    Fee information for PART TIME Further Education courses

    A Fee Waiver could be available to help with the payment of course fees depending on your personal circumstances, please check our Fee Waiver Policy to see if you are eligible.

    Scottish students

    Further Education (SCQF 1-6) level 

    2023-24

    2024-25

    Part-time (per credit)

    £122

    £126

    Rest of UK and International students 

    Further Education (SCQF 1-6) level 

    2024-25

    Part-time (per credit)

    £500

    Fees are payable on enrolment each academic year.

    Please contact credit.control.ic@uhi.ac.uk if you have any further questions on fees.

    What can I do on completion of my course?

    Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:

    • Employment at a junior level within the creative industries 
    • Most UAL level 3 Diploma students progress onto either HN or Degree level study before becoming successful practicing artists and designers.

    You may wish to progress from the UAL Art and Design Level 3 Diploma to the following courses:

    • HNC/D Contemporary Art Practice
    • HNC/D Visual Communication
    • Degree level study

    Potential occupations include:

    • Art Director
    • Animator
    • Art Educator
    • Fashion Designer
    • Games Artist
    • Graphic Designer
    • Illustrator
    • Interior Designer
    • Painter
    • Printmaker
    • Product Designer
    • Sculptor
    • Textile Designer
    • UX Designer 

    Jobs in the UK creative industries are growing at four times the rate of the UK average according to a report from the Creative Industries Federations (2019)

    Scotland’s Creative Industries were identified in Scotland’s Economic Strategy (2015) as one of the growth sectors in which Scotland can build on existing comparative advantage and increase productivity and growth.

    Creative Scotland, in collaboration with people and organisations from across the culture sector in Scotland, and with the support of Scottish Government, launched the initiative: Our Creative Voice in 2021 aimed at promoting the value that art and creativity contributes to all our lives. Short video (2:50): Our Creative Voice: Scotland, our creative country

    Is there more information available online?

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    Apply for Art and Design UAL Level 3 Diploma SCQF Level 6

    I want to start in 2024/25

    We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at UHI Inverness. UHI Inverness operates a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of age, disability, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion and/or belief, sex, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.