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BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Birmingham for 16 to 18 Year Olds – John Henry Newman Catholic College

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? See Graphic Design Courses in Birmingham.

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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Birmingham. Classes run at John Henry Newman Catholic College, full-time over two years. This level 3 BTEC art and design qualification builds on skills from GCSE, giving you more freedom to develop work around your own interests. Each year includes a portfolio unit and a set starting point from the exam board. You'll work independently both in class and at home, developing skills across areas such as photography and fine art.

Who this course is for

The BTEC Art course is a natural progression from GCSE, with each year comprising of two units; a portfolio of work set by the teacher, and a starting point set by the exam board. You will learn a range of new skills, as well as developing ones already learnt during GCSE. You will also be given more freedom to guide your projects towards your own personal interests and ambitions.

You will be expected to work independently both in the classroom and at home, and will need to keep on top of a heavy workload.

Entry requirements

Students will be at a significant advantage if they have studied Art and Design at GCSE, however students will be considered on the submission of a portfolio showcasing their drawing ability and love for the subject. You must be motivated and willing to work outside of lessons, as well have a genuine interest in the arts.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in photography, fine art, and related creative disciplines.
  • You'll build a portfolio of work guided by your own personal interests and ambitions.
  • You'll respond to set starting points from the exam board to produce resolved pieces.
  • You'll refine drawing ability and visual communication skills.
  • You'll work independently to manage and progress your own projects.
  • You'll develop critical thinking about your creative choices and artistic influences.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based studio sessions and independent work at home. Assessment is through two units each year: a teacher-set portfolio of work and a starting-point task set by Pearson Edexcel. There are no written exams. Your portfolio is the primary evidence of your skills and progress throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. John Henry Newman Catholic College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and media
  • Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or portrait photography
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, or digital media
  • Junior architect (with further study): design buildings and spaces
  • Art technician: support studios, galleries, or schools
  • Visual merchandiser: design retail displays and in-store environments
  • Animator: create moving images for film, games, or online content

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Fine Art: degree-level study for a career as a practising artist or in arts education.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design: leads to roles in branding, advertising, and digital design.
  • BA (Hons) Architecture: the first step toward qualifying as an architect.
  • BTEC Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design: a two-year higher education route if you prefer a vocational path over a full degree.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: a one-year bridging course that many art schools require before a degree.
Apply on johnhenrynewmancatholiccollege.org.uk →
Apply now →

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