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Digital Art and Illustration Extended Diploma Level 3

  • 3

    Level
    Level 3

  • Duration
    2 years

  • Start Date
    September 2026

  • Venue
    City College Norwich campus

  • Course Code
    A0634

Start Date

  • September 2026, Full Time, Day

What You Will Study

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 broad and diverse, hand-on practical course. The course mixes digital, online training, with 'off-line' and analogue art-studio materials and processes. The course helps you explore all kinds of drawing and image-making, including magazine and book illustrations, comics, graphic novels, and mixed media. You will get to sketch, draw, and create eye-catching images while learning how to interpret briefs, experiment with styles, and express ideas in your own unique way. You'll develop problem-solving skills, learn to tell stories through visuals, and improve your ability to research and create illustrations for different purposes.

You will be encouraged to think outside the box and push the boundaries of Digital Arts, Graphics and Illustration, both online and offline. With support from expert tutors, you'll gain the confidence to work independently and prepare for a creative career in visual storytelling.

Why Choose City College Norwich?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.

Entry Requirements

You will need to achieve five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English language and maths. A grade 4 or above is also required for GCSE Art or equivalent.

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.

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.

You will need to provide your own basic art equipment, with a list provided during induction. A basic laptop, Chrome Book or tablet would really help throughout this 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

Why Choose City College Norwich?

Industry standard facilities

At our college you will have access to industry-standard facilities and get to use top of the range equipment. On our campus you’ll find media suites, TV studios, design labs, workshops, hair & beauty salons, working kitchens and a live theatre.

Gain real experiences of work

All of our courses will provide you with outstanding experiences of work and prepare you for your future career. You will work with real employers and customers and build connections.

A unique student experience

This is what really sets us apart. At our college you will experience the freedom to be yourself. Being part of an active Students’ Union, having opportunities to travel and enjoying live entertainment are just a few of the amazing opportunities available to you.