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Vocational & T Level

UAL Art & Design Diploma Level 1

Subject Area
Art & Design
Start Date
September 2026
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Year
Level
Level 1

Whether you're a beginner or looking to explore new artistic skills, this course is designed to give you a solid foundation in art and design principles. Over the duration of this course, you'll be introduced to essential techniques and concepts that will help you express your ideas visually and develop your unique artistic style.  The tutors will guide and support you in studios and workshops to produce a portfolio of work in art and design.

By the end of the course, you will have gained the confidence and skills to pursue further study in art and design or explore entry-level creative careers. Whether you're aiming to become a professional designer, illustrator, or simply want to explore your creative side, the Level 1 Art and Design course is the perfect starting point.

Entry requirements

A minimum of 3 GCSE subjects at grade 2 ideally including English and Maths. You will be asked to provide a digital portfolio of work to show your genuine interest in Art and Design.

 

What will I study?

The course involves the following areas: exploring drawing, painting, print techniques, 3D design craft and a personal project. You will experiment with a variety of art, design and craft media and techniques, and explore the work of other artists in a lively and exciting way.

You will use your ideas for subjects such as painting, drawing, print, 3D and collage, and develop ideas for projects such as designing giftware and contemporary three-dimensional pieces, as well as an artist journal. At the end of the course your work will be exhibited in the Creative Show.

This course is designed to study GCSE English and Maths alongside your studio projects which are essential to prepare you for employment or the next level at College.

During the programme there are visits to galleries, museums or exhibitions to provide inspiration for your own work in art and design.

Additional costs

There is a £30 cost for a mandatory Art Kit to enhance students learning through the availability of additional resources. More details will be provided at enrolment.

Method of delivery

You will typically be in College three days per week which will also include any GCSE English and/or Maths resits you may need to undertake. In-College delivery is supported by online resources and potentially trips and visits to support primary research within project work. 

The course is designed in three stages: An Induction stage to the different processes in Art and Design, followed by a Project to put these elements into practice and culminating in a negotiated Final Major Project. 

This helps you build on prior knowledge as well as developing more independent learning skills to equip you for your next progression step.

How will I be assessed?

Continuous assessment of your portfolio of project work, with feedback on your progress in one-to-one tutorials as well as a final major project with a new and exciting theme each year, leading to an exhibition to showcase your work. GCSE subjects will have an assessment and exam at the end of the course programme.

Good course combinations

This is a full-time course. It is not possible to combine this course with other Vocational, Apprenticeship or A Level programmes.

Your next steps

Students who achieve a Merit grade can progress to our Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design.

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