Art, Design & Digital Media UAL Diploma Level 2
starts 08/09/2025

The UAL Awarding Body Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design has been designed to maximise your career prospects and widen your options for further or higher study. Our full-time study programmes has been designed to provide students with an interest in art and design with the opportunity to explore materials, methods and processes that support art and design activities, and to begin to develop some related technical skills in areas including fine art, animation, and others.
Many students will have identified a specific career in the creative industries that they wish to progress to such as fashion designer, graphic designer, or architect, and will use this qualification as a starting point.

The Level 2 qualification is a one year course that enables students to:
Be introduced to the materials, methods, processes and technical skills that support art and design activity
Gain an understanding of the context in which art and design activity is located
Have an opportunity to test their interests in art and design
Develop an awareness of the value of research to support art and design activity
Be introduced to drawing skills necessary to support creative activity in art and design
Develop an understanding of the role of communication skills in the development of ideas
Have an opportunity to use the knowledge, understanding and skills developed to identify, research and produce a personal art and design project

The UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design will offer two pathways:
Art & Design with drawing, mixed media, printmaking, painting and three-dimensional design
Art & Design with drawing, mixed media, animation, graphic design and photography

You’ll need at least four GCSEs grades 3-1 including English and Maths and at least one in a relevant subject. We’ll also ask to see a portfolio of your art/design work and invite you for an interview.

The qualification is made up of eight units that are delivered through vocational learning that relate to the art and design sector. Initially, the award makes up the first two units of the level 2, which are internally assessed and verified through students’ portfolios of evidence against the unit outcomes and assessment criteria.
In addition, students will then complete six units to make up the Diploma that provide both a stimulating and supportive experience. Units 3-7 are also internally assessed and verified before completing one large ‘final major project’ at the end of the course when students are at their best. This final unit is internally assessed and externally moderated by UAL Awarding Body, who will award one of the following grades: fail, pass, merit or distinction.

In the first instance please send a message to arts@boltoncc.ac.uk

You need to speak to one of our tutors before you can enrol on to this course therefore, please use the 'apply' button on this screen to register your interest.

Alongside your studies, you’ll have a unique opportunity to be part of the University of Bolton’s EXCEED programme.
This will give you a range of additional skills and experiences, and includes masterclasses; university visits; access to industry experts; and mentoring and support with your university application, perfect for that next step into Higher Education.
After you have completed the course you could remain in College and progress on to the Art & Design Diploma Level 2 or an alternative provision.
Check out opportunities at the University of Bolton by visiting www.bolton.ac.uk
Following a career path in the art, design and digital media industry, you could choose to work as:
• An Artist, earning up to £28,000 a year, depending on experience
• Professional Photographer, earning up to £30,000 on average
• A Jewellery Designer, earning between £15,000 and £50,000 a year depending on experience

Tuition Fee: £2220.00

You can opt to pay these fees in monthly instalments. You can set this up during the enrolment.
Courses fees are subject to change.

Assessment

All learners will complete an individual learning plan which will be discussed with their tutor throughout the course.

Financial

You may not have to pay tuition fees at all, if you fall into one of the groups eligible for fee exemptions. If you feel you may be eligible or would like someone to explain course fees in more detail, pleasecontact us via our Live Chat service available on any page of our website.

Adult Learners

Adult learners (19+) must provide evidence of their existing qualification at enrolment. Learners may not be able to enrol if this information is not provided when requested. If you have lost any certificates please contact your school in the first instance. If they are unable to provide a copy, you can contact one of the following exam boards (your school will be able to tell you which one applies to the exams you took):

• OCR: www.ocr.org.uk
• Edexcel: www.edexcel.com
• AQA: www.aqa.org.uk

Helpline

The best way to contact us is via our Live Chat service available from any page of our website. We endeavour to staff this service from 9am – 7pm, Monday to Thursdays and until 4pm on Fridays (during term time).
Bolton College works hard to ensure that the information provided is accurate.
All courses are offered subject to student numbers and the College reserves the right to amend, withdraw or amalgamate any of the courses, fees, services, locations or facilities described at any time.

Studying at College

The health and safety of our learners and staff is still very important to us and so there may continue to be an element of study outside of the classroom during the, academic year. The proportion of these hours will depend on the individual qualification(s) being undertaken. You must do the work set during these times or it will impact your progress on the course and therefore your achievement.

Equalities Statement

The College will treat all members of the community equally and will not favour any particular individual or group. English is our principal language but we will endeavour to provide information relating to this document in other formats and languages. If customers require this type of support they should contact the Recruitment & Relations Manager at customer.services@boltoncc.ac.uk

Safeguarding Statement

Bolton College are committed to ensuring that learners have a right to feel safe wherever they learn, in the classroom or online. If you have any personal safety or other worries, for example, feeling bullied; being made to feel uncomfortable or experiencing an inappropriate situation when you are attending college, please speak to the tutor, a member of the Reception Team or contact the College Safeguarding Team on 01204 482180 or via safeguarding@boltoncc.ac.uk

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.