Art and Design Practice Commercial Design (3D, Fashion and Interiors) (Advanced) - Level 3
Overview
The Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design is structured in two distinct pathways – Image Making and Commercial Design - both are designed for progressing onto higher level study courses at university, and working directly in the creative industries.
The course is a full-time programme split into two stages:
- Year 1 - Foundation Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A Levels on completion of one year)
- Year 2 - Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels on completion of the two years)
Following successful completion of the National Diploma in year 1 you may then progress to a second year of study on the Extended Diploma.
The design industry is focussed on designing, prototyping and making an object or product for a purpose. On the Commercial Design Pathway you will focus on skills for the fashion, interiors and 3D sectors but also learn the fundamentals of art and design such as drawing, art history, idea generation and professional presentation.
You are encouraged to be experimental; to develop innovative concepts, combine skills and push the boundaries of what design can be.
Fashion – design, pattern cutting, manufacture using industrial machines and promotion.
Interiors – surface design (e.g. wallpapers, fabric patterns), textiles, printmaking, illustration, digital design and trend prediction.
3D – product design (e.g. jewellery, lighting, decorative objects) ceramics, sculpture, material manipulation and working to scale.
Start dates and fees
| Start Date | Code | Annual Fee (Age) | Actions |
| 16-18 | over 19 |
| Sep 2023 | 2303A1592 | FREE | FREE* to £2882.00 | Apply |
* If you are aged 19-23 and studying your first Level 3 course then that course may be free. Please contact us for more details. If you are aged 19 or over and either studying a second Level 3 course or qualifying Level 4, 5 or 6 course you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the costs.
What will I study?
- 3D Design
- Painting and drawing
- Print making
- Designing for interiors
- Fashion and textiles and fine art
Entry requirements
- Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above.
- Or, a relevant Level 2 qualification at merit level.
Both require a portfolio of evidence of media work.
If you are a young person who is not currently studying a traditional GCSE programme, we will consider alternative qualifications such as functional skills and vocational qualifications.
Please contact our admissions team for further information - admissions@wnc.ac.uk.
Applicants aged over 19:
- If you do not have the entry requirements listed above you may still be accepted to study if you can provide relevant experience, a strong portfolio of work and a commitment to the subject.
Study programmes - essential skills for employment
As an entry requirement on some of our courses, you will need a GCSE in both English and maths with at least a grade 4/C (please see entry requirements above).
If this isn’t displayed under the entry requirements and you don’t currently have a GCSE in both English and maths at grade 4/C or above before joining us, you will then study English and maths as part of your programme with the aim of achieving a qualification with at least a grade 4/C. This is to help improve your chances of employment once you leave us.
In addition, to help you gain essential skills for employment, all students aged 19 and under and studying a full-time course with us will take part in our study programmes.
How long is the course?
2 years.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment takes place through controlled assignments set by tutors and the examining board which are externally verified.
You will take part in projects and practical workshops based on realistic workplace situations.
What can I progress onto?
Career opportunities