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Digital Technologies

UAL Level 3 Graphic Design and Content Creation – Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

For anyone into graphic design, digital marketing and content creation. A one-year diploma covering the two skill sets that modern marketing runs on: graphic design and social media management. You'll work with industry-standard Adobe software, take on real client-based projects with work experience briefs, and finish ready to move up to Year 2 (Extended Diploma) or into industry.

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How you’ll learn

Graphic Design and Content Creation. Both, Together.

Modern marketing runs on two skill sets working together: graphic design, and content creation and management. This course teaches both. You’ll cover graphic design principles, visual communication, typography, colour theory, and industry-standard Adobe software (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, InDesign). Then you’ll apply those skills to social media: content creation, curation, marketing strategy, and understanding your audience.

Throughout the year you’ll work on real client-based projects with work experience briefs. Assessment is by coursework portfolio, meeting the set briefing requirements. No exams. UAL is the awarding body. By the end of the year you’ll be ready to progress to Year 2 (Extended Diploma), an apprenticeship, or an entry role in graphic design, social media or content creation.

Design Foundations

  • Introduction to Graphic Design
  • Fundamentals of Visual Communication
  • Typography and Layout Design
  • Colour Theory and Application
  • Introduction to Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator
  • Introduction to Adobe Premiere Pro and InDesign

Content Creation

  • Creating Graphics for Social Media
  • Introduction to Social Media Marketing
  • Content creation and curation for Social Media
  • Project Work and Portfolio Development
Entry and progression

What you need and where it leads

  1. Entry requirements
  2. This course Level 3
  3. Further study

Entry requirements

  • 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 and above (ideally including English and Maths)
  • Basic computer literacy
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • A creative mindset is beneficial, but no prior experience in graphic design or social media management is required
  • Successful interview with our team

If any of your Maths or English is below Grade 4, you'll continue working towards it alongside your course.

Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.

Further study

Careers it can lead to

  • Advertising and Marketing Associate Professionals £28,900 a year
  • With further study or experience Graphic and Multimedia Designers £26,400 a year
  • With further study or experience Web Design Professionals £34,100 a year

Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).

Your UCAS points

UAL Level 3 Diploma

Grade UCAS points
D Distinction 84
M Merit 60
P Pass 36

UCAS points are an estimate. Each university course sets its own entry requirements, and points can change from year to year. Please enquire for full details about a specific course. Points from the UCAS Tariff tables for 2027 entry. About UCAS Tariff points

Our facilities

Adobe Software and Recently Upgraded Studios

You'll work with the same Adobe Creative Cloud software the industry uses, in studios that were recently upgraded to top-of-the-range standard.

  • Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and InDesign

    the industry standard for graphic design and social content.

  • State-of-the-Art Equipment

    the studios were recently upgraded through an investment from Sheffield City Region.

  • Real client-based projects with work experience briefs

    built into the course delivery.

Classroom tablet 2025
Adobe Creative Cloud · Real Client Projects · Upgraded Studios
Chigozie

Chigozie

Level 3 Digital Technologies

Student Voice

“

Studying here has been amazing. We get to use Adobe software, I’ve improved my time management and organisational skills, made new friends, worked on fun projects, and now I’m thinking about either getting an apprenticeship or going to uni.

Read more student stories
For parents and carers

Supporting your child’s journey

Financial Support Available

Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help, and it's straightforward to apply.

Financial support info

Qualifications That Count

These are nationally recognised qualifications with real academic weight. Your child will develop practical skills and knowledge that employers and universities genuinely value.

See the full unit list

Real Career Prospects

These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for, locally and nationally.

See career options

Your next step

Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.

Ready to begin creating?

Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Apply online

Want to visit first?

FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm

Book your place

What happens after you apply

1

You apply

Apply online and you’ll get a confirmation email.

2

You meet your tutor

We’ll invite you to an interview to talk through the course and your plans, and make sure it’s right for you.

3

You get an offer

We’ll email you a conditional or unconditional offer.

4

You get ready to start

Come to a taster session in the summer, then enrol in August, bringing your results.

Read our full guide to applying