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Fine Art Extended Diploma Level 3

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2026

  • Venue
    City College Norwich campus

  • Course Code
    A0267

Start Date

  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

On 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. 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).

Enjoyable, varied and challenging. You will learn specialist skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and digital media; alongside studying historical and contemporary artists and designers. You will be guided through unites within studio projects. As you progress you will develop skills in problem solving, generating, developing and refining ideas and analytical & communication skills.

In the summer term you will be working on a major project developing ideas in a chosen specialist area. Year two aims to support you in developing an individual creative pathway and specialist portfolio of work. You will be working more independently through a self-generated final major project, and will exhibit work in an end of year show. You will also have the opportunity to present your work in an external exhibition and develop additional skills in public art curation promotion. The focus of your studies will be towards intended progression to Higher Education or working in creative industries.

You will be guided through the units within studio projects. There will be a series of gallery visits to London and visits within Norwich and Norfolk.

Entry Requirements

Achieve five GCSE's at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Art & Design (or an art-related subject).

You will also be invited in for an interview and art journal review which forms a core part of the selection process

How You Will Be Assessed

In your first year, you complete a thematic project which is set, assessed and graded by UAL Awarding Body and taken under controlled conditions (like GCSE Art). This is worth 50% of overall grade for the two-year course.
In your second year you 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.

Course 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 Media Learning Company and Access to HE Creative Arts 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.

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

Where Your Course Can Take You

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 to 18 on 31st August before the start of your course, your tuition fees will be free. If you are aged 19 and over, please contact the Advice Shop for more information by email at information@ccn.ac.uk or by calling 01603 773773.

All students will need to provide their own basic equipment, with a list provided during induction. A basic laptop or Chrome Book would really help throughout this two-year course. 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.