Where will this course lead?

Our UAL Level 2 diploma will immerse you in the world of art and photography, getting you to grips with your raw skills and ambitions to succeed within a creative capacity.

The UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Award in Art & 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 photography activities, and to begin to develop some related technical skills. The course is taught vocationally, with an emphasis on the specialist skills you will need in the industry as well as the core, practical understanding that is essential to succeed.

We aim to prepare you for the next level of your studies with a range of skills and practice that will help you choose a specialism at level 3.

The course will also give you a vast range of employability skills.

What will I study?

Photography is a discipline that is very varied; we will work to briefs in the following areas:

- Art history and theory - through research and gallery visits

- Photographic studio processes

- Darkroom developing and printing

- Observational drawing

- Computer aided design, such as Photoshop & Lightroom

- 2D/3D/time-based creative problem solving

You will produce project work during the year that covers all these areas, with an emphasis on developing and responding to briefs in an independent and creative way.

How will this course be delivered?

You will study up to a maximum of 20 hours per week over a maximum of 4 days. Classes generally run between 9am-5pm but may vary.

Timetables will be given to all students during enrolment and induction week.

There are 8 units you will complete across the course of the academic year.

What qualifications will I get?

You will achieve an UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design at Pass, Merit or Distinction.

How will I be assessed?

All units will be internally assessed and internally verified through student's portfolios of evidence and are subject to UAL Awarding body's external quality assurance.

How do I get a place on the course?

You must complete an application form. Once your application has been registered you will be invited to attend an interview to determine your suitability for the subject and level.

Places on the course are offered following a successful interview where you must present a portfolio of your work and produce a positive reference.

You will also be invited to attend a welcome day in late June, where you will have the opportunity to view an exhibition of current students work, meet the teaching team and other students who will be beginning the course in September.

What are the entry requirements?

4 GCSEs at grade D/3 including English, a successful interview and a good reference from your school. If you have a learning difficulty or disability, please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we can help with this too.

What else do I need to know?

On starting the course you will be required to purchase a kit of standard art and design materials.

We expect a high level of attendance and punctuality to ensure you can achieve to your full potential.

Good levels of English and maths are important for success on your course, your chosen vocation and life. English and maths skills are embedded throughout your specialist pathway.

If you have not achieved a A*/9 - c/4 grade in English or maths at GCSE, or a level 2 functional skill, you will be working towards achieving that qualification at the appropriate level.

You will also need to provide any additional stationery which is required for your coursework.

If you have a learning difficulty or disability please let us know when you apply. You will be offered support in your interview. If you need help completing your application we assist with this too.

What can I do after this course?

If you achieve a merit grade or higher you will have the opportunity to apply for a level 3 specialist art or design pathway.