Course code
Attendance
Full time
Duration
2 years to achieve the full qualification
Intake
September only

Our UAL Art, Design and Communication Level 3 aims to develop your creative skills so that you can pursue a successful career in the dynamic world of Creative Art and Design. Manchester’s creative industries are booming. Manchester is one of the UK’s faster growing cities and, outside of London, the creative industries are growing faster than any other city in the UK. Therefore, there are many career prospects within the digital and creative industries and there are expected to be an increase in job opportunities over the next 10 years.

 Our courses cover a range of skill levels and a wide variety of creative disciplines. You will be encouraged to explore a variety of design skills and techniques through both course-led assignments and live brief opportunities. Applicants need to possess a sound artistic ability, good communication skills and the desire to express yourself creatively.

The course is split over two years. In the second year, you will focus and further explore your chosen specialist pathway. This course carries UCAS points, similar to A-levels, and enables learners to progress directly to their chosen higher education course

There are three specialist pathways you can choose to focus your studies on, either Art and Design, Interactive Media or Games Design.

ART AND DESIGN PATHWAY

This pathway aims to help you develop your creative design skills through a number of art disciplines including, Painting and Drawing, 3D Design, Fashion Textiles, Graphics, Surface Design and Photography. As you successfully progress through the course you will choose to focus on a specific design discipline to explore. This will be your main focus in year two and will give you the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in the creative design arts.

INTERACTIVE MEDIA PATHWAY

In this pathway you will be encouraged to explore your creative ideas and responses through a range of Interactive Media disciplines and pursue a successful career in the dynamic world of Digital Design. You will explore skills such as Graphics, Advertising, Stop Motion Digital Animation, 2D and 3D Digital Illustration, Interface Design and Social Media Skills. In the second year of the course you will have the opportunity to focus on one or a combination of these specialist fields to support your career choices.

GAMES DESIGN PATHWAY

Choosing the Games Design pathway will help you to develop your creative skills so that you can progress into further study in a range of games design disciplines and pursue a successful career in the dynamic world of games design. During the first year you will have the opportunity to study the cornerstones of games design: Software Skills and Techniques, Games App Design, Games Character Design, Mechanics of Game Play, 2D and 3D Animation, and Social Media Design. In the second year you will have the chance to focus on one or a combination of these specialist fields to support your career choice.

This programme offers the opportunity if appropriate for a 45-day (315 hour) industry placement to help you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours to progress into employment within the sector.

No exams - 100% coursework portfolio. All units/projects are internally assessed and externally moderated by the awarding body UAL.

Future career opportunities may include:

  • Graphic Designer
  • Photographer
  • Fashion/Costume Designer
  • Ceramic Artist
  • Games Designer
  • Merchandising
  • Interior Designer
  • Video/Digital Editor
  • Website Designer
  • Art Director
  • Illustrator
  • Fine Artist
  • Advertising
  • Curator

There will be additional costs for some photographic materials and colour computer printouts. Other materials that you will need is an art pack and sketchbooks/mounting boards.

It is important to be prepared for all lessons that you attend on your study programme.

Positive Futures is a set of essential qualities, embedded throughout your study programme, that we seek to develop in all students: 

  • Commitment
  • Collaboration
  • Confidence
  • Resilience

You will also engage in the Positive Futures Careers Programme, developing key employability skills through a diverse range of activities including work placements, volunteering, employer talks, industry study visits and employment and university fairs.

For Level 3 Art, Design and Communication: 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (including English Language and either Art or Design) OR GCSE 9-4 in English Language & Art or Design and a Merit on the Level 2 Art & Design Level 2 Course. If Art/Design not studied at GCSE, need to present a portfolio of work.

As a Bury College student you will have access to a wide range of enrichment opportunities which will contribute to your personal growth and development and support your academic studies. 

These may include:

  • Art Club
  • Chess Club
  • Dance, Drama and Singing Workshops
  • Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Gaming Hub
  • Music Club
  • Pride Club
  • Student Ambassador Scheme
  • A wide range of sport including Badminton, Cricket, Football, Fitness Training, Nerf, Netball, Volleyball and Table Tennis.

Please Note: We attempt to ensure that all information contained within this website is correct and up-to-date. However, some details may change as we review and update our provision. Although every effort is made to provide the teaching, examination, assessment and other services detailed on this website and in our other publications, Bury College cannot guarantee the provision of such programmes, services, facilities and fees. Bury College reserves the right to amend, withdraw, alter or amalgamate any of the courses, locations and facilities detailed within at any time. Should circumstances require such amendments, Bury College undertakes to use all reasonable steps to minimise the resultant disruption to those services and most importantly to students.

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Careers in Art, Design & Photography

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