Ready to Start Exploring?
Applications for September 2027 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
UAL Level 1 Diploma In Art Design & Media
No previous knowledge or qualifications needed. Just an interest in pursuing art, design or media as a profession. This is where you start exploring what "creative career" actually means, whether that's Fashion Designer, Graphic Designer, Furniture Designer, Artist, Animator or Photographer. A year of trying things across mediums, building your first proper portfolio, and finding out which direction you want to go in next.
Got a question? Ask us
How you’ll learn
Try Everything. Find Your Direction.
This is a year of exploring across mediums. You’ll start with the fundamentals — materials, processes and skills in design and media — then work through contextual research, communication skills, and solving 2D, 3D and time-based creative problems. It’s not about picking your specialism on day one. It’s about trying enough to work out where your interest actually sits.
You’ll work in our specialist studios: printmaking with screen printing kit, a fully equipped 3D workshop, high-spec Mac suites with the latest creative software, spacious drawing studios, and life drawing. By the end of the year you’ll have a real first portfolio and a much clearer idea of whether you’re heading into fashion, graphic design, animation, photography or somewhere else entirely.
Core Skills
- Introduction to materials, processes and skills in design and media
- Introduction to contextual research in art, design and media
- Introduction to communication skills in art, design and media
Practical Projects
- Solving 2D and 3D creative problems
- Solving time based creative problems
- Art, design and media project
Entry and progression
What you need and where it leads
- Entry requirements
- This course Level 1
- Further study
Entry requirements
- 5 GCSEs at Grade 2 or below
- A portfolio to show your creative abilities at interview
- A genuine interest in art, design or media as a profession
- Successful interview with our team
5 GCSEs at Grade 2 or below A portfolio to show your creative abilities at interview A genuine interest in art, design or media as a profession Successful interview with our team
Not sure you meet these? Talk to us and we will help you find the right starting point.
- Level 2 UAL Level 2 Diploma In Art & Design - Photography At this college
- Level 2 UAL Level 2 Diploma In Art & Design At this college
- Level 2 UAL Level 2 Award In Art & Design At North Lindsey College
See all 5 courses
At this college
At North Lindsey College
Careers it can lead to
With further study or experience
- Artists £35,100 a year
- Advertising and Marketing Associate Professionals £28,900 a year
- Arts Officers, Producers and Directors £36,200 a year
Typical pay is the UK median for each job (Lightcast, October 2026).
Life on the course
See what it’s really like
Our facilities
Specialist Studios, Real Kit
Fully equipped workshops and studios designed to support your creative journey, from screen printing to sculpture to digital.
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Specialist printmaking studios
including screen printing equipment.
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Fully equipped 3D workshop
ideal for sculpture and model-making.
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High-spec Apple suites
featuring the latest creative software.
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Spacious drawing studios
for developing your skills, plus life drawing classes.
5 Specialist Studios · Screen Print · 3D · Mac · Drawing · Life
Student Voice
“
I’ve developed strong time management and creative skills, enjoyed the freedom to explore my ideas, and plan to study graphic design at university after a great year of growth and friendship.
For parents and carers
Supporting your child’s journey
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 listFinancial 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 infoReal 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 optionsYour next step
Apply now, come and see us first, or ask us anything.
Want to visit first?
FE Open Event – 12th January 202712th January 4:30pm to 7:00pm
Got a question?
Ask us about the course, entry requirements or funding.
Call 0800 358 7575
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.