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3D Design and Craft Level 3

UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication

Explore the exciting world of 3D design through hands-on projects in model making, sculpture, ceramics, product design, architecture and spatial design. Experiment with materials such as wood, plaster, metal, plastics and clay, developing your ideas through drawing, models and practical making.

Create innovative objects, architectural models, set designs and 3D environments while developing creative and practical skills. Build a portfolio that showcases your ideas and prepares you for your next step in Art & Design.

Art Student experimenting with projection
Art students creating with clay
Art students sketching
Art students creating shapes
Course Info
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3D Design and Craft Level 3
Qualification: UAL Level 3 Diploma and Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication
LevelLevel 3
LocationColchester
DurationTwo Years
Year 1: Diploma
Year 2: Extended Diploma
Study ModeFull-Time
Campus / Adult Skills CentreColchester Campus
Start DateSeptember 2027
Fee(s)16-18 year olds: Free
19+: £8,583 (This fee covers the full two-year course)
Awarding/Validation BodyUniversity of the Arts London
What Will I Learn?

You will explore how creative ideas can be transformed into three-dimensional outcomes through drawing, research, experimentation, design and making. Working with a range of materials and processes, you will learn how to develop ideas from initial sketches and concepts through to maquettes, models, prototypes and finished pieces.

Projects may include architectural and interior spaces, product design, sculpture, ceramics, model making, set design and imaginative 3D environments. You will investigate materials such as plaster, wood, metal, plastics, clay and found or recycled materials, learning how their different qualities can influence your designs.

You will explore the work of contemporary and historical artists, designers, makers and architects, developing your understanding of how 3D practice connects to the wider creative industries.

You will build confidence in experimenting, solving creative problems, responding to feedback and presenting your ideas while developing a portfolio for progression to Higher education or employment.

Course Content

3D Design and Craft Level 3 may include:

  • Drawing and visual communication
  • Materials experimentation and sustainable practice
  • Model making and 3D construction
  • Architecture, interiors and spatial design
  • Product and prototyping
  • Ceramics and clay
  • Research into artists, designers and architects
  • Individual and collaborative projects
  • Creative problem solving and prototyping
Entry Requirements
  • 5 GCSEs (9-4), including English and Maths (or Level 2 Functional Skills equivalent) plus an Art and Design subject, or satisfactory results (Merit/Distinction) in a relevant Level 2 qualification
  • An interview with a portfolio of artwork
Course Progression

After successful completion of the one-year diploma you may choose to progress onto the second (extended) year. Alternatively, you may choose to study on our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design which offers specialist tuition in a range of specialist areas including Fine Art, Illustration and 3D Design. Extended and Foundation Diploma qualifications will prepare and guide you through the UCAS application process, enabling you to make successful applications to a wide range of degree programmes with the creative arts.

Career Opportunities

Upon the successful completion of this course you will also have the opportunity to progress on to one of our Extended Diploma or Foundation Diploma qualifications which offer subject specialist study. Some learners may choose progress to employment in the creative industries at technician level.

 

Portfolio Guidance

You will be sent a link to submit your portfolio once your application has been submitted and checked by the Admissions Team. Please check your spam and junk folders regularly for updates regarding your application.

Please click the image or link below to the 3D Design and Craft Level 3 portfolio guide:

3D Design and Craft Level 3 portfolio guide

Fees and Finance

Students’ college education is funded for three academic years after leaving secondary school in year 11. Please click the button below which will apply to your age on the 31st August 2027 in order to find out more information about fees and finance relating to your course.

I will be under 19 on the 31st August 2027
I will be 19 or over on the 31st August 2027

Disclaimer

All fees, prices and funding information shown on this page are for courses starting in the 2025-26 academic year unless stated otherwise, and are correct at the time of entering/printing information, however these may be subject to change due to factors outside of our control. The College cannot accept legal or financial liability as a result of any such changes.

Courses fees are generally not confirmed for September until June / July due to the above factors.

The course information describes programmes offered by Colchester Institute. The College takes all reasonable steps to provide courses as described, but cannot guarantee provision. The information is for guidance and does not form any part of a contract.

The College reserves the right to update and amend information as and when necessary. Colchester Institute will do its best to provide the courses shown, but may have to modify or withdraw a course depending on customer demand and other factors.

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