Program Overview

Introduction to the Extended Diploma in Creative Practice

The Extended Diploma in Creative Practice is a two-year coursework-based alternative to A-levels, providing a transformative bridge between school and university. Based at the city centre Vernon Street site, it offers students with an interest in visual arts the opportunity to explore and develop their creativity within a specialist, stimulating, and supportive environment.

The Course

This two-year course is designed to provide the skills, knowledge, and understanding to help students discover their talents. The course nurtures individual strengths through a wide range of visual disciplines, and during the course, students will specialise in one of four pathways: Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, Graphic Communication, or 3D Design.

Pathways

• 3D Design: About designing objects and spaces, including practices such as interior design, spatial design, product design, design for stage and television, architecture, craft design, landscape architecture, furniture design, and automotive design.
• Fashion and Textiles: May focus on fashion or costume design, fashion marketing, or textile design.
• Fine Art: Can include painting, printmaking, sculpture, time-based media, and installation.
• Graphic Communication: Can incorporate graphic design, comic and concept art, games art and games design, illustration, animation, marketing communications, photography, and filmmaking.

Course Structure

The course is divided into two years:

• Year one: Introduction to the underpinning principles of art and design theory and practice to inform the development of creative, practical skills.
• Year two: Students undertake a major project in their chosen specialism.

Course Facilities

Further education students have access to resources based at the Vernon Street campus, including:

• Computer suites with Apple Mac computers and creative software.
• A specialist art library with print and online resources.
• A not-for-profit shop selling a wide range of materials.
• Print workshop with facilities for screen-printing, traditional printmaking, and bookbinding.
• Photography resource with equipment for loan, including digital cameras and support equipment for use in the dedicated lighting studio or off-site.
• Wood, metal, and casting workshop equipped with industrial-standard machinery and hand- and power-tools.

Academic Staff

The course is led by a team of experienced lecturers, including:

1. Lee Waller-Grayston - Course Leader
2. Hannah Ackroyd - Lecturer
3. Jamie Avis - Lecturer
4. Andy Black - Fine Art Pathway Leader
5. Ben McGuigan - Lecturer
6. Laura Thompson - Graphic Communication Pathway Leader
7. Amanda Williamson - Fashion and Textiles Pathway Leader

Careers Guidance

The university offers a specialist Careers Programme, providing personalised, ongoing support to help students make informed decisions about their career in the creative sector. This includes:

• Internal and external impartial career coaching and developmental workshops.
• Industry insights through specialist tutors, alumni talks, and interactions with industry professionals.
• Live briefs and competitions to work on real-world projects and showcase work at exhibitions.
• Workshops and portfolio building to develop specialist skills.
• CV, UCAS, and application support for university, apprenticeships, or employment.
• Personal development to build skills and confidence, including time management, presentation and problem-solving skills, and financial skills.

Progression Opportunities

Students who complete the Extended Diploma in Creative Practice can progress to specialist degree courses across the country, including those at Leeds Arts University, and pursue careers in various fields, such as animation, illustration, graphic design, film, games art and games design, marketing communications, fashion design, fashion marketing, textile design, photography, architecture, product design, design for stage and film, sculpture, concept art, and fine art.