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Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication

  • BERKSHIRE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
  • LEVEL 3

Course Overview

This course is for those wanting to develop their art skills further through a wide range of art and design mediums to pursue a specialist career in the creative industries. Our students are introduced to the creative process through a series of exploratory sessions and practical, themed, projects covering a range of disciplines including graphic design, textiles, photography, fine art, 3D and 4D design.

These projects are underpinned with an insight into the work of artists and designers which develops students’ understanding of design principles and enabling the skills to visualise their ideas. Students develop a portfolio of work to make applications to university, training programmes, apprenticeships or self-employment.

You will learn through a combination of workshops, practical/theory sessions, lectures, online sessions, practical assignment work and regular reflective practice. The study programme culminates in an Art Show open to the public.

Course Code

FF3CART3B0

End Date

Fri, 04 Jul 2025

Entry Requirements

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, maths and art (or a strong portfolio of creative work).

Course information

Units are embedded into projects, projects explore:

The creative process
Developing creative practice
Responding to a set brief

2 Years There is also the option for learners to study for a one-year diploma qualification.

You will learn through a combination of workshops, practical/theory sessions, lectures, online sessions, practical assignment work and regular reflective practice. We also work on live community based projects, trips and visits and invite industry professionals to critique and feedback to our students.

This course is very practical. Coursework is currently internally assessed. We assess in a variety of ways including sketchbook work, annotations, portfolio building, Q&A’s, presentations, video work, practical outcomes and critique sessions.

Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (Year 1). Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (Year 2)

Our Level 3 students undertake 3 weeks of industry placement across the two years.

You will be well-prepared to go out into the world of work through seminar exploration and skills development sessions and to a destination suited to your individual progression.

You will also get to work on live projects with cross-college departments and external clients as part of our professional development sessions. We also invite visiting speakers to meet with you and to run specialist workshops.

Progress to higher education, employment or apprenticeship.

Level 3

You will be asked to provide a portfolio of previous and current artwork at interview. Uniform: You will need a washable apron and an old shirt to wear during practical projects. Avoid wearing your best shoes or trainers!

Your kit list is:

A plastic toolbox – to store your art materials (please stick to rectangle toolboxes, not square storage boxes, as these don’t fit on our storage shelves). Max size: 40cm(L) x 21cm(W) x 20cm(H)
Derwent pencil set – set of 12 Graphic Medium (6B – 4H)
Glue stick (Pritt Stick)
A selection of black & coloured fine liners
Watercolour set – palette or tubes depending on your preference (especially white)
Acrylic paint starter set (primary colours), A selection of pointed paint brushes – small, medium, large
USB SD Card reader, SD card (16Gb or larger)
Eraser, Pencil sharpener, Scissors for cutting paper
A basic sewing set – with pins, needles, small scissors and threads (can be sourced at pound shops)
Something to use as a water pot, a plastic cup or empty yoghurt pot or a small dessert ramekin dish, this will need to fit in your toolbox for storage

Optional ‘extras’: Posca Pen set, Dressmaking pins, Car wash sponge.

You are expected to keep these resources stocked up.

All Art & Design Students to pay an additional Studio Charge at Enrolment – this covers materials used in their exploratory lessons: paper, paint, ink, fabric, fabric dye, clay, wire, plaster etc.

Please note: Additional costs for materials may be required for all final outcomes and FMP’s or additional materials may need to be supplied by the student.

Book an open day & come visit us!

Come along to one of our open days and explore everything on offer.