Free BTEC Level 2 Art and Design Skills Course in Shipley. Classes run full-time at Shipley College, five days a week during the day. You'll work across a wide range of materials and techniques, building a portfolio of artwork over the year. Areas covered include digital photography, painting, printmaking, graphic design, wirework, textiles, and surface pattern design. You'll also take on live briefs from employers and community organisations, giving you practical experience alongside your studies. Entry requires three GCSEs including at least grade 3 in English and grade 2 in maths, plus a taster session.
Who this course is for
Explore your creativity and develop a portfolio of varied artwork, supported by experienced tutors in our art studio. , , You will work with a range of materials, techniques and processes including: , - Digital photography, - Painting, - Printmaking, - Graphic design, - Wirework, - Textiles, - Surface pattern design, , There will also be live briefs from employers and community organisations that will give you valuable work experience and allow you to further refine your skillset. , , Throughout the course, you will visit galleries and exhibitions (payment contribution may be required) to help inspire you for your very own final major project.
Entry requirements
3x GCSE at Grade 3 (G3 in Eng and G2 in maths required), , You will attend a taster session to find out more about the course, meet your teachers and get to know your prospective peers. , , A positive attitude and a keen interest in art and design is required. , , , ,
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in painting, printmaking, and textiles
You'll work with digital photography and graphic design tools
You'll explore wirework and surface pattern design techniques
You'll build a varied portfolio of artwork across different media
You'll respond to live briefs set by employers and community organisations
You'll refine your creative process through tutor-supported studio work
How you will learn
You'll study in an art studio, working hands-on with materials, techniques, and processes. Learning is project-based, with tutor support throughout. Assessment is portfolio-based: you'll gather and present work that shows your skills and creative development across the different disciplines covered on the course. Live briefs from external organisations form part of your assessed work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Shipley College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Note that the course and exam fees are covered, but material costs are not included, so you may need a small budget for some supplies.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic design assistant: support designers on print and digital projects
Photography assistant: assist on shoots in commercial or studio settings
Textile worker: produce fabric designs for fashion or interiors
Visual merchandiser: create displays for retail environments
Print technician: operate and maintain printing equipment
Art technician: support artists or educators in studio settings
Junior illustrator: produce artwork for publishing or advertising
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design: the main next step for learners wanting to go deeper into a specialist area such as fashion, fine art, or graphic design, and a recognised route into higher education.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3): a one-year course that prepares you for a degree in art or design.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Art and Design (Level 4): for those ready to move into higher-level study after Level 3.
