Level 3 Diploma · UAL · Full-Time · 1 year full-time
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.
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro and InDesign. Real client-based projects.
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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.
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Build a portfolio of evidence showcasing your skills and achievements throughout the course.
Graphic and multimedia designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects, 3D models […]
Web design professionals design, develop and maintain websites and web and mobile applications to meet a client’s specified requirements.
Advertising and marketing associate professionals assist in the development and implementation of projects which aim to elicit the preferences and requirements of consumers, businesses and other specified target groups so […]
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.
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.
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 infoThese 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 listThese qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsLevel
Level 3
Duration
1 year full-time
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
UAL
Entry
5 GCSEs Grade 4+ (ideally including English and Maths)
Assessment
Coursework + Portfolio
Age
16+
Progression Routes
Route A: L3 Graphics & Social Media (Year 1) → Extended Diploma (Year 2) → University, apprenticeship or industry
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk