Level 3 Diploma · UAL · Full-Time · 1 or 2 years
If you love digital art and animation, this is the year (or two) that puts you inside the industry version of it. You'll conceptualise ideas and build imaginative visual work using traditional fundamental techniques alongside contemporary software. Assignments are portfolio-graded, there are no exams, and by the end you'll have work covering games, film, TV, animation and beyond.
8 units, all portfolio-graded. No exams.
Other courses you might be interested in:
Level 2 Level 2 Diploma in Digital and Creative Industries
Level 3 UAL Level 3 Graphic Design and Content Creation – Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
Level 3 UAL Level 3 3D Game Art and Design – Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
View all Digital Technologies courses →
View all Art and Design courses →
Digital artists and animators work across a huge range: games, film and TV, animation, architecture, fashion concept, storyboarding, comic illustration, visual marketing, social media design. This course gives you the fundamental drawing and design techniques alongside contemporary software so you can move confidently across those areas. You’ll use the same professional equipment used in studios, including high-spec PCs and drawing tablets.
The course is 8 units, all portfolio-graded — no exams. Units 1-3 cover visual design projects and roles in the sector. Units 4-7 build your skills in 2D concepts and animation, exploring Games, Film and Anime design. Unit 8 is your final major project, where you take something you enjoyed and push it further. You’ll also be taught by industry specialists and go on trips to build your understanding of the sector.
Visual design projects and exploration of roles in the sector:
2D concepts and animations, plus Games, Film and Anime design:
self-chosen from your favourite area of the year
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.
Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.
Programmers and software development professionals design, develop, test, implement and maintain software systems on a range of platforms in order to meet the specifications and business objectives of the information […]
Photographers, audio-visual and broadcasting equipment operators operate and assist with still, cine and television cameras, operate other equipment to record, manipulate and project sound and vision for entertainment, cultural, commercial […]
You'll work in our recently upgraded Digital Technologies studios with the equipment and software the industry uses.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
the studios were recently upgraded through a £1.5 million investment from Sheffield City Region.
PCs and drawing tablets
industry-standard design equipment throughout the course.
Trips and industry specialist tutors
go on trips to build understanding of the sector, taught by tutors with real-world creative sector experience.
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.
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 listThese qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.
See career optionsBursaries 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 infoLevel
Level 3
Duration
1 or 2 years
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
UAL
Entry
4 GCSEs (English 4-9, Maths 3-9) or L2 Media Diploma Merit
Assessment
Portfolio
Age
16+
Progression Routes
Route A: L3 Digital Art and Animation → BA in specialism (Illustration, Animation, Concept Art, Game Art) → Industry
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk