Peterlee Campus
Course overview
This Level 3 programme allows a learner to specialise in their chosen discipline in order to progress into the industry, or onto higher education.
Formative briefs are prepared by clients and staff, in order to enable learners to develop their own creative brief for their final project. Project work is designed to extend enquiry, apply a research driven approach to practical skills, and improve problem solving skills and analytic approaches.
There are also opportunities to engage in art outside of college at competitions and experiences!
Topics
The programme is 'learner responsive', meaning we build client based projects around the learners who have chosen this route of study.
The Extended Diploma in Creative Practice focuses on any specialist area of Art and Design that you wish to progress, whether this is in 2D, 3D, 4D art, working as a community artist, arts educator or administrator.
You will be given guidance over the development of projects, but will be encouraged to work autonomously. You will choose how you wish to present your work for the client and for assessment.
Job opportunities after this course
• Animator
• Art Director
• Costume Designer
• Craft Artist
• Graphic Designer
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Web Designer
... and so much more!
Further study options after this course
Following successful completion of the Extended Diploma, learners can apply for a place on a BA (Hons) in Art and Design (with a choice of specialist areas). Alternative choices include employment as an artist or gaining an apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
Our entry requirements are reviewed annually and are subject to change as qualifications, awarding bodies and assessment criteria evolve.
For the latest qualifications and grades required by course type/level, please follow this link to check the most up-to-date entry criteria for direct entry and internal progression at the college.
How is this course assessed?
There are 2 formative units delivered in a project and graded as Pass / Fail. You are required to achieve a Pass at BOTH units to progress onto the final project.
The brief for the final project is written by the learner, with all work being completed in a suitable format such as visual imagery, audio and video recordings, photographs and annotations, sketchbooks and animations, uploaded as a digital portfolio and graded as 'Pass / Merit / Distinction'.
The course is assessed internally by an Assessor, before being Internally and Externally Verified to check the marking is consistent.
When does the course start?
September 2025
Length of course
The Level 3 Extended Diploma is a 1 year full-time programme, following on from the 1 year Level 3 Diploma. Study will be across four days each week.
This full time study programme may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.
Fees & Funding
Please read our Course Fees & Funding page.
How to apply
To apply online for this course, please click on the 'Apply' button at the top/bottom of this page.
Alternatively, if you need assistance with your application or you would like to apply over the phone or using a paper-based application form, please call Student Services on 0191 743 0149.
If you're not quite ready to apply for this course and would like some more information or to speak to a member of staff then please click on the 'Enquire' button at the top/bottom of this page.
