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Key details

Course area
Art and Design
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 2
Start date
Tuesday 1st September 2026
Location
25 Stoney Street 25 Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1LP
Course code
Parent course code:C000285 Child course code: Q001668
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Course introduction

If you love a creative challenge, have a keen eye for detail and have a growing talent for drawing, painting and designing, this course is perfect for you, especially if you need to re-take GCSE English and/or GCSE Maths.

You’ll learn how to explore your interest in art and design using different 2D and 3D materials and methods.

Practical activities include:

  • Drawing
  • Painting
  • Sculpture
  • Graphic design
  • Model-making
  • Textiles
  • Print-making
  • Digital design

You will also learn how to develop your ideas into works of art that you’re proud of. You will be supported to develop individual areas of interests in your creative work, through discussion, research and ongoing evaluation. This is an ideal springboard to develop your creative talents.

All students will continue weekly studies of English and Maths (Functional Skills or GCSE) as part of the Programme of Study at a relevant level, unless you have already achieved GCSE Grade 4 or above in English and Maths. These are essential skills and qualifications for future progression.

You can expect lots of opportunities to visit art galleries and exhibitions, both locally and nationally. You’ll also take part in a yearly studio-based art show, live project briefs and competitions.

You will develop employability skills in presenting your work, communicating with others, working within teams, selling your work, and problem solving. You will building an understanding of different career paths in the Creative Industries which will prepare you progress to further study at Level 3.

Course information

1 year

UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design

You’ll need 4 GCSEs at grades 9–3 (A*–D), including English Language and Maths – one of English Language or Maths must be grade 9–4 (A*–C). Functional Skills Level 1 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 3 (D) and Functional Skills Level 2 can be used as equivalent to GCSE grade 4 (C) or above. You will preferably need a GCSE Grade 3 in Art/Design and Technology/Textiles/Photography.

You will be invited to an informal interview to meet Art and Design Tutors and you will need to bring evidence of art work from your GCSE in Art/Design and Technology/Textiles/Photography or art work done in your own time to this interview. This will help tutors guide you onto the right course and level.

Assessment is continuous sketchbooks and projects with a final assessment in Term 3 through a Final Major Project.

Choose to follow with further study at Nottingham College on a Level 3 Art and Design, Fashion and Textiles or Photography and Digital Media course. We will help you with your next steps.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Welcome to our Creative Arts campus - 25 Stoney Street

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Artists

Potential Earnings

£64,650.85

Average Earnings

£34,571.20

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Architecture and Planning

People in these occupations design construction projects, prepare technical drawings and blueprints, survey land, and plan land use.

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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