Art and Design - Level 2 | Carlisle College of the Arts

More about the course

Want to study Art and Design? Need to develop your ability and portfolio? This Art and Design course will set you up with the right skills to advance.

The Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design has been developed to provide students with an interest in art and design with the opportunity to explore the materials, methods and processes that support art and design activities, and develop related technical skills, knowledge and behaviour, that links closely to the creative industries.

This course also spends considerable time and focus on letting students research and explore the possibilities of what is available in the Art and Design Industry while building upon their pre-existing practical skills.

Art and Design is a fun, hands-on course that gives you the chance to visit cities a cross the country for creative inspiration.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 3 (D) and above or Scottish National 5's at D or above

including

English (if you don't have maths, you will be required to study for GCSE maths alongside the qualification)

or

Level 1 Pathways with English and maths at grade 3 (D) or Functional Skills Level 2

Scottish equivalent

3 National 5s at grade D and above including English (if you don't have maths, you will be required to study GCSE Maths alongside the qualification)

Please note that entry requirements and course offer can be subject to change at any time.

What will I achieve?

Upon successful completion of this course you will receive a Level 2 UAL Diploma in Art and Design.

What will I learn?

Materials, processes and technical skills in art and design
Contextual research in art and design
Drawing skills
Communication skills in art and design
Solving 2D creative problems
Solving 3D creative problems
Solving time-based creative problems
Developing and producing a personal project in art and design

How is the course taught?

Workshop-based learning
Creative and live projects
Tutorials
Peer and self-assessment
Discussion, questioning and research
Presentations and reflection

How am I assessed?

Practical portfolios of work

Work experience opportunities

Our students engage with creative industries throughout the year. You will be asked to work on projects outside of Carlisle College to provide you with real world experience of what it means to be a creative.

English and Maths

If you do not hold English and/or maths GCSEs at grade 4 or above you will be supported with dedicated lessons to help you achieve English and maths qualifications.

In Art and Design you will learn how to use ratios in painting and also scale, shape and space in design. You will also build on your English skills by developing an annotated creative portfolio and communicating with your team in group work.

Where can I progress?

Upon successful completion of this course there is the option to progress onto Level 3 courses if you achieve a minimum of a Merit along with a 4 (C) in both GCSE Maths and English.

There is also the opportunity to enter employment or to take up an Apprenticeship on successful completion of the course.

Course Costs

If you are aged 16-18 when you begin your course you are likely to be eligible for free tuition. Detailed information can be found within the financial support section.

Call us: 01228 822 700

Email us: info@carlisle.ac.uk

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4 March 2026

Carlisle College Creative Students Explore Sustainability Through Film and Fashion

Students from Carlisle College’s Film and Art courses are exploring sustainability. Level 2 Film Production students are developing campaigns linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while Level 1 Art students are reimagining garments through deconstruction for an exhibition at Rheged.

19 February 2026

Foundation Art Students Take Part in Civic Robe Restoration Project

Carlisle College was delighted to support the recreation and handover of the city’s mayoral robe, with Foundation Diploma students contributing to the detailed restoration work alongside specialist practitioner Lee Paton.