Art, Design & Media UAL Diploma Level 1
September 2025 start

This programme offers an immersive learning experience that will give students the opportunity to explore the many different materials, methods and processes used in art, design and media activities.

Students will gain the basic skills and knowledge required to progress with their studies, boost their self-confidence and get a good understanding of the career opportunities available within the art, design and media sectors.
After completing the course you will have the option of progressing to further study.

Engaging with employers is also an integral part of this programme – we’ll seek to ensure that you have opportunities to gain a real-world experience of your chosen sector.

Topics on your Study Programme will include:
• An introduction to the materials and processes used in art, design and media
• Recording and expressing ideas
• How contextual research is used to support creative activities
• Communication skills in support of creative activities
• Exploring 2D, 3D and time-based creative problems

Elements of study
Your programme consists of the following elements:
• Study of your chosen vocational subject - 50% of your programme
• Employability skills, such as punctuality, attendance, communication and team work
• Work experience or an Industry Placement, giving you a taste of working life
• Tutorial and personal development, such as healthy living, volunteering and citizenship skills

• A minimum of 4 GCSEs, graded 9-2

You will be assessed by practical activities and investigations, including a final project at the end of the course.

After you have completed the course, you’ll have the opportunity to progress to further study at College. Following this, you may decide to move on to employment, university, or explore the possibility of doing a Higher Apprenticeship (Level 4). Following further study you could work as a:
• Graphic Designer, earning up to £50,000 per year
• Interior Designer, earning up to £45,000 per year
• Architect, earning up to £90,000 per year

Sitting a job interview, writing a personal statement, applying for university - taking part in our enrichment programme will give you a CV to wow in all of these situations! You’ll benefit from departmental and cross-college enrichment with:

• Inspiring trips and experiences
• Meetings with industry experts
• Visits to leading companies in your sector

As well as giving you essential professional and technical skills, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a successful and well-rounded person, helping you to make a lasting impression.

We want you to have fun, so we also have plenty of leisure and sporting activities for you to enjoy, improving your health and wellbeing

You'll have your own Learning Development Mentor (LDM) and Work Placement Officer, helping you create both academic and career plans.

Thanks to our partnership with the University of Bolton, you'll also benefit from everything the University has to offer, with a range of opportunities to build additional skills and experiences, giving you everything you need to become a FUTURE SUCCESS in whichever field you choose!

Exposure to employers is also an integral part of this programme – we'll seek to ensure that you have opportunities to gain real-word experience of your sector, either on short work experience or an extended Industry placement.

We’re an elite College, and part of the University of Bolton Group, offering you a gateway to all of Greater Manchester’s vast range of fantastic opportunities for specialist careers, university degree courses and higher Apprenticeships.

We’ll reward your achievements with trips to The Anderton Outdoor Activity Centre and the opportunity to apply for the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Our £75 million campus offers a refurbished fitness suite and sports hall; Apple Mac suites; libraries, a lecture theatre; hair and beauty salon; and a restaurant, café and canteen.

You’ll also enjoy a wide range of events, including showcases, enterprise activities and cultural celebrations.

You may qualify for a college bursary or financial support from Leverhulme Trade Charities Trust (LTCT), access more information here: LTCT Financial Support

Click the yellow ‘Apply’ button on this page.

You’ll be asked to set up a Learner Hub account so that you can track your application and enrol online. You’ll also be asked to book your interview for your course at the same time.

If you have any difficulties setting up your Learner Hub account, please email learner.hub@boltoncc.ac.uk

Open Events are the best way to discover what life as a Bolton College student is like, giving you an insight into College life.

Open Events at our Deane Road Campus are as follows:

• Tuesday 17th October 2023, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 12th December 2024, 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday 12th February 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 20th March 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Wednesday 30th April 2025, 5pm-8pm
• Thursday 19th June 2025, 5pm-8pm

If you’d like to attend one of these events, register here

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.