Level 3 Applied General in Architecture, Interior and Product Design

Course Content

The course is designed to prepare students for a career in architecture, product design, interior design or 3D design.

The qualification is divided into two separate parts. In your first year you will complete the Diploma and in your second year you will achieve the Extended Diploma which is equivalent to 3 A levels. The course is designed for students seeking to undertake a broad understanding of Architecture, Interior and Product Design with creative thought process and outcomes in 3D design.

The course focuses on developing your understanding and application of the creative process to enable you to develop creative ideas and produce outcomes in a creative discipline with a 3D outcome.

The Diploma (year 1) is a precursor of the Extended Diploma which is carried out in the 2nd year. The Extended Diploma will build on year 1, with more personal complex assignment tasks and you will learn to apply your knowledge of the creative process to your personal practice, for example, Architecture, Interior Design, Product Design, Movie props and 3D outcomes.

In the first year, you will work through assignments that have themes and materials, techniques and processes that you will learn and experiment to create final outcomes. The end of the academic year project is externally assessed and themed. You will learn skills that universities and employers greatly value and skills that will enable you to compete for degree places successfully. There will be introduction of digital techniques to aid in design, image processing packages to present your designs and you will use CAD/CAM equipment as well as undertake traditional model making and you will develop drawing techniques to produce final models. You will study history and contemporary architecture and practice of design.

You will explore a range of ideas within 3D and you will learn through practical and critical activities to express and gain knowledge of the different areas within 3D, by creating sketchbooks, ideas and development of final models and products.

Course Outcomes

The first-year diploma is worth 1.5 A-Levels with an achievable Pass grade with 36 UCAS point, Merit 60 UCAS point or a Distinction 84 UCAS points. There is a progression route for those students who achieve a pass or high to progress to the Extended Diploma which is the second year. The Extended Diploma is worth 3 A-levels with 168 maximum UCAS points. You will also have a portfolio of work that you will use to determine your progression route to employment, university or an apprenticeship.

Progression

Progress to 2nd year Extended Diploma to achieve the equivalent of 3 A-levels: Progression to university with a successful portfolio for Architecture, Interior and Product Design. Completion of the Extended Diploma will prepare you for entrance to a relevant degree. You will develop a successful portfolio for your interview and we will help you to make a UCAS application.

Past students have gained entrance to a range of prestigious degree courses in many different areas of Architecture and Design. You will learn skills that Universities really value and skills that will enable you to compete for degree places successfully.

Employment or an Apprenticeship.

Entry Requirements

• 4 GCSEs at grade 9 to 4 or the equivalent A* to C including English, Art or Design Technology at Grade 9 to 4. Alternatively, Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design at Merit grade or above.
• Successful attendance and satisfactory references at interview event.
• All students will have an interview and should bring their best sketchbook and a project of coursework for the interview

(Exceptions to entry requirements onto our level 3 qualifications may be considered)

Assessment

There are 3 substantial projects with lecturer lead themes that address skills building, specified audiences and social issues that are internally assessed.

The personal Final Major Project is set by the exam board which is theme based with practical outcomes and the creation of a digital portfolio. Students choose topics that relate to their chosen specialist and personal interests. This final unit will be assessed and you can achieve either a Pass, Merit or Distinction grade. This will be the overall grade for that year of the course. You will complete sketchbooks and final pieces for each project, writing comments about your work and a final evaluation.

Equipment

There are no specific resource requirements for this qualification.