Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
During this two-year course, students study the UAL Level 3 Applied General Extended Diploma in Art and Design. The course is designed to provide post-16 students with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress into further, higher education and training or employment.
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).
This is a practical and hand-on course that is client-facing and requires students to work collaboratively with local and national organisations and charities. In addition to learning about the employment area chosen, you will develop the skills needed to start a career. Successful students can either choose to progress to a higher education course in visual arts or go straight into employment.
You will also have the opportunity study Maths and/or English. Please check our English and Maths page for further information.
Follow @CCNPhotography on Instagram for updates and examples of current student work.
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).
Learning Outcomes
The Level 3 Extended Diploma has been designed to provide the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to degree-level study in art and design, or into employment.
It provides an opportunity for those who have an interest in the visual arts to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure which is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from further to higher education.
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, London College of Communication and Central St Martins 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.
Students will need to provide their own 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.
