Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design)
- SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 1st October
- SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 1st October
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design)
This Course at a Glance
- Get on the fast track to studying an arts-related university course
- Build a portfolio of work to meet university requirements
- Explore colour theory and design
- Delve into digital photography and printmaking
- Equivalent to A Levels
- 100% online, no exams
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification in less than a year
About Your Diploma
If you want to channel your creative flair into a career within the arts but don’t have the traditional qualifications to get into university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) is the ideal route for you.
This online course could be the start of a rewarding journey in the industry, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to progress on to university and move into the field of your choice.
Creative Careers at Your Fingertips
With this nationally recognised qualification, you can study a range of arts-related degrees. Whether you have an eye for interior design, can tell a story through visuals, or want a career curating famous pieces of art, our Access to Higher Education Diploma can guide you towards the career you want.
In fact, the Level 3 qualification is ideal for anyone looking to explore careers in graphic design, fine art, fashion design, interior design, and more.
Build a Portfolio to Get Industry Recognised
To succeed in the arts sector, you need to be able to showcase your abilities, and what better way to do that than by building your very own portfolio of work and ideas. This art and design course will enable you to put all your creativity into an accomplished collection of work, something that is sought after by industry professionals and is an important element of some university applications.
Discover Your Speciality
For those of you who are unsure about what area of the arts to specialise in at university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma can be the perfect guide. From colour design and perspective drawing to fine art painting and digital photography, our online course covers a range of topics that are sure to spark your interest.
Getting Started
By enrolling on this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design), you will be studying with learndirect, the UK’s leading online learning provider. We offer a range of qualifications designed to unlock higher education opportunities and help learners gain access to gated careers.
Nationally recognised, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) is a Level 3 qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Get University Ready Within a Year
Unlike traditional routes, our Access to Higher Education Diploma can get you prepared for university within one year, though you have 24 months to complete it. In fact, many of our learners achieve their qualification within 9 months due to the flexibility of our online learning solutions. You can study around your existing commitments, so you don’t have to neglect your routine.
We’ll Help You Stay On Track
You have control over when and where you study, with no need for a classroom, but we will support you, not only with guidance from experienced tutors but via an Individual Learning Plan. This will outline the submission deadlines for your assignments so that you can stay on track to achieving your qualification.
*Please note, each university sets its own entry requirements, so we advise all learners to check that this qualification is accepted by their chosen higher education institution.

Modules
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information, or central ideas
Unit 2: Colour Theory and Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the features of colour schemes in plans and projects
- Apply the features of colour schemes in plans and projects
- Understand the influence of historical colour in plans and projects
- Recognised the psychological associations linked to colour
- Be able to apply health and safety procedures and safe studio practice
Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 4: Perspective Drawing
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the theory of perspective drawing
- Understand perspective drawing and its applications
- Be able to create perspective drawings
- Be able to select perspective drawing methods
- Be able to produce representations of a chosen subject
Unit 5: Presentation Graphics
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use general advanced features of presentation graphics software
- Understand how to use graphics
- Understand how to alter properties of text boxes
- Understand how to set up flow of control in a show
- Understand how to use linking and embedding
Unit 6: Sketchbook
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand visual language
- Understand the ideas and views of a range of artists
- Be able to develop ideas through a wide range of media
- Be able to use a personal sketchbook
Unit 7: Visual Studies – Drawing
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to apply the properties and associated techniques of drawing media
- Be able to use line, tone, shape, and texture
- Understand composition
- Be able to produce observational drawings
Unit 8: Visualisation Design Techniques
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand professional rending skills
- Be able to produce professional marker renderings
- Be able to use materials and selected media in own design
- Be able to use a variety of methods to achieve visual representations
- Be able to create impressions of shape, depth, and mood
- Know about different approaches to presenting visual information
- Be able to follow Health and Safety procedures and safe studio practice
Unit 9: Digital Photography and Printmaking Processes
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand issues that affect photographic equipment
- Understand processes for producing photographic images
- Understand composition including correct exposure, the effect of focal length, shutter speed and aperture and correct use of lighting
- Be able to use software to produce required outputs
- Be able to apply colour theory to produce required output
- Be able to adjust technical settings to produce images that meet the required outputs
- Understand how to progress images through to chosen printing process
Unit 10: Painting – Mixed Media
