This one-year course is the perfect introduction to art and design, giving you the opportunity to explore a wide range of creative skills and discover which areas of the creative industries inspire you most. You will develop practical techniques in drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, and photography while also being introduced to different specialisms such as architecture, graphics, fine art, interiors, visual communication, and animation. Along the way, you’ll learn how to use research to inspire and shape your ideas, respond to project briefs, and present your work in a professional and confident way.
Learning doesn’t just take place in the studio. You’ll visit some of London’s most exciting galleries, including Tate Modern, Tate Britain, the V&A, The Barbican, White Cube, and the National Portrait Gallery. You’ll also have the chance to step inside artist studios and take part in workshops with practicing artists, gaining valuable insight into the world of contemporary art and design. Students are also encouraged to take part in work experience opportunities, helping them develop professional skills and understand how creativity thrives in real workplace settings.
Whether your goal is to build a strong creative portfolio or to prepare for further study, this course will give you the foundation and confidence you need to take your next steps in the art and design world. The majority of students who complete this course progress onto our Level 3 Art & Design course, where they can continue to refine their skills and prepare for university or creative careers.
The course consists of 8 units which must all be passed to complete the course. You will be assessed continually through practical projects and will need to evidence your skills in:
UAL Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design
Student can progress on to either of the following:
Creative arts, creative media, fine art.
GCSE Grade 3 or the equivalent.
GCSE Grade 3 or the equivalent.
If you are aged between 16 and 18 on 31st August (the year you start your studies) and received free school meals when you were at school, you may be eligible to receive a free meal at College. For more information on free school meals, click here.
All our Further Education (FE) courses (Entry to Level 3) are free to EU residents who are under 19 years old on the 31st August (the year you start your studies). For a few courses you may be expected to contribute towards the cost of specialist materials and resources. However, depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial help from the College’s Learner Support Fund. You should apply for any such financial support as soon as you have been offered a place.
Care to learn - childcare support for young people aged 16-20
If you are aged under 20 at the beginning of your course, or moving to the 2nd year of a level 3 course, and are caring for your own child you may be entitled to £175.00 maximum per week, per child through Care to Learn.
Please ensure you register on the Care to Learn website even if you haven’t chosen your childcare provider or the course you want to study. Once you have registered Care to Learn will confirm financial support in principle.
For further details and help with making an application please visit https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or speak to a Student Advisor.
If you are aged 20+ when you start a course and need financial support to help with the cost of childcare while you study the college may be able to help.
You will be required to make use of any government NEF or 2+ Funding before requesting any financial support from the college.
It is essential that you speak to a Student Advisor prior to enrolling on a course to discuss your personal circumstances, childcare needs and to find out if there are funds available.
Eligibility for help with childcare costs is based on your personal circumstances.
You need to have evidence that you meet general discretionary Learner Support Funds or 19+ Advanced Learning Loan bursary fund criteria:
All childcare applicants approved for funding will be required to sign our Terms & Conditions and MUST inform the College immediately should they stop attending lessons for any reason.
Email learner.services@cwc.ac.uk to put your name on the childcare waiting list. You MUST speak to a member of the Student Advice or Learner Services team before you enrol on a course.The Education Funding Authority has allocated money to colleges to support students who are on low incomes or the dependent of parents on a low income, and need support towards their course-related costs or essential living costs or are facing financial difficulty.
For further information click here.
For further information on financial support for Looked after Children, Care Leavers and estranged young people, click here.