Skip to content

Architecture and 3D Design Extended Diploma Level 3

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2025

  • Venue
    City College Norwich campus

  • Course Code
    A0510

Start Date

  • September 2025, Full Time, Day

Summary

Students study the UAL Level 3 Applied General Diploma and Extended Diploma in Art and Design over two years. They are designed to provide post-16 students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress into further, higher education and training or employment. This course is assessed externally by UAL, with the first year worth 50% of the overall Extended Diploma qualification.

The Extended Diploma are graded at Pass, High Pass, Merit, High Merit or Distinction, with the Distinction grade being worth 168 UCAS points (equivalent to 3 full A Levels at A* grade).

On this new and exciting course you will gain skills and experience for a career in interior design, product design, architecture, sculpture, set design for TV and film, stage design for theatre and furniture design.

We aim to develop your 3 dimensional understanding from research and conceptualisation through to prototyping and construction. During the course you will learn the principles of 3 dimensional methodology; developing your drawing skills (figurative, environmental and reportage). You will develop material techniques and knowledge of 3D and 2D media properties combined with a sound knowledge of design methodology and history.

You will be based in the college’s Creative Arts building, but this is a collaborative learning environment with work in the 3D workshop and wood workshops on campus.

Why Our College?

Public art exhibitions

Our students exhibit their work to family, friends, the public and local employers at the end of each year.

Exclusive facilities

Our Creative Arts students have access to exclusive facilities in our state of the art Creative Arts Building

University of the Arts London

All of our creative arts courses are awarded by the University of the Arts London

Entry Requirements

Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language, Maths and Art & Design (or an art related subject). As part of the entry requirements for the above named course you will be required to complete an interview task and attend an interview.

Learning Outcomes

Students will learn to project manage a 3-D Design from concept art and design, to material selection, manipulation, prototype and final outcome. The main focus of the course is developing student's art, hand and craft skills as well as their skills of project management; there are very limited opportunities to develop CAD and software design skills on this course. For careers in the Surveying and Design, please look at our T-Level offering here: https://www.ccn.ac.uk/16-18/subject-areas/construction-and-building-services/course/t-level-surveying-and-design-for-construction-and-the-built-environment-level-3/?query=construction.

Objective

The objectives of these qualifications are to enable students to:
1 Develop a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within art, design or related subjects of study or work.
2 Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions.
3 Understand, adapt and use appropriate practical skills.
4 Solve complex problems through the application of art, design or related practical, theoretical and technical understanding.
5 Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results.
6 Use evaluative and reflective skills to take responsibility for their own learning, development and decision making.
7 Take responsibility for the research, planning, time and actions required to access progression opportunities.
8 Present themselves and their work.

Assessment

Assessment is the process of measuring students’ skills, knowledge and understanding against the standards set in a qualification.

The assessment for the first year consists of one type of assessment:

external assessment – tasks are set, assessed and graded by UAL Awarding Body and taken under controlled conditions. This first year assessment is worth 50% of overall grade for the two year course.

The assessment for the UAL Level 3 Applied General Extended Diploma in Art & Design consists of:

internal assessment – students produce a portfolio of evidence which is assessed and graded by centre staff and externally moderated by UAL Awarding Body at the end of your second year of study.

Progression

These qualifications carry UCAS points and are recognised by higher education providers as meeting the admission requirements for many relevant courses, such as:

BA (Hons) Product Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art
BA (Hons) Fashion Design
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
BA (Hons) Photography
BA (Hons) Games Design.
Students should always check the entry requirements for degree programmes with specific higher education providers.

We also run our Foundation Diplomas in Art & Design and our Media Learning Company for students wanting an extra year at college to prepare for the demands of university level study or support their career into the creative industries: https://www.ccn.ac.uk/16-18/course-types/art-foundation-and-pre-degrees/?query=foundation

The skills developed throughout these qualifications may support students to progress into appropriate entry level roles, training programmes or Level 3 or higher apprenticeships in the creative sector

Career Progression

City College Norwich is a member of the University of the Arts London Progression Partnership to promote the recruitment of talented, creative students from high quality further education institutions to UAL higher education degree level courses. The course team also work with local and national higher education providers such as NUA and UAL colleges to ensure that our students are ready and prepared for their next step. We also work collaboratively with local, national and international artists and creative agencies to provide fantastic experience of work for our students and also to ensure that our courses prepare students well for their future careers in the industry. City College Norwich also has an outstanding Apprenticeship team who can provide advice and guidance for students wishing to follow an Apprenticeship route into the industry.

For those students who choose not to pursue careers within the creative industries the course provides fantastic opportunities to develop collaborative working skills, problem-solving, creative and the higher order evaluative skills demanded by universities and employers

Fees

If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop. Please check our Finance pages for information on loans, bursaries, fee information and student travel offers that are available. Alternatively please contact the Advice Shop.

All students will need to provide their own basic equipment, with a list provided during induction. Students pay for enrichment trips and educational visits during the academic year. International trips are optional and are at additional cost payable by the student.

Where Next?

Why Our College?

Public art exhibitions

Our students exhibit their work to family, friends, the public and local employers at the end of each year.

Exclusive facilities

Our Creative Arts students have access to exclusive facilities in our state of the art Creative Arts Building

University of the Arts London

All of our creative arts courses are awarded by the University of the Arts London