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RSL Vocational Art and Design

Explore your units, one topic at a time.

Ofqual Regulated: 603/6474/9

Course version · 603/6474/9Version from Sept 2020Change version

Choose your course version: the course code is on your timetable or a past paper. Not sure? We’ll start you on the most likely version when you sign up.

Version from Sept 2020603/6472/5 · RSL Level 3 Award in Creative Art and Design
Version from Sept 2020603/6474/9 · RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design
Version from Sept 2020603/6475/0 · RSL Level 3 Extended Certificate in Creative Art and Design
Version from Sept 2020603/6478/6 · RSL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Art and Design
Version from Sept 2020603/6476/2 · RSL Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Creative Art and Design
Version from Sept 2020603/6479/8 · RSL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Art and Design

Official Regulatory Specification

Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England

View on Ofqual Register

Qualification Number (QN): 603/6474/9
Awarding Organisation: RSL
Regulatory Type: Vocationally-Related Qualification
National Level & Units: Vocational • 15 units

Sector Subject Area: Crafts, creative arts and design

This qualification is officially accredited under the national framework. Credits and certified outcomes are recognised by employers, further education colleges, and training providers throughout the UK.

Qualification Units

15 units

How this qualification is graded

Assessment follows the awarding organisation’s published requirements. Check the exact unit methods and grading rules with your provider.

Found Sound

This subtopic focuses on the creative use of environmental sounds as the sole material for musical composition. Learners will develop skills in identifying, recording, and ethically sourcing sounds, then manipulating them to create original soundscapes or music. The practical application lies in sound design for media, installation art, and experimental music production.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

4 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Visual Research and Development

Visual research is the foundational practice of gathering, documenting, and analysing imagery, artefacts, and contextual material to inform and inspire design development. This subtopic equips learners with the skills to systematically collect visual data, critically evaluate its relevance, and translate findings into creative design solutions, thereby bridging observation and innovation.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

6 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Project Management

This subtopic focuses on the application of project management techniques to oversee the production of a creative product or service. It covers planning, resource management, scheduling, risk assessment, and communication, ensuring that creative projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to a professional standard. Practical application includes using tools like Gantt charts, critical paths, and project briefs to manage a real art and design project.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Temporal Art

Temporal art involves creating works that unfold over time, using video, audio, or a combination of both. This subtopic focuses on composing short pieces that communicate a concept or narrative, requiring an understanding of time-based media, sequencing, and the integration of sound and moving image. Practical application includes producing short films, soundscapes, or multimedia installations that demonstrate creative and technical skills.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

5 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Portfolio Development

This element focuses on the creation and presentation of a professional creative design portfolio that effectively communicates the learner's strengths, interests, and creative journey. It involves selecting, organizing, and presenting work in a physical, digital, or mixed format, while demonstrating an understanding of audience, purpose, and professional presentation standards. The portfolio serves as a critical tool for progression to higher education or employment in the creative industries.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

6 learning outcomes11 guidance points

2D Art and Design

This subtopic focuses on the exploration and application of 2D media, materials, and techniques in art and design practice. Learners will investigate how practitioners use these elements, experiment with a range of media to develop their own creative practice, and critically evaluate their own use of these materials and techniques to inform future development.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

5 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Garment Production

This subtopic focuses on the practical manufacture of a garment in three dimensions, applying an industry-recognised construction method. Learners will develop the technical skills and knowledge required to produce a finished garment, from pattern preparation through to final assembly, while adhering to professional standards of quality and safety.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

5 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Collaborative Project

This subtopic focuses on the practical execution of a collaborative art project, emphasizing defined roles in planning, development, and presentation. Learners must demonstrate effective teamwork, communication, and project management skills to achieve a shared creative outcome, reflecting real-world creative industry practices.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

5 learning outcomes9 guidance points

Understanding the Creative Process

This subtopic focuses on the learning cycle process—a reflective model that helps artists and designers understand and improve their creative practice. By applying this cycle to their own artistic output, learners can systematically evaluate their work, identify areas for development, and enhance their skills and creativity over time.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

4 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Concept Development

Concept development is the foundational stage of the creative process where an artist formulates a unique and personal idea, transforming initial inspiration into a coherent proposal. This element focuses on constructing an original concept, presenting it effectively to an audience, and engaging in critical discussion to refine and justify creative choices. Practical application includes developing a concept statement, visual mood boards, and presenting work to peers or tutors for feedback.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

4 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Ethics and Sustainability

This subtopic explores the ethical and sustainability challenges inherent in art and design supply chains, from raw material extraction to production and distribution. Learners will investigate social issues such as fair labour practices and environmental impacts like carbon footprint and waste, and consider how creative practitioners can make responsible choices.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

5 learning outcomes5 guidance points

Creating Digital Graphics

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental principles of digital graphics, focusing on their creation, application, and the various products and destinations where they are used. It covers the technical and creative aspects of digital imaging, including file formats, resolution, and colour modes, and explores how graphics are tailored to different media such as print, web, and social media. Practical application involves analysing existing graphics and planning original designs for specific audiences and purposes.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

6 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Creating 3D Digital Art

This subtopic introduces learners to the fundamental processes and tools used in creating 3D digital art, covering the entire workflow from initial concept and modelling through texturing, lighting, and rendering. Learners will explore industry-standard software and techniques, understanding how these tools are applied in various creative industries such as animation, gaming, and product design. Practical application involves hands-on experimentation with 3D software to produce original digital artworks, developing both technical proficiency and creative problem-solving skills.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

3D Art and Design

This subtopic focuses on the practical and theoretical understanding of 3D art and design, including the media, materials, and techniques used by practitioners. Learners will explore a range of 3D processes to develop their own practice and critically evaluate their use of these elements to refine their work. The practical application spans from sculptural and architectural design to product and installation art, requiring both technical skill and creative judgment.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Chroma Keying

Chroma keying is a visual effects technique that allows the replacement of a specific color (usually green or blue) in a video with another image or footage. This subtopic focuses on identifying suitable footage, using chroma keying tools in digital video editing software, and refining the composite to achieve a seamless result. Practical applications include film production, weather broadcasts, and creative video projects.

RSL Level 3 Certificate in Creative Art and Design

4 learning outcomes7 guidance points

Tips and common mistakes

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Recording sounds without considering copyright or permission, especially in private or sensitive locations.
•Over-relying on digital effects rather than the inherent qualities of the found sounds.
•Neglecting to plan the recording session, leading to poor audio quality or missed opportunities.
•Failing to keep a log of recording locations and equipment settings, which hinders later editing and evaluation.
•Collecting images without annotation or critical reflection
•Relying solely on internet sources and neglecting primary research
•Failing to connect research to the design brief or final outcome
•Confusing project management with simple task listing, without considering dependencies or resource constraints.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always carry a risk assessment and obtain necessary permissions before recording in public or private spaces.
•Experiment with different recording techniques (e.g., close-miking, ambient capture) to expand your sonic palette.
•Keep a detailed recording journal to document your process, which will support your evaluation and evidence for assessment.
•When composing, think about structure, dynamics, and texture to create a piece that is more than a random collection of sounds.
•Always annotate your research to show your thinking and analysis
•Use a variety of sources, including books, museums, and your own photographs
•Regularly review your research to ensure it stays relevant to your design brief
•Use real-world examples from your own project to illustrate how you applied each technique.

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