Other Courses

Art and Design Level 3 (FADF)

Barnsley College

Church Street, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S70 2AX

National Extended Diploma (BTEC)

Level 3

Available start dates

Wednesday, 01 September 2027

Barnsley College

2 Year(s)

Full time

Daytime/working hours

Course Summary

This Art and Design course helps you explore and grow your creativity through fun and challenging projects. You'll build strong skills, boost your confidence, and learn about exciting career opportunities in the creative industry.

The diploma is a one year course. The extended diploma is a 2 year course.

This coursework-based qualification is designed to develop your creative skills, artistic confidence and professional practice. Ideal for students aiming for a career in the creative industries or progression to university. The course offers a broad and immersive experience across multiple art and design disciplines, including drawing, painting, printmaking, ceramics, digital media and 3D design, giving you a solid foundation in visual communication.

You will work on live briefs, responding to real-world client requirements, and have the opportunity to exhibit your work publicly. Critical reflection and annotation are essential parts of each project, helping you articulate your creative influences, explain your decision-making and evaluate your development.

Course Details

The Diploma course units are:

• The creative process

• Developing creative practice in 2D, 3D and 4D

• Responding to a set brief

The Extended Diploma units are:

• Research a specialist industry practice

• Specialist technical skills development

• Specialist creative outcome

How will it be delivered and assessed?

Your work will be assessed against the University of Arts, London (UAL) grading criteria throughout the course, both internally and by an external moderator. At the end of each unit you will present a portfolio of work for grading. Live briefs will include formal presentation to the client. Your final major project is exhibited as part of the Arts Festival in June/July which is open to the public. In order to gain a full Extended Diploma, you must pass all the course units.

Entry requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above including English Language and Maths
Students will normally take part in an interview prior to being enrolled on the programme
Applicants are advised to bring a portfolio of work to their interview in order to demonstrate their interests and abilities
Where applicants do not quite meet the entry requirements, the tutor may use their discretion based on the portfolio and interview

Equipment required

You will require a basic personal and portable kit of materials, equipment and printing at the cost of approximately £130. You will need to buy a kit for both the Diploma and Extended Diploma year. Your tutor will advise you on these.

Your next steps...

Employment – This course can form the foundations for a range of creative occupations including Graphic Designer, Artist, Entrepreneur, Fashion or Textile Designer, Illustrator, Fine Artist, Interior Designer, Product, Jewellery or Ceramic Designer or Teacher.

Education – You could progress to university, studying a variety of art, design, fashion and crafts disciplines or other Higher Education pathways, including a Fine Art (BA) degree.

Additional information

https://www.barnsley.ac.uk/course/art-and-design-level-3-extended-diploma-full-time

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