Skip to main content
Pre-degree

Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen

Close-up of a building refracted and distorted.
Certificate in Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
College
London College of Communication UCAS code
DMS1 Start date
September 2023 Course length
1 year

This exciting and challenging course will enable you to develop your creative, academic and professional potential in design, media and screen. You'll be able to develop your skills in your preferred specialism, including graphic design, advertising, journalism, branded spaces, public relations, illustration, animation, film and photography.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Taking both a synchronous and asynchronous learning approach, this course combines online and studio workshop modes.
  • You’ll be encouraged to explore a wide range of media, and to mix traditional methods of making with digital and interactive processes. You’ll have access to a range of technical facilities including our Letterpress, 3D and Printmaking workshops, the Creative Technology Lab, and our Photography Studios.
  • Undertaking a major project in a specialist area of your choice will help you to feel prepared for the first year of your undergraduate degree.
  • Successful completion of this course will guarantee you the offer of a place on an undergraduate degree at London College of Communication (LCC).
  • This version of the Certificate of Higher Education is offered in face to face mode. Alternatively, you may be interested in applying to an online version of the course.

Online mode

This version of the Certificate of Higher Education is offered as face to face mode. Alternatively, you may be interested in applying to an online version of the course.

Open Days

The next Open Day for this course will be announced soon.

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Course overview

This exciting and challenging one-year course will enable you to develop your creative, academic and professional potential in design, media and screen.

Choose from a range of disciplines including: graphic design, advertising, interaction design, illustration, branding, animation, film and photography.

The course is open to applications from UK, EU and international students. 

What to expect?

  • You'll be encouraged to consider which discipline is most suited to your talents and potential and you'll undertake a major project in the specialist area of your choice. The course will provide you with the essential skills to be curious, brave and committed to your chosen pathway.
  • Collaborative workshops to develop practical skills, teamwork and creative problem-solving.
  • You'll be encouraged to explore a wide range of media and to mix and match traditional methods of making with digital and interactive elements.
  • You'll have access to our digital workshops including coding and prototyping, letterpress, 3D workshop, printmaking and photography.
  • All students who successfully complete the course and hold the appropriate language qualifications will be guaranteed an offer of a place on an undergraduate course at London College of Communication.
  • Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be made an offer on a specific course of your choosing, we will ensure you are offered a place on a relevant course at LCC. This course will depend on your portfolio and the interests you develop during the year.

Industry experience and opportunities

You’ll have lectures from visiting industry speakers and be introduced the professional world to raise awareness of your future career choices.

London College of Communication has a broad range of subjects and expertise across our Design School, Media School and Screen School which means that you'll be fully prepared for the first year of your undergraduate degree.

The course units are aligned to the Creative Attributes Framework (CAF) which, through the curriculum, will empower you to develop ethical and wide ranging qualities, abilities and behaviours to prepare for the future and rewarding career.

Mode of study

Certificate in Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen runs for 31 weeks in full time, blended in-person mode.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Block 1: Introduction and Specialist Studies 

Orientation to Study in Design, Media and Screen (20 credits)

This is a diagnostic unit that gives you the opportunity to consider which specialist pathway is most suited to your talents and potential. It provides a broad introduction to studio practice in a carousel of specialist workshops. 

This first unit will introduce you to all three Schools at London College of Communication: Design, Media or Screen. 

Contextual and Theoretical Studies (Part 1) (20 credits) 

The unit prepares you academically to enter the first year of undergraduate study and the theoretical study of design, media and screen.

The unit supports the development of skills in communication in a number of formats (both written and spoken), essential to study on a range of undergraduate courses at LCC.

Unit 3: Specialist Studies: Design, Media and Screen (20 credits)

Halfway through Block 1, you’ll choose from 3 specialist study areas which reflect the Schools at LCC: Design School, Media School and Screen School. 

  • Specialist Studies Design will provide you with a range of creative, practical and theoretical approaches relevant to the design industry. 
  • Specialist Studies Media will introduce a range of creative, practical and theoretical approaches within the Media School to develop a preparatory body of knowledge and skill. 
  • Specialist Studies Screen will provide a range of creative, practical and theoretical approaches relevant to the screen industry, such as film, television, animation and games design. 

Block 2 – Progression and Contexts

Unit 4: Personal Progression Project (40 credits)

Building on knowledge gained in previous units, this unit supports a more independent learning approach, enabling you to produce a substantial body of work.  

The work will showcase your personal interests and area of intended progression in a studio exhibition and presentation which will be supported by a visual and written research report.

Unit 5: Contextual and Theoretical Studies (Part 2) (20 credits)

This unit prepares you for more specialist theoretical study of communication in the design, media and screen disciplines. 

Learning and teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Workshops
  • Guest speakers
  • Interactive simulations
  • Group and individual tutorials
  • Portfolio-based project
  • Critical essays
  • Presentations through a range of media
  • Professional Development Portfolio, including aspects of the Creative Attributes Framework
  • Curated online journals

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2022)

Course Leader, Alexandra Antonopoulou gives an overview of what it's like to study the Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen.

Facilities

  • A student mixing ink in the Letterpress workshop.
    Image © Alys Tomlinson
    Facilities

    From traditional crafts like letterpress to the latest in 3D printing, you'll have access to an extensive range of facilities at LCC.

  • Library Services at London College of Communication, LCC

    Library Services

    We have a whole range of collections, services and facilities to support your written and practice-based work. Find library locations and opening times across UAL.

