UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design: Visual Communication Pathway

GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualifications) - Edinburgh College

Course description

Looking to explore your creative potential within Graphic Design, User Experience Design, Digital Media Design and Communication Design?

These disciplines combine creativity with communication, preparing students for careers in design studios, media agencies, and the wider creative industries. This one-year UAL Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 Advanced Highers and offers a dynamic, practical introduction to the broader field of Visual Communications.

The course is suited to school-leavers or adult returners looking to expand their existing skills and portfolio before moving on to study a Foundation Diploma or HNDs and Degrees in Graphic Design, User Experience and Visual Communications.

A range of industry-focused briefs gives you stimulating opportunities throughout the year to produce and present effective design outcomes within our design studios and MacLabs. You will experiment with traditional and digital Visual Communications techniques, develop transferable skills and learn how ethical and sustainable design principles shape the creative industries.

Reflecting on your own creative designs and other Artists' and Designers' work allows you to identify your strengths and which area of Graphic Design, Digital Media Design, User Experience Design and Communication Design interests you for further exploration. You will use industry-specific software alongside sketchbooks to explore your ideas and concepts, while investigating the work of historical and contemporary designers to contextualise and critically evaluate your own work. Design thinking and the design process underpin the course, giving you the skills to realise and produce successful digital outcomes for both print and web.

Our experienced lecturers will guide you in creating a professional portfolio and completing a personal project for your final assessment.

Our students go on to thrive and progress to our UAL Foundation Diploma, HND Graphics and User Experience, or directly to Visual Communications degree courses across the UK.

Recent offers that our UAL level 3 students have gained in previous years:

UAL Foundation Diploma at Edinburgh College
HND Visual Communications: User Experience at Edinburgh College
HND Visual Communications: Graphics at Edinburgh College

Entry requirements

Minimum of four National 5’s or above, including Art and Design and English

UAL Level 2 Diploma or SQA NC / FA in a related subject.
You must submit a portfolio of practical artwork that demonstrates your creative potential.
A good general understanding of the creative process from either a school, college, or previous study and experience.
Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course.

Progression

Progression on successful completion of the course onto an HND within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College, for example, HND Visual Communications: Graphics or User Experience at Edinburgh - dependent on portfolio review.
Progression on successful completion of the course onto the UAL Foundation Diploma within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College - dependent on portfolio review.
Progression possible to degree-level study - dependent on each institution’s specific entry requirements.

Career opportunities