BTEC Level 2 Art and Design Skills Course in Birmingham. Classes run full-time at South & City College Birmingham Digbeth Campus, one day at a time across one year. Fees vary depending on your circumstances. If you're 16 to 18 years old, the course may be free. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply. You'll explore photography and graphic design, working with studio and location photography and industry software including Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Entry requires a minimum of four GCSEs at Grade 3 or above, including English and maths, or a Level 1 qualification, plus a portfolio of images.
Who this course is for
Whether you are a recent school-leaver or an adult, this one-year Level 2 course will introduce you to the world of photography and graphics. It is an ideal course if you are interested in a career as a photographer or graphic designer. You will learn how to take professional photographs and manipulate images. You will be introduced to studio and location photography and industry software such as Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
Entry requirements
You will need a keen interest in photography and a minimum of 4 GCSEs Grade 3 including English and maths or a Level 1 qualification, as well as a portfolio of images either digital or printed.
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in professional photography, including studio and location shoots.
You'll learn to edit and manipulate images using Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
You'll explore the principles of graphic design.
You'll build a portfolio of creative work across photography and design projects.
You'll gain experience using industry-standard software and workflows.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, studio-based sessions and location work. The course is assessed through coursework and a portfolio of creative projects rather than written exams. You'll build your portfolio throughout the year, demonstrating your skills in photography and graphic design. Classroom sessions cover both technical skills and creative development.
What you will need to bring
You'll need a portfolio of images, either digital or printed, as part of your application. South & City College Birmingham Digbeth Campus will confirm any additional materials you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Photographer: assist on shoots or build a freelance portfolio.
Graphic designer: create visual content for print and digital media.
Photo editor: retouch and manage images for agencies or publications.
Studio assistant: support professional photographers in a studio setting.
Social media content creator: produce visual content for brands and businesses.
Print production assistant: prepare artwork and images for print.
What you could study next
Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design: a natural next step if you want to go deeper into creative practice or apply to university.
Level 3 BTEC in Photography: specialist study for those focused on a photography career.
Level 3 Diploma in Graphic Design: for those who want to move into design-focused roles.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: a common route into higher education in the creative arts.
