Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design)

Ref. 400/1507/5

This Access to Higher Education Diploma is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed to help you progress to university and pursue a new future career.

Earn up to 144 UCAS tariff points and prepare for degree-level study through coursework-based assessment, without the need for traditional exams.

Course Options

£1,199.00

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Course duration

This course is typically completed within one year. You should plan to dedicate around 10 hours per week to independent study alongside your coursework.

An assessment schedule will be provided at the start of your course, clearly outlining when assignments are released and their submission deadlines to help you stay organised.

Course outcome

On successful completion, you will achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma in Business and Management, a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification that supports progression to university study.

Entry requirements

Applicants must be aged 19 or over. You will usually need GCSE English Language and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, although equivalent qualifications such as Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths may also be accepted.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, our team will be happy to advise you.

Assessment

This course is assessed entirely through coursework, with no formal exams. You will complete a range of assignments, including written tasks, presentations and reports, designed to prepare you for degree-level study.

The Access to Higher Education Diploma in Art and Design is a nationally recognised Level 3 qualification designed for adults who want to progress to university and build a career in the creative industries.

Whether you’re returning to education or looking to develop your creative talents further, this course provides a flexible and supportive pathway into higher education. You’ll explore a range of artistic techniques and concepts while building the academic skills needed for degree-level study.

Delivered online, the course allows you to study around your lifestyle while preparing for progression to university courses such as fine art, graphic design, illustration, fashion and other creative disciplines.

This diploma combines practical creative development with essential academic skills to prepare you for higher education.

You will complete a total of 60 credits, including graded subject units and ungraded study skills modules.

Core study skills modules

  • Preparing for higher education
  • Academic writing and research skills
  • Critical thinking and creative analysis
  • Communication and presentation skills

Travel and tourism units

  • Visual communication and creative techniques
  • Drawing, design and composition
  • Creative project development
  • Art history and contextual studies
  • Digital and mixed media practices
  • Portfolio development

You’ll explore a variety of creative approaches while building a portfolio of work that can support your university application.

Flexible units to support your progression

Units can be adapted to align with your chosen university degree and its specific entry requirements. If you have a particular course or creative pathway in mind, our team can help tailor your studies to support your progression.

On successful completion, you will achieve an Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design), a Level 3 qualification awarded by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group.

This qualification is regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and is widely accepted by universities across the UK.

Flexible online learning

Study from anywhere in the UK with full access to your learning materials online. The course is designed to fit around your lifestyle, allowing you to balance study with work and other commitments.

This course supports progression to a wide range of creative degree programmes, including:

  • Fine Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Illustration
  • Fashion Design
  • Interior Design
  • Digital Media

It can also lead to careers in creative industries such as design, media, advertising, content creation and freelance creative work.

You’ll receive ongoing support from experienced tutors, including one-to-one sessions, personalised feedback and guidance throughout your course to help you develop your creative practice.

There are no formal exams. Instead, you will be assessed through coursework such as essays, reports, case studies and presentations, helping you develop the skills needed for university-level study.

Do I need previous experience in art or design?

No prior experience is required. The course is designed to help you develop your creative skills from your current level.

Yes, you will develop a portfolio of work throughout the course, which can support your university applications.

You can apply to a wide range of creative degree programmes, including art, design and media-related subjects.

Assessment is based entirely on coursework, including practical and written assignments.

Most learners complete the course within 9–12 months, depending on their pace of study and availability.