What will I study?
You’ll study a range of units designed to develop your creative thinking, technical skills, and professional practice:
Diploma (1 year):
Unit 1: The Creative Process Unit 2: Developing Creative Practice Unit 3: Responding to a Set Brief
Extended Diploma (2 years): Includes all Diploma units plus:
Unit 4: Researching a Specialist Industry Practice Unit 5: Specialist Technical Skills Development Unit 6: Specialist Creative Outcome
Across these units, you’ll explore 2D, 3D, and 4D creative practices, learn to respond to vocational briefs, conduct research, refine your visual language, and develop a final project that showcases your unique creative identity.
What previous qualifications or experience do I need?
Minimum five grade 4-9 at GCSE or successful completion of the Level 2 course, and English or maths at grade 4. A portfolio of work will be required.
How will I be assessed?
Portfolio of Evidence for Units 1, 2, 4, and 5 Graded Synoptic Assignment for Unit 3 (Diploma) Graded Synoptic Project for Unit 6 (Extended Diploma) Assessment includes written, visual, oral, and digital formats Internally assessed and externally moderated Final grade awarded: Pass, Merit, or Distinction
What qualification will I achieve?
UAL Level 3 Diploma (and then Extended Diploma) in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
What can I do after completing this course?
Step confidently into the creative industries or higher education! Graduates of the UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma are equipped with a professional portfolio, real-world experience, and the creative mindset sought by employers and universities alike. You could progress to a degree in art, design, fashion, media, or performance—or dive straight into roles like graphic designer, illustrator, filmmaker, UX designer, or curator. Apprenticeships, freelance opportunities, and entrepreneurial ventures also await. This course doesn’t just prepare you for a job—it prepares you for a creative career.
Are there any extra costs?
You will need to purchase essential art and design equipment. There is a compulsory requirement to have an art box with everyday art materials and an A1 portfolio that holds plastic sleeves, as this will facilitate the external moderation process. You are required to work in A3/A4 hardback sketchbooks.
Additional Info
This course provides a high-quality alternative to A-Levels and involves compulsory trips and visits, usually one trip per term, to galleries, museums and sculpture parks.
Humans of ESC 'The Student Portrait Series - Eloise
Level 3 Art & Design student Eloise Watts at East Sussex College’s Lewes campus is discovering the full potential of her creativity. College has helped her realise she can turn her passion into a career, providing guidance, skills, and opportunities to exhibit her work. Inspired by artists like Otto Dix, Eloise creates thought-provoking pieces that reflect her unique voice and artistic journey, building confidence for a future in the arts.
Art & Design Students Awarded Honorary Fellowships Following Textile Project at East Sussex College
Level 3 Art & Design students at East Sussex College’s Lewes campus have been awarded Honorary Fellowships of the West India Committee for their powerful textile project exploring the British West Indies Regiment’s role in the Great War. As part of the Festival of Futures, students researched, designed, and created large-scale banners, gaining new skills and giving recognition to underrepresented histories. The banners will be publicly displayed, linking creativity with real-world impact.
Students Honoured at Royal Ballet & Opera House Design Challenge Awards Ceremony
Five East Sussex College students were nationally recognised at the Royal Ballet & Opera Design Challenge 2025, held at the Royal Opera House. Winners Indigo-Pacha Reynolds (Costume Design) and Jaina Chandler (Marketing Strategy), along with commended students Maia Poole-Wilson, Viola Doncheva, and Summer Baker, impressed with their creative work inspired by The Winter’s Tale. The awards offered hands-on industry experience, backstage access, and a chance to showcase their talent at one of the UK’s most iconic performance venues.