ART AND DESIGN Level 3 Extended Diploma

Level 3
Further Education
Armagh Campus
Newry Campus
OCR

Overview

The Art and Design Level 3 Extended Diploma is a dynamic and creative program designed for individuals passionate about exploring various artistic disciplines and developing their skills in art and design. This course provides a comprehensive foundation in both traditional and contemporary practices, allowing students to express their creativity while honing their technical abilities.

Throughout the programme, students will engage with a wide range of artistic mediums, including painting, drawing, photography, graphic design and sculpture. The curriculum emphasises experimentation and innovation, encouraging learners to develop a personal style and portfolio that reflects their unique artistic vision.

This level 3 art and design qualification provides an understanding of art, design and craft through engagement with the work of artists and designers. Students will have the opportunity to gain practical and creative skills by working with the 2D and 3D materials, processes and techniques of your choice. Available options include photography, graphic design, 3D, fine art and print.

This course is equivalent to three A-Levels.

The ethos of the course is project-based learning that enhances the student experience whilst working with and alongside industry and events.

Applicants must be at least 16 years of age on or before 1st July in the year of proposed entry to the course and have recently been in education to key stage 4 (completion of compulsory education).
The College will review the qualifications and/or experience held by applicants and will consider whether this profile shows an ability to progress towards a level 3 qualification.
Applicants must have achieved the following:

15 points or greater at GCSE, consisting of at least 4 GCSE at Grade C (or equivalent qualification profile from the Register of Regulated Qualifications). In certain circumstances the College may reduce this requirement if it is deemed that the candidate has demonstrated the commitment, understanding and knowledge of the subject.
A BTEC Level 2 Diploma or equivalent at Pass or above with an overall profile equating to 15 points.
A NVQ Level 2 (in relevant subject area).
Leaving Certificate – a profile equivalent to 12 points (of which 3 subjects must be achieved at Grade C3 or better at Ordinary Level) pre-2017. From 2017 onwards, 3 subjects must be achieved at 04 or better at Ordinary Level.

Applicants will be required to present a portfolio of evidence in art and design.
Attendance at Individual or Group Pre-Entry Advice Sessions (IPEAS and GPEAS) may be required. These interviews may take place either on campus, via telephone or video call (Microsoft teams) and will play an important role in the selection of all courses.
Applicants who do not possess GCSE English Language at Grade C or higher (or equivalent) must be able to demonstrate as part of their application they can communicate in written and spoken English language to an acceptable level to succeed in the course. The College reserves the right to refer any applicant to appropriate English language or literacy classes until their level of fluency in written and spoken English is sufficient to allow participation in other areas of study.
Students entering a full time Level 3 programme are expected to have already achieved a minimum of GCSE Grade C in English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). Applicants admitted to a full-time programme of study without these qualifications in will be required to undertake an Essential Skills course in Literacy and Numeracy. Applicants with a Grade D will also have the opportunity to undertake repeat classes in GCSE English Language and/or Mathematics.

There are 18 modules, which may include the following:

Fine Art Drawing
Fine Art Painting
How Artists use 2D Media
Illustration
Photography
Graphic Design
Textile Design
3D Art & Design
Printmaking
Creating Animation

Assessment is ongoing throughout each module. Students will present their research and development and outcomes in digital workbooks. Students will receive written feedback with areas for improvement identified. There are no examinations in the assessment process.

On successful completion of this course, students may wish to progress directly to a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or the Higher National Diploma course at SRC, or to degree courses at other institutions. The College offers Higher National Diploma qualifications in Graphic Design and Photography, which may lead to the Degree in Creative Imaging also offered at SRC. The College also offers a Higher National Diploma in Creative Media Production - Film.

Upon successful completion of the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, students will have developed a strong foundation in artistic techniques, critical thinking, and creative problem-solving. This qualification opens doors to careers as professional artists, graphic designers, illustrators, fashion designers, photographers, art directors, or art educators.