Tattooing and Commercial Arts - Level 3 (UAL)

Summary

Tattooing and commercial arts have become increasingly mainstream over the past three decades with exponential growth in the industry and a real diversification in styles.

For anyone interested in building up a creative portfolio and developing a foundational understanding of the artistic techniques that underpin these practices (before they even pick up a tattooing pen) , our Level 3 Diploma in Tattooing and Commercial Arts is the perfect starting point.

During the course, you’ll learn how to develop unique tattoo designs, explore different styles and understand how to bring your ideas to life on paper and digital platforms. Tailored for 16 to 18-year-olds, this diploma offers hands-on experience in drawing, illustration, and commercial art principles without involving actual tattooing.

Whether you dream of becoming a professional tattoo artist or want to build a strong portfolio in commercial art, this course will equip you with the creativity, confidence, and skills to succeed in the vibrant world of tattoo design and beyond.

Next course dates

Start date	Location	Duration
02 Sep 2026	University Centre	2 Years	Apply now

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

This course prepares you for both direct entry into employment and progression into higher education.

Students choosing to stay at Blackpool and The Fylde College can progress onto our degree-level programmes which offer the flexibility of studying for one, two or three years, starting with an HNC at Level 4 and culminating in a full BA (Hons) degree at Level 6.

Alternatively, students can look to secure entry-level roles in the creative industries which are currently flourishing in the North West thanks to significant investment in projects like Media City, Salford.

The multi-disciplinary nature of a diploma in Art and Design also means graduating students will develop the skills to work towards a number of different industry environments and respond to a range of varying market demands.

Next steps at B&FC

HNC/HND in Art and Design or Graphic Design followed by a one-year BA (Hons) Top-Up Degree in Creative Practice.

Employment Opportunities

Having completed their course, students can look to secure entry-level work in tattooing or commercial arts. To become a fully fledged tattoo artist, they will need to undertaken further training (either separately or under the guidance of an existing tattoo artist) which will enable them to work apply their designs to skin. If their interest lies in commercial art, they might look to find roles as a junior in a creative studio or design agency.

Key information

Entry Requirements

4 GCSEs grade 4 or above in English and Maths, along with the following:

A successful interview with a tutor
The ability to study independently
A genuine interest in the subject
Good communication skills
Hardworking approach towards the industry

Qualification obtained

Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

Fees and funding

Courses for learners who are 16-18 years old at the start of their course and resident in the UK are fully funded. You may also be entitled to further financial help to support your studies depending on your personal circumstances. For more details of these, please visit our page on Finance Support for School Leavers.

If you are not a UK resident, we will confirm whether funding is available when we process your application. If not, you may be liable for course fees.

Extra costs and equipment

Students will have access to industry standard equipment from the beginning of the course.

At the start of the course essential materials such as sketch books are supplied as well as access to specialist and industry standard equipment. Students thereafter, are expected to cover the costs of their art materials and an indicative list of materials is supplied at the start of the course.

Students may wish to buy additional sketchbooks and these can be purchased from a wide range of outlets from as much as £3 upwards depending on quality. Students may also wish to purchase additional higher quality materials for designs. Again, these can be purchased or upcycled depending on the project outcomes.

Students will also have access to industry standard software such as Photoshop, illustrator and other adobe products. Access to laser cutting and 3D printing is also available to Art & Design students on this course. We have large fully equipped traditional print room that is used to support student projects.

Regulation and Accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: UAL

Regulatory Body: Ofsted

Terms and conditions

Read our full terms and conditions for more information.

What will I learn?

Year One

This year is primarily investigative - testing and exploring, learning visual language, materials processes and techniques, also how to research and contextually understand the wider art world. Learning how to use the creative process and modify and adapt these processes to suit your working practices.

Year Two

Builds on learning and achievements in Year One.

The second year unit is used to refine and develop your skills and our aim is also to support your progression to Higher Education by producing a portfolio of your work ready for interviews.

You will be working on practical assignments where you will be producing tattoo and commercial design work, with a wide variety of techniques, materials, and methods. In addition, you will be given the opportunity to investigate experimental approaches to your work, combining traditional and digital methods. You will be expected to research, plan, explore, develop, produce and then evaluate and reflect on your ideas.

Essential skills: English and Maths

All school leavers at B&FC are encouraged to continue developing their English and maths skills as higher ability in both these subjects is linked to long-term career success and increased earning potential - irrespective of how well you performed at GCSE. If, however, you achieve a GCSE Grade 3 or less in either subject, you will also have the opportunity to work towards re-sitting these to enhance your paper-based qualifications. This won’t delay your career journey because you will be undertaking this programme of study at the same time as your chosen subject.

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

The course encourages students to attend the research trips which are organised for the Extended Diploma course.

Previous research trips have taken students to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, Tate Liverpool, The Walker Art Gallery, Royal Academy, National Gallery, Tate Modern and Tate Britain.

Research trips play an important role on the course and student projects.

The trips are supplied by the college at no additional cost to students.

How will I learn?

The primary teaching method is specialist workshop based demonstration and experimentation which is supported by individual and group based projects and briefs.

Expert tutors

All tutors involved in the delivery of courses and apprenticeships within the College are approved to teach the subjects and modules they deliver.

Our recruitment process ensures that tutors delivering a given programme are suitably qualified and, where appropriate, possess relevant technical and industrial experience and a familiarity with professional practice. The aim of this is to enrich students’ learning experience, giving them an insight into what working in the industry is really like.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is specifically designed to include a range of assessment types and styles suited to vocational qualifications in the sector. There are three main forms of assessment: External, Internal and Synoptic. All of these are types of coursework assessments. At the end of your first year you will have an externally set and assessed piece of coursework.

Achievement in the qualification requires a demonstration of depth of study in each unit, assured acquisition of a range of practical skills required for employment or progression to HE, and successful development of transferable skills. Students achieving a qualification will have achieved across mandatory units including external and synoptic assessment.

Units are assessed using a grading scale of Distinction, Merit, Pass and Unclassified.