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Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice (Adult Course)

This course is suitable for students aged 19 and over.

You will learn in our specialist studio spaces including the ceramic studio, painting studio, colour and monochrome darkroom and digital labs, where you will explore a wide range of art disciplines.

From fine art painting, 3D studies and fashion to textiles, photography and graphic design, you'll build an extensive portfolio, alongside working on live briefs and projects with employers.

When will I start the course and how long will it take?

The course will start in September and will take two years to complete.

This course will take place at our Town Centre Campus, Water Street, St Helens, WA10 1PP.

What will I study?

You will cover the following units:

  • Visual recording and communication
  • Critical and contextual studies in art and design
  • The creative process
  • Materials, techniques and processes in art and design
  • Developing an art and design portfolio
  • Managing a client brief
  • Developing and realising creative intentions

There are also specialist units which may include:

  • Textile design
  • Graphic design
  • 3D design
  • Painting
  • Fashion
  • Printmaking

The course is practically based and develops your design skills and personal style, whilst enabling you to develop a portfolio of your work. The course also provides opportunities in career planning.

How is it assessed?

You will be assessed through a combination of assignments and projects.

Do I need any previous qualifications to start this course?

You should have four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and/or maths and an art and design-based subject.

What are the course fees?

The course fee is £8,583.

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your course fees. An Advanced Learner Loan enables you to study now, pay later. Loan eligibility is not dependent on income or employment status and there is no credit check. Loan repayments do not start until you have finished your course and earn over £25,000 per year. For more information on the Advanced Learner Loan, please visit our dedicated Advanced Learner Loan page.

What can I go on to do once I have completed this course?

As this course carries up to a maximum of 168 UCAS Tariff Points, you'll have the opportunity to progress on to university, to study a degree in art and design, interior design, fashion design or textiles.

University Centre St Helens also offers BA (Hons) Graphic Design and BA (Hons) Game Art, validated by university partner, the University of Chester.

Are you ready to apply?

Are you

ready to apply?

Simply fill in our online form here.

However, if you still have questions in relation to this course and wish to receive further information, please submit your enquiry here.


Please note, we have taken our utmost care to describe and show course information as accurately as possible. St Helens College reserves the right to amend, remove and add courses in the future. This information cannot be considered contractual and advertised course fees are subject to change.

Ref: Shirley Metcalfe/Jim Morgan

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Inspiring Success

Picture of our student, Dylan

"After having the freedom to explore and experiment with my interests creatively on my course, I now know that I want to be an Architect one day."

Dylan, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice

Read Dylan's full story
More Successes