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to use mixed media methods
- Understand the importance of supporting research and notation
- Be able to produce mixed media work
Unit 11: History of Art and Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the factors that influence the nature and practice of art and design, and the effect they have on the concepts and role of the artist
- Understand the links between artistic production and other socio-cultural concerns
- Understand the need for personal research and a development of appropriate ideas supported/influenced by historical/contextual factors
- Be able to articulate ideas and use appropriate vocabulary
Unit 12: Signs and Symbols Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the difference between signs and symbols
- Understand historical development of signs and symbols
- Be able to develop a range of graphic signs and symbols
- Be able to produce a basic corporate identity system
- Be able to present finished work
- Be able to follow health and safety procedures and safe studio practice
Unit 13: Exploring Ideas Through Processes
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the use of appropriate research sources with an individual approach
- Be able to articulate ideas
- Be able to explore and experiment with ideas, techniques, and materials
- Understand recorded technical and theoretical information
- Be able to produce a range of samples using appropriate processes
Unit 14: Working to a 3D Art Brief
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to research a document brief
- Be able to explore 3D ideas
- Be able to develop ideas from studies
- Be able to transform studies into a 3D realisation
Unit 15: 3D Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to record research and design development work
- Be able to plan, develop and complete the design project work
- Be able to reflect on design work
Unit 16: Portfolio and Progression
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to gather information and use it to select progression goals
- Be able to prepare a portfolio of art, craft, or design work
- Be able to prepare written material to support progression
- Be able to develop personal presentation and communication skills
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months. This particular diploma is likely to need the full 12 months to complete due to the level of artwork they need to produce.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: essays, reports, presentations (video and audio recording), visual presentation of artwork, concept boards, sketchbooks, research journal, drawing, paintings, portfolio of artwork, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

There are no exams as part of the assessment process. Instead, you will be assessed by the following methods:
- Essays
- Reports
- Presentations (video and audio)
- Presentations (video)
- Concept boards
- Sketchbooks
- Research journal
- Drawings and paintings
- Portfolio of work
Credits
You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design). The credits are split into the following two categories:
- Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
- Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills
As part of your online art and design course, you will also receive guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.
This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) is the ideal way to kickstart a career in the arts. It gives you an opportunity to progress on to higher-level learning, all from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, are looking to transform your passion for creativity into a second job or want to change jobs and get a career doing what you love, then we can help. This nationally recognised qualification can get you ready for university, studying a range of arts-related degrees, such as:
- Digital Arts
- Fashion and Textiles
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Fine Art
- And More!
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Here at learndirect, we offer a dedicated Creative Arts Faculty that contains a range of recognised qualifications. Alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma, we also cater to those who want to specialise in interior design and fashion design. If this sounds like you, explore the below online courses:
- SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 1st October
- SALE Savings End Midnight Sunday 1st October
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design)
This Course at a Glance
- Get on the fast track to studying an arts-related university course
- Build a portfolio of work to meet university requirements
- Explore colour theory and design
- Delve into digital photography and printmaking
- Equivalent to A Levels
- 100% online, no exams
- Achieve a nationally recognised qualification in less than a year
About Your Diploma
If you want to channel your creative flair into a career within the arts but don’t have the traditional qualifications to get into university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) is the ideal route for you.
This online course could be the start of a rewarding journey in the industry, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to progress on to university and move into the field of your choice.
Creative Careers at Your Fingertips
With this nationally recognised qualification, you can study a range of arts-related degrees. Whether you have an eye for interior design, can tell a story through visuals, or want a career curating famous pieces of art, our Access to Higher Education Diploma can guide you towards the career you want.
In fact, the Level 3 qualification is ideal for anyone looking to explore careers in graphic design, fine art, fashion design, interior design, and more.
Build a Portfolio to Get Industry Recognised
To succeed in the arts sector, you need to be able to showcase your abilities, and what better way to do that than by building your very own portfolio of work and ideas. This art and design course will enable you to put all your creativity into an accomplished collection of work, something that is sought after by industry professionals and is an important element of some university applications.
Discover Your Speciality
For those of you who are unsure about what area of the arts to specialise in at university, our Access to Higher Education Diploma can be the perfect guide. From colour design and perspective drawing to fine art painting and digital photography, our online course covers a range of topics that are sure to spark your interest.
