Free BTEC Level 1 Art and Design Course in Ashton-under-Lyne

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free BTEC Level 1 Art and Design Course in Ashton-under-Lyne. Classes run at Clarendon Sixth Form College, full-time during the day.

The course runs over one year. You'll explore drawing, design, and media across a range of creative disciplines. No formal art experience is required. You'll need at least three GCSEs at grade 1 or above, and you'll attend an interview with a creative tutor.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC Introductory Diploma in Art and Design.

Who this course is for

Are you passionate about art, design, and media? This full-time, immersive creative program offers the perfect opportunity to explore and expand your interests. You'll develop and challenge your imagination within a structured environment that builds a strong foundation of skills and knowledge. The course aims to boost your self-confidence while helping you understand the career opportunities and demands in the creative industries. No formal art experience needed. Additionally, all students are required to maintain 100pc attendance in GCSE Mathematics and/or English resits, as well as in Tutorial sessions.

Entry requirements

Level 1 (Foundation)

3 GCSE grades 1 or above

Successful interview with a creative tutor and induction task. (bring some examples of your own work to talk about)

Good verbal and written communication

What you will learn

  • You'll develop drawing and mark-making skills across different media.
  • You'll explore 2D and 3D design techniques.
  • You'll experiment with photography and digital media.
  • You'll build a creative portfolio of your own work.
  • You'll learn how to research and develop ideas from a brief.
  • You'll gain an understanding of career opportunities in the creative industries.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based practical work, projects, and creative tasks in the classroom. Assessment is portfolio-based. You'll gather evidence of your work throughout the year, including sketchbooks, finished pieces, and written reflections. There are no formal written exams. A tutor will support your progress and give feedback on your creative development.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Clarendon Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start. At your interview, bring some examples of your own creative work to talk about.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Studio assistant, supports artists or designers in a creative workspace.
  • Graphic design assistant, helps produce visual content for print or digital.
  • Photography assistant, assists on shoots or in a studio environment.
  • Visual merchandiser, creates displays for retail environments.
  • Arts and crafts workshop assistant, supports community or educational creative sessions.

What you could study next

  • BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, the natural next step to deepen your creative skills and specialism.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production, if you want to focus on film, photography, or digital content.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, the main route toward art foundation courses or higher education in a creative subject.

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