Art and Design - Level 2 (UAL)
Summary
The aim of this course is to provide a fundamental understanding of the materials, techniques and processes used in Art & Design. Our purpose is to guide your learning supplying you with essential knowledge of how to use the creative process, research methods, idea and concept development, the use of appropriate materials and methods, evaluation and reflection of creative practice.
You will have access to excellent facilities and staff with specialist 'real world' skills that will develop you for your future career and as part of your preparation for moving to a Level 3 qualification. This course primarily attracts school leavers but we welcome those learners keen on upgrading skills and returning to study.
Next course dates
| Start date | Location | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
02 Sep 2026
|
University Centre
|
1 Year
|
Where can this subject lead?
Career progression
The majority of students progress onto Level 3 courses here with us at Blackpool and The Fylde College and other institutions. This could include: Art & Design, Fashion, Interiors & Textiles, Graphic Design, Photography, Media, Music, Performing Arts and Acting.
Students may also apply for Level 3 Creative Apprenticeships to gain further qualifications in the workplace.
The North West has a burgeoning creative industry supported by significant investment in recent projects including Media City, Salford. However, the multi-disciplinary nature of a diploma in Art & Design 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.
Key information
Entry Requirements
4 GCSEs grade 3 - 1 including 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
Diploma in Art and DesignFees 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
Essential materials such as sketch books are supplied initially as well as access to specialist and industry standard equipment. Learners 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.
Regulation and Accreditation
Accrediting Institution: N/A
Awarding Body: UAL
Terms and conditions
Read our terms and conditions for more information.
What will I learn?
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 learners to attend research trips organised by Blackpool School of Arts.
Previous research trips have taken students to 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 learner projects.
How will I learn?
Through this course you will:
- Have a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within art, design or related subjects of study or work
- Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions
- Understand, adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production
- Solve complex problems through the application of art, design or related practical, theoretical and technical understanding
- Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results
- Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for own learning, development and decision-making
- Take responsibility for the research, planning, time management and actions to access progression opportunities
- Effectively present yourself and your work to appropriate audiences
You will be working on practical assignments where you will be producing art and 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.
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.