Getting Started
By enrolling on this Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design), you will be studying with learndirect, the UK’s leading online learning provider. We offer a range of qualifications designed to unlock higher education opportunities and help learners gain access to gated careers.
Nationally recognised, the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) is a Level 3 qualification regulated by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).
Get University Ready Within a Year
Unlike traditional routes, our Access to Higher Education Diploma can get you prepared for university within one year, though you have 24 months to complete it. In fact, many of our learners achieve their qualification within 9 months due to the flexibility of our online learning solutions. You can study around your existing commitments, so you don’t have to neglect your routine.
We’ll Help You Stay On Track
You have control over when and where you study, with no need for a classroom, but we will support you, not only with guidance from experienced tutors but via an Individual Learning Plan. This will outline the submission deadlines for your assignments so that you can stay on track to achieving your qualification.
*Please note, each university sets its own entry requirements, so we advise all learners to check that this qualification is accepted by their chosen higher education institution.
Modules
Unit 1: Academic Writing Skills
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to write with relevance in responding to an academic task
- Know how to interpret and discuss ideas and issues in responding to a set, academic writing task
- Be able to summarise for academic purposes, selecting key points, information, or central ideas
Unit 2: Colour Theory and Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the features of colour schemes in plans and projects
- Apply the features of colour schemes in plans and projects
- Understand the influence of historical colour in plans and projects
- Recognised the psychological associations linked to colour
- Be able to apply health and safety procedures and safe studio practice
Unit 3: Preparing a Written Assignment
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use key information sources
- Understand why sources are acknowledged and referenced
- Understand a range of reading strategies
- Understand note-making methods
- Understand how to plan draft and produce a written assignment
Unit 4: Perspective Drawing
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the theory of perspective drawing
- Understand perspective drawing and its applications
- Be able to create perspective drawings
- Be able to select perspective drawing methods
- Be able to produce representations of a chosen subject
Unit 5: Presentation Graphics
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand how to use general advanced features of presentation graphics software
- Understand how to use graphics
- Understand how to alter properties of text boxes
- Understand how to set up flow of control in a show
- Understand how to use linking and embedding
Unit 6: Sketchbook
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand visual language
- Understand the ideas and views of a range of artists
- Be able to develop ideas through a wide range of media
- Be able to use a personal sketchbook
Unit 7: Visual Studies – Drawing
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to apply the properties and associated techniques of drawing media
- Be able to use line, tone, shape, and texture
- Understand composition
- Be able to produce observational drawings
Unit 8: Visualisation Design Techniques
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand professional rending skills
- Be able to produce professional marker renderings
- Be able to use materials and selected media in own design
- Be able to use a variety of methods to achieve visual representations
- Be able to create impressions of shape, depth, and mood
- Know about different approaches to presenting visual information
- Be able to follow Health and Safety procedures and safe studio practice
Unit 9: Digital Photography and Printmaking Processes
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand issues that affect photographic equipment
- Understand processes for producing photographic images
- Understand composition including correct exposure, the effect of focal length, shutter speed and aperture and correct use of lighting
- Be able to use software to produce required outputs
- Be able to apply colour theory to produce required output
- Be able to adjust technical settings to produce images that meet the required outputs
- Understand how to progress images through to chosen printing process
Unit 10: Painting – Mixed Media
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to use mixed media methods
- Understand the importance of supporting research and notation
- Be able to produce mixed media work
Unit 11: History of Art and Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the factors that influence the nature and practice of art and design, and the effect they have on the concepts and role of the artist
- Understand the links between artistic production and other socio-cultural concerns
- Understand the need for personal research and a development of appropriate ideas supported/influenced by historical/contextual factors
- Be able to articulate ideas and use appropriate vocabulary
Unit 12: Signs and Symbols Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the difference between signs and symbols
- Understand historical development of signs and symbols
- Be able to develop a range of graphic signs and symbols
- Be able to produce a basic corporate identity system
- Be able to present finished work
- Be able to follow health and safety procedures and safe studio practice
Unit 13: Exploring Ideas Through Processes
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Understand the use of appropriate research sources with an individual approach
- Be able to articulate ideas
- Be able to explore and experiment with ideas, techniques, and materials
- Understand recorded technical and theoretical information
- Be able to produce a range of samples using appropriate processes
Unit 14: Working to a 3D Art Brief
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to research a document brief
- Be able to explore 3D ideas
- Be able to develop ideas from studies
- Be able to transform studies into a 3D realisation
Unit 15: 3D Design
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to record research and design development work
- Be able to plan, develop and complete the design project work
- Be able to reflect on design work
Unit 16: Portfolio and Progression
Upon completion of this unit, you will:
- Be able to gather information and use it to select progression goals
- Be able to prepare a portfolio of art, craft, or design work
- Be able to prepare written material to support progression
- Be able to develop personal presentation and communication skills
Entry Requirements
You must hold Level 2 qualifications in both English and Maths, or be working towards them alongside studying your Access to Higher Education Diploma.
