Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Cambridge. Classes run at Long Road Sixth Form College, full-time over two years. You'll work across a broad range of disciplines in specialist studios, covering fine art, photography, printmaking, graphic design, illustration, fashion, textiles, and 3D design. The level 3 BTEC art and design classes include gallery visits and sessions with visiting speakers to support your research. You'll build a portfolio alongside sketchbooks that document your ideas and process. The Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Extended Diploma in Art and Design carries the same UCAS points as three A Levels, making it a strong route into higher education.
Who this course is for
https://www.longroad.ac.uk/art-level-3
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at Grade 4 including: Grade 4 in GCSE English Language or GCSE English Literature Grade 4 in GCSE Art or Merit in Level 2 Art
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in fine art drawing and painting across both years of the course.
You'll explore photography, including landscape photography and artists who work photographically.
You'll use digital tools for graphic design and illustration.
You'll work with 3D materials, techniques, and processes to create three-dimensional artwork.
You'll study fashion design, fashion illustration, textile design, and fine art textiles.
You'll practise printmaking and surface pattern techniques.
You'll build a portfolio and sketchbooks that record your research, ideas, and development.
You'll respond to assignment briefs, presenting and explaining your work to others.
How you will learn
You'll learn through studio-based project work, responding to assignment briefs across a wide range of disciplines. Assessment is portfolio-based: you'll produce finished pieces alongside sketchbooks containing research, ideas, and proposals. There are no written exams. Learning is enriched by gallery visits and visiting speakers, which feed directly into your project research. In Year 2 you'll develop a specialist focus alongside broader practice.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Long Road Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and publications.
Illustrator: produce artwork for books, editorial, and digital media.
Fashion designer: develop clothing and textile collections.
Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or fine art photography.
Printmaker or surface pattern designer: create repeat patterns for fabric or print.
Art technician: support studio and gallery operations.
Visual merchandiser: design retail displays and brand environments.
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, Fashion, or Photography: the Extended Diploma carries the same UCAS points as three A Levels and is widely accepted for degree entry in creative subjects.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4): a one-year course that many art schools use as a bridge into specialist degree programmes.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design: a two-year higher education qualification for those who want a more vocational route before moving into industry.
