Art & Design

L3 Level 3
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
Barry Campus

About this course

The Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design is an exciting and innovative course exploring disciplines such as ceramics, textiles, graphic design, printing, fine art and 3D materials such as wire, plaster, jewellery making etc.

The Course is underwritten by University of Art, London which has a reputation as a world class university and was ranked 2nd in the world for Art and Design in the 2021 QS World University Rankings.

While studying with us you will have access to specialist studios where you will be encouraged to explore materials and techniques. You will be able to utilise the Learning Zone which stocks a fantastic range of current visual arts journals and books as well as having access to online content and this will help to support your learning and development.

Your course will also guide you into the world of contemporary art and design and where you find yourself within this. You will explore who you are as a practitioner and how your work adds to the current visual narrative.

The level 3 Diploma is the first Year of a 2 Year course which has been designed to provide you with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress into degree level study in art and design or into employment within the Creative Industries. Completion of Year 1 provides you with a Diploma in Art and Design at Level 3 and is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels. Completion of Year 2 provides you with an Extended Diploma in Art and Design at Level 3 and is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

What you will study

On this course, students will study the following:

  • Painting and Drawing
  • Print
  • Textiles
  • Ceramics
  • Studio Skills
  • 3D work/Jewellery making
  • Contextual Studies
  • Professional Practice in Art and Design
  • Essential skills - Application of Number or Communications

Course fee per year

Studio Fees: £65.00

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs A* - C including English Language or Maths or a Level 2 Diploma in this discipline at Pass grade or higher. Please be advised that portfolio work will be requested during your initial screening call so you must have these ready prior to applying. Portfolios must include 10-12 images of course related content.

Teaching and assessment

  • Continuous assessment including written assignments and practical assessments

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

18 hours per week

Location

Barry Campus
Maps & directions

Course code

CDCR3F01
L3

Qualification

Art & Design
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cc

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What our students say

My highlight of this course is learning to sew and being able to explore all of the themes that I wanted to and producing a really cool cowboy project. My plans after college are to go to Brighton University and study fashion design and business studies so that I can then go on to potentially own a store. This course allowed me to find my specialty and, with the support from my tutors, I was able to learn and refine my skills. 

Art Foundation
Caitlin Rees
Previously studied Art & Design level 3, and Art & Design – Foundation level 4.

Career prospects & further study

56,000

The Creative industries is one of the fastest growing sectors with 56,000 people employed in Wales.

After completing this course, successful candidates may have the option to top up their qualification to a BTEC Extended Diploma in Art, Craft and Design. The College also offers a range of Foundation Degrees, accredited by Cardiff Metropolitan University, which means that once you have completed your course, you can choose to return to college and gain a University qualification there, instead of going to University. To find out more about our range of Foundation Degrees, just follow the link: www.cavc.ac.uk/he

Locations

Barry Campus
Barry Campus

Cardiff and Vale College,

Barry Campus,

Vale of Glamorgan,

CF62 8YJ