Art and Design - Level 2 (Diploma)

Are you an aspiring artist, designer or photographer? This course is your gateway to complete a Level 3 qualification in Art and Design, Photography, Graphic Design or Fashion! Unlock your creative potential and embark on a journey into the world of visual and creative arts!

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Course Description
Our Level 2 is an introductory, full-time course for those interested in creative careers. Our programme is designed to develop your creative skills, build confidence and prepare you for further study in creative industries.

What will I learn about on this course?
- Materials
- Artistic Processes
- Refining technical skills of:
- Painting
- Drawing
- Print making
- Textiles
- Sculpture
- Photography
- 2D and 3D Media
You will work in our professional studios and use the high-quality, specialist equipment and facilities here at the college; receiving guidance from dedicated course directors and personalised tutorials to support your progress.

Expect to engage in independent projects, dedicating 10-12 hours per week to refining your skills in your own environment and work towards achieving your qualification.
Entry Requirements
You will need:
- 4 GCSEs at Grade 3 or higher, including English, maths and a relevant creative-based subject
Or
- A relevant Level 1 qualification at Merit or Distinction standard studied at CWA or another further education provider
- English and maths GCSEs at grade 3 or higher
You will be invited to an informal interview to help ensure the course is right for you. You will need to bring a portfolio of your creative work for the course team to look at. This is to showcase your creative flair, visual research, ideas and technical skills and can consist of a range of work from different medias such as drawing, painting, photography or 3D design.
Course Length

How long is this course?

1 year

When does this course start?

01/09/2026

How many hours / days per week is this course?

Full-time courses at CWA are generally 3 - 4 days per week (though you may be in for an extra day if you are resitting English and / or Maths). The college day is typically longer than a day at school and students will need to plan their individual study in their free time (including individual study hours which are recorded at college in the Learning Resource Centre or other study areas). Work experience will be a key component of your course and most students will complete a minimum of 60 hours per academic year (on top of their college hours), depending on the course they are studying. CWA has a dedicated team of work placement co-ordinators to support you with this.

Course Fees

Age	Cost
16-18	Free*
19+	£900

* Some of our courses may have additional costs to cover trips, unform and equipment. These costs will be confirmed to you at enrolment.

Fee information

Though this course is free for those aged 16-18, there may be additional costs related to the programme, such as additional equipment and uniform, educational trips and work placement costs. Full details will be sent to applicants before enrolment.

If you're aged 19-23

If you are aged 19 - 23, you must have completed a full level 2 (or above) previously to study this course (unless you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

If you're aged 19 - 23, this course will be fully funded (i.e. there are no course fees to pay) if you already have a full level 2 qualification (or higher) and:

Are unemployed and claiming a state benefit or;
Are employed with a low income

If you already have a level 2 qualification (or higher) but do not meet the other criteria, you will be able to study the course for the above fee. It is worth noting that having 5 GCSEs at grade 4 and above is considered a full level 2.

If you're 24 or older

You will be able to study this course fully funded if you are either:

unemployed and claiming a state benefit or;
employed with a low income

If you do not meet the above criteria, you will be able to study the course for the above fee.

For full details, please complete our fee calculator here.

Find all the information you need about course fees and financial help below.

Information on Fees and Financial Help

Adult (19+) learners

Depending on your age, course, educational history and personal circumstances, there may be options available for you to receive a course fully-funded by the government. Our fee calculator will help give you an idea on whether you'll be able to have your course fee waived or covered by an Advanced Learner Loan.

Complete our fee calculator

Learners with an active Education, Health & Care Plan

If you are aged 19 - 24 at the start of your course and have an active Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP), any course up to and including level 3 will be fully-funded by the government. This means you will not have a course fee to pay and any equipment considered essential to complete your course will be provided by the college.

Please note the information on this page was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change due to factors beyond our control.

Additional Information

What qualification will I achieve?

University of the Arts London (UAL) Diploma in Art & Design (Level 2)

This qualification is awarded by University of the Arts London (UAL), the only specialist creative arts awarding organisation in England.

How is my course assessed?

The work on the course is project/assignment based and assessment is continuous throughout the course. The units in the first two terms are assessed at Pass grade only. The final unit is awarded a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction. This unit is achieved through a personal proposal and exhibition and decides the overall grade for the qualification.