The first year of this two-year course keeps you busy exploring a broad range of underpinning media skills you will need to succeed. From graphic design and photography to visual effects, animation, film, sound design, and motion graphics, you'll have the chance to experiment and unleash your creativity. Delve into the theories that form the backbone of media production, applying them to your imaginative projects. This year serves as a playground for you to develop your creative practice, focusing on themes that resonate with your creative passions?
This course is the perfect fit if you're drawn to the creative industries but haven't yet uncovered all the possibilities. It provides an environment that nurtures experimentation and encourages the development of essential skills for the media landscape.
Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.
The second year will focus on your specialist area creating moving image sequences and animations. You will explore compositing, visual effects, animation and a wide range of post-production techniques and processes. You will learn animation techniques and discover the magic of seeing your ideas and characters come to life. This course will give you the building blocks for further study or a future career in the VFX, games or animation industries. There are opportunities to collaborate with students from other disciplines: filmmakers, actors, musicians, designers and artists.
Expert guidance from career advisors will assist you in plotting your future course, whether it's pursuing higher education or diving into apprenticeships.?Making informed choices is crucial, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Through visits to creative institutions, universities, and thriving creative companies, you'll gain valuable insights and build connections that will shape your professional journey. The year culminates in a final project giving you the opportunity to showcase your creativity and talent.
Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English or Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit gade or above.
In year one you will work through internally assessed projects that build the skills and knowledge you need to create your own Final Major Project at the end of the year. The Final Major Project is internally assessed but moderated externally by UAL where you either achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction. The grade you achieve for this project is the overall grade you will achieve for year one.
In year two, again you will work through internally assessed projects where your focus will be on skills and knowledge specific to Visual Effects and Motion Graphics. At the end of year two you will write your own unique brief for the Final Major Project to showcase what you have learnt and your interest in your chosen specialism. The Final Major Project again is internally assessed but moderated externally by UAL where you either achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction. The grade you achieve for this project is the overall grade you will achieve for the whole two years of study on the Extended Diploma.
If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.
Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.
No additional costs.
You can progress onto a higher level course such as a degree at university or pursue employment in the creative industry.