BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Kensington and Chelsea. Classes run at Morley College London North Kensington Campus, one day a week over 34 weeks. Fees may apply depending on your circumstances, so check the college website for funding options. This is an intensive ceramics programme. You'll work through traditional and non-traditional making techniques, including throwing, hand-building, coiling, slab work, and decorating with slips, oxides, and glazes. Design briefs push your creative thinking alongside your practical skills. You'll need to build a portfolio and attend an interview before enrolling.
Who this course is for
This 1 year 1 day per week BTEC Art and Design course with subject specialism in jewellery, offers an opportunity for jewellery students to extend their skills and knowledge through practising and developing their existing skills as well as learning new techniques which broaden and advance their skillset for jewellery design. With a strong emphasis on creative development the BTEC course will require in depth recording of the design process and students will be expected to do independent work on drawing and theory outside their studio time. Technical skills will include casting, stone setting, fly pressing, mixed metal techniques and hinge making and students are encouraged to select their own techniques and topics to develop and individual and self- directed portfolio of work. Students will learn and practice hands on technical skills in our well- equipped specialist studio at North Kensington. Progression on completion of this course includes BA degree studies, self- employment or apprenticeship on completion. Applicants should have a keen interest in jewellery making and have achieved a level 2 course in jewellery or equivalent. Work is project based and coursework is assessed each term. The final element of the course will require student to carry out an independent task in the studio and will be externally assessed. The course and qualification is designed to give extensive knowledge, breadth, preparation with an opportunity to extend and improve both design ideas and jewellery making skills. Projects will encourage confidence in the handling and understanding of materials, techniques and processes. Visual research and the development of original ideas are an important aspect of the course.
Entry requirements
GCSE English & Maths Grades A-C / 4-9 or Level 2 Equivalent, or Level 2 Qualification. An enthusiasm for the subject and a willingness to learn. (Previous creative work is welcome). A task will be sent to the candidates and informal interview will be arrange with all selected candidates. You may be an applicant with advanced qualifications and/or work experience, 19+, and planning a career change or wanting to fulfil an ambition to study art but need to develop a strong portfolio for a Foundatio
What you will learn
You'll practise wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to make ceramic forms.
You'll explore coiling, pinching, and slab work as core making methods.
You'll apply surface decoration using slips, oxides, engobes, and glazes.
You'll develop design skills through structured creative briefs.
You'll build a portfolio of work to a standard suitable for university applications.
You'll strengthen your ability to think creatively and respond to design challenges.
How you will learn
Learning is studio-based and project-led. You'll work through a series of design briefs that combine practical making with creative development. Assessment is through a portfolio of work built up over the course, demonstrating your technical skills and design thinking. An interview task is set before enrolment, and you'll be expected to visit exhibitions and keep a personal sketchbook throughout.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Morley College London North Kensington Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. All applicants are encouraged to maintain a personal sketchbook from the outset.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Studio potter, creating and selling handmade ceramic work
Ceramic artist, exhibiting and taking commissions
Art technician, supporting ceramics or craft departments in schools or colleges
Props maker, producing ceramic or sculptural pieces for film and theatre
Product designer, specialising in ceramics or materials
Art teacher (with further training), teaching ceramics or art and design
What you could study next
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3) - a common next step before applying to a degree, broadening your practice across disciplines.
BA (Hons) Ceramics, Craft, or Fine Art - a degree for those wanting to develop a professional studio practice or pursue a career in the arts.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design - a two-year higher education qualification if you want a structured route into industry or further study.
