Course Overview
The Level 3 Art & Design course is a dynamic two-year programme designed for aspiring creatives who want to develop their artistic identity, technical ability, and professional confidence. Whether your interests lie in Illustration, Photography, Fine Art, 3D Design, or Fashion and Textiles, you’ll follow a specialist pathway that allows you to explore your chosen discipline in depth while building a broad foundation in creative practice.
Throughout the course, you’ll experiment with materials, techniques, and ideas, learning how to research, develop, and refine your work from initial concept to finished outcome. You’ll be encouraged to think critically, take creative risks, and respond to real-world themes and briefs, helping you develop a strong personal style and a professional approach to your work.
By the end of the programme, you’ll have produced a substantial portfolio that showcases your skills, creativity, and individuality. Completing this course is a great step for progression to higher education, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles within the creative industries.
Entry Requirements:
4 x GCSEs at grade 4(C) or above, including at least 3(D) in English
Course Highlights
Course Units
• The Creative Process
• Developing Creative Practice
• Responding to a Set Brief
Course Breakdown
Course Structure
Course structure
Over two years, you’ll complete six internally assessed units that combine creative exploration, technical skill development, and professional practice. Each unit is designed to build your confidence, creativity, and independence as an emerging artist or designer.
Year 1
Unit 1: The Creative Process
Explore the fundamental stages of creativity — from generating ideas and experimenting with materials to refining and presenting outcomes. You’ll learn how artists and designers approach their work and begin to develop your own creative workflow.
Unit 2: Developing Creative Practice
Expand your technical and practical skills through a range of studio-based projects. This unit encourages experimentation across different media, helping you identify your strengths and interests while developing a personal visual style.
Unit 3: Responding to a Set Brief
Work to a defined theme or client-style brief, applying your creative and technical abilities to meet specific project requirements. You’ll learn how to plan, produce, and present a final outcome in response to given criteria — just like in industry.
Year 2
Unit 4: Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
Investigate your chosen specialist area — such as Illustration, Photography, Fine Art, 3D Design, or Fashion/Textiles — by researching current practitioners, career paths, and creative trends. You’ll gain valuable insight into professional contexts and opportunities.
Unit 5: Specialist Technical Skills Development
Deepen your expertise in your selected pathway through focused technical workshops and project-based learning. You’ll refine your practical and digital skills while exploring advanced materials, tools, and techniques relevant to your discipline.
Unit 6: Specialist Creative Outcome
Bring everything together in your final major project. You’ll plan, design, and produce a substantial piece of work that showcases your creativity, technical ability, and personal voice. This project forms a key part of your final assessment and portfolio presentation.
Progression & Next Steps
On successful completion, you can progress to:
• University-level study in your chosen specialist area (e.g. Illustration, Photography, Fine Art, 3D Design, Fashion/Textiles).
• Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.
• Employment or freelance opportunities in the creative industries.