University Entry Criteria
It must be reiterated that each university will set its own admission criteria. So, you must check with your desired institution if your Access to HE Diploma and other qualifications will be accepted. In many cases, to get started at university you will need: - A certain number of credits passed with a merit or a distinction grade - A face-to-face interview at the university - Literacy and numeracy assessments provided by the university - Course-related work placements or work experience - GCSE Grade C/4 or above in Maths and English (or equivalent Level 2 such as Functional Skills/Key Skills, etc.) It is your responsibility to check that your Access to HE Diploma will be accepted as part of these entry requirements for your chosen degree. learndirect will not be held accountable if completing this Access to Higher Education Diploma doesn’t secure you a position with a higher education institution.
Minimum age restriction
Access to HE Diplomas are designed to support students to progress to university who have substantial experience of life outside of formal education which they have gained since completing compulsory schooling.
Average completion timeframe
The average time it takes our learners to complete the course is 9-12 months. This particular diploma is likely to need the full 12 months to complete due to the level of artwork they need to produce.
Assessment requirements
A range of assessment methodologies are used, including: essays, reports, presentations (video and audio recording), visual presentation of artwork, concept boards, sketchbooks, research journal, drawing, paintings, portfolio of artwork, academic writing skills tasks
Exams required
There are no exams included in the assessment of the course.
Is Membership Required?
No membership is required to enrol on this course
Additional requirements
Learners must be actively studying for a minimum of six months before results can be ratified and certificates ordered. The six month period does not start until you have passed unit 2 of your course and you must be submitting assignments regularly (in line with the deadlines in your Individual Learning Plan) to meet this six month requirement. Certificates can only be issued once your course is paid for in full.
Certification Timeframe
You can expect to receive your certificate 12-16 weeks from your final assignment being marked and graded, depending on the time of year. You will be provided with regular updates throughout the certification process so that you are fully informed of your individual timeframes.
Course Fees
All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.
*You will have access to the course for 24 months.

Assessment
There are no exams as part of the assessment process. Instead, you will be assessed by the following methods:
- Essays
- Reports
- Presentations (video and audio)
- Presentations (video)
- Concept boards
- Sketchbooks
- Research journal
- Drawings and paintings
- Portfolio of work
Credits
You must acquire 60 credits in total in order to achieve the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design). The credits are split into the following two categories:
- Graded – 45 credits come from graded units, which focus on the academic subject
- Ungraded – 15 credits come from ungraded units, such as writing and study skills
As part of your online art and design course, you will also receive guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
Qualifications
Skills & Education Group Access

On successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design), you will receive a Skills & Education Group Access, QAA recognised, Access to Higher Education Diploma at Level 3. As part of your programme, you will also receive help as well as guidance on your university application and the research you need to do to get the most out of your diploma.
An access validating agency with a strong social purpose to recognise achievement, particularly for those who have benefited least from their previous educational experiences, Skills and Education Group Access supports the needs of learners, providers, businesses and communities by enabling progression into higher education.
This Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) is the ideal way to kickstart a career in the arts. It gives you an opportunity to progress on to higher-level learning, all from the comfort of your own home.
Whether you’re starting from scratch, are looking to transform your passion for creativity into a second job or want to change jobs and get a career doing what you love, then we can help. This nationally recognised qualification can get you ready for university, studying a range of arts-related degrees, such as:
- Digital Arts
- Fashion and Textiles
- Graphic Design
- Interior Design
- Fine Art
- And More!
Further Qualifications and Prospects
Here at learndirect, we offer a dedicated Creative Arts Faculty that contains a range of recognised qualifications. Alongside the Access to Higher Education Diploma, we also cater to those who want to specialise in interior design and fashion design. If this sounds like you, explore the below online courses:

learning
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