Staff

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£20,730

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Or view all

Entry requirements

The course team are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and seeks to recruit students from diverse socio-economic, cultural and educational backgrounds. This course supports progression to our undergraduate courses at London College of Communication.

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

A typical applicant might have:

  • Minimum requirement one GCE A Level (or equivalent) at grade C or above (preferred subjects include English; History; Media; Business; Art and Design, or other subjects within Social Sciences), plus three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).

Applicants might also have overseas qualifications or others:

  • International Baccalaureate Certificates – two at ‘Higher Level’ and one at ‘Standard Level’ - all Grade 4 or above
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma in Art and Design
  • Pass at Access to HE Diploma
  • Pass, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma
  • Equivalent EU or Non-EU qualifications

We also welcome applicants with relevant professional and vocational qualifications, a previous degree in any subject, or from mature students who do not have formal qualifications but may have relevant experience in the industry.

English language requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.

Please note: If studying the Cert HE in the UK, you must take a SELT (Secure English Language Test) such as IELTS Academic Test for UKVI. (You can take the IELTS Academic Test if studying the Cert HE Online mode).

The English level required by the University for this course is:

  • IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent), with a minimum of 4.5 in any one skill.

Following achievement of the Certificate of Higher Education, enrolment onto our undergraduate degree courses requires the following English level:

  • For degree courses requiring a portfolio, such as BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design and non-portfolio degree courses such as BA (Hons) Advertising, BA (Hons) Contemporary Media Cultures, BA (Hons) Media Communications: IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in any one skill  
  • For some text-based degree courses, such as BA (Hons) Journalism, BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing, BA (Hons) Public Relations: IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in any one skill

Please check the individual course page for the IELTS level required for study on course pages and for more information on reaching the required level view our English language requirements page.

Students may be eligible to join the UAL Pre-sessional English language course to achieve the required level.

Selection criteria

The portfolio and details on your application (including the academic reference and your personal statement) will be used by the course admissions tutors to assess your suitability against the following criteria:

  • Visual language: quality of structure, use of line, shape - 2D or 3D, form, scale, space, light, colour, texture and time;
  • Ideas generation: quality of ideas and thought process, expression of design thinking;
  • Research and its application (including images from sketchbooks): evidence of investigation and use of appropriate resources;
  • Materials, media exploration and experimentation; experimentation and testing of materials to achieve outcomes;
  • Contextual awareness and its influence on the portfolio; understanding and application of subject knowledge and context.

Apply now

Home International

Apply for this course through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS):

  • University code: U65
  • UCAS Course code: DMS1

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 13:00 PM (GMT) on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you have a broad interest in the arts, media and current affairs and that you can investigate and evidence research.

You should also demonstrate a focused interest in a particular area of design, media or screen subjects and show that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC. You should ensure your statement is written clearly and free of any spelling mistakes.

It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Making a deferred application (for entry in 2023/24)

Home applicants are permitted to make a deferred application.

International applicants can apply through either of the following routes:

If you are applying through UCAS you will need the following information:

  • University code: U65
  • Course code: DMS1

London College of Communication courses are listed under University of the Arts London.

Further information on applying via UCAS is provided on the University Applying through UCAS page.

For full details on the application process, visit the Undergraduate application page, and for further advice for international applicants, please visit the UAL International Application page.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 13:00 PM (GMT) on Wednesday 22nd February 2023 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Personal statement advice

This is an important part of your application and should demonstrate to the team that you have a broad interest in the arts, media and current affairs and that you can investigate and evidence research.

You should also demonstrate a focused interest in a particular area of design, media or screen subjects and show that you have thought carefully about why you want to study on this course.

You can demonstrate this through your previous work experience or study, personal experience and your ambitions for personal development as a student at LCC. You should ensure your statement is written clearly and free of any spelling mistakes.

It is your chance to impress the team by demonstrating your appreciation of what the course can offer you and how you feel it will help you in the future.

State what you personally would bring to the course, and explain what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Visas and immigration

Applicants who will need a Student Visa should check the Visas and Immigration page which provides important information about UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

Read our Admissions Policy for details, and request your deferral by contacting us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Making a deferred application (for entry in 2023/24)

International applicants are not able to make a deferred application.

After you apply

Applicants will be asked to present a digital portfolio (with a maximum of 20 images) that they consider would help support their application.

The portfolio of work is an important part of the application, and it must clearly evidence development work as well as work from completed projects.

Applicants from non-design backgrounds can include:

  • Descriptions of any professional projects
  • Documentation of work where possible including reports, presentations or research projects for which they have been responsible

Please note, if uploading any text examples as part of the portfolio, they should be saved as an image and then uploaded, or alternatively the text can be pasted into an image title text box (no character limit).

Initial application check

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the academic team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through your portal. We look forward to receiving your application and reviewing your work.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications. Unfortunately, we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf. If you would like to request feedback  please contact us through the UAL Portal using the Contact Us button in your My Application(s) tab.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Careers

All students who successfully complete the course will be guaranteed an offer of a place on an undergraduate course at London College of Communication.

Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be made an offer on a specific course of your choosing, we will ensure you are offered a place on a relevant course at the College. This chosen course will depend on your portfolio and the interests you develop during the year.

Alumni

London College of Communication

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 6500
Address
Elephant & Castle

London
SE1 6SB