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Art & Design, First Diploma Level 2

  • 2

    Level
    Level 2

  • Duration
    1 year

  • Start Date
    September 2025

  • Venue
    CCN-Main Campus

  • Course Code
    A4522

Start Date

  • September 2025, Full Time

Summary

Students work towards the University of the Arts London (UAL) Level 2 Art and Design Diploma during one year of study.
Study includes 2 and 3-dimensional visual language, exploring the art, craft and design work of others, and applying the creative process through printmaking, painting, drawing, textiles, sculpture, photography and digital art. You will also learn written, research and IT skills. This is all underpinned with a love of drawing. In the creative process, traditional techniques and digital media are explored and you will choose your own pathways toward the end of the course.

The course works with partners in the community to broaden students’ awareness of art , design employment and careers. May of the projects are linked to these partners who give “live brief” scenarios.

You will exhibit your work at an end of year Creative Arts Exhibition and the course supports a range of enrichment activities such as visits to galleries and museums.

In addition to your main programme you will also study English and Maths. Depending on your grades on entry you will study either Functional Skills or GCSE. Please check our English and Maths page for further information.

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 3 or above, including English Language, maths and Art & Design (or an art related subject at grade 3 or above). 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

The UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Award in Art and Design has been developed to provide students with an interest in art and design with the opportunity to explore the materials, methods and processes that support art and design activities, and to begin to develop some related technical skills. The qualification structure provides a linked introduction to the broad context within which art and design activity sits.

Objective

The Level 2 Award and Diploma in Art and Design will provide students with an introduction to art and design, enabling them to both re-engage with education and acquire the requisite knowledge, skills and understanding to progress to further education or employment in the creative industries.
The qualifications will provide students with:

An introductory experience to some of the materials, methods, processes and technical skills that support art and design activity
An introductory understanding of the context in which art and design activity is located
An opportunity to test student interest in art and design activities
Development of an awareness of the value of research to support art and design activity
An introduction to drawing skills necessary to support creative activity in art and design
Development of an understanding of the role of communication skills in the development of ideas
An opportunity to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed throughout the qualification to identify, research and produce a personal art and design project

Assessment

The University of the Arts London (UAL) Level 2 Diploma in Art , Design is assessed through a series of projects that are designed to broaden student's skills, experience and expertise. The projects are multi-disciplinary and require students to work collaboratively and pro-actively with fellow students as well as external clients and stakeholders. A final end-point assessment (commonly referred to as the Final Project) decides the student's overall grade for the year which is graded as: PASS/MERIT or DISTINCTION.

Progression

Successful completion of the Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design will provide direct entry onto one of our UAL Level 3 Applied General Extended Diploma Art & Design pathways:

Architecture & 3D Design
Art & Design
Digital Arts and Animation
Fashion Textiles
Fine Art
Graphic Design & Illustration
Photography

The Level 2 Art & Design is also an excellent foundation for our UAL Level 3 Fashion, Business and Retail and our UAL Level 3 Creative Media Production courses.

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, Suffolk One, Bradford School of Art and Central St Martins to ensure that our students are ready and prepared for their next step. 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.

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.

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