Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Ealing

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Ealing. Classes run at Brentside High School, full-time during the day. The course takes two years to complete and is equivalent to three A Levels. You'll explore a broad range of creative disciplines, from fine art to graphic design, building a strong foundation before specialising. This suits those heading toward higher education or a career in the creative industries. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including a grade 5 in Art and Design or a merit in a Level 2 BTEC Art and Design qualification.

Who this course is for

This practical work related course provides the opportunity for artistic students to discover and develop their skills for a career in the creative industries. It's ideal if you are aiming for higher education but have not yet settled on an art specialism, as it will give you the chance to explore a range of disciplines. The Extended Diploma course is equivalent to three A Levels and takes two years to complete. If you want to take a work related route to higher education or work and prefer coursework to final examinations this course may be for you.

Entry requirements

Five Grade 9-4 at GCSE plus subject specific requirements:

Grade 5 in art and design or merit in Level 2 BTEC art and design

What you will learn

  • You'll explore a wide range of art and design disciplines, including fine art, illustration, and graphic design.
  • You'll develop your personal creative practice through sustained project work.
  • You'll build skills in research, visual communication, and critical analysis.
  • You'll produce a professional portfolio of work across different media.
  • You'll learn to respond to briefs and develop ideas from concept to finished outcome.
  • You'll study contextual and historical influences on art and design.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom based, with practical studio sessions at the centre. Assessment is through coursework and portfolio submissions rather than written exams. You'll complete units assessed by your tutors, with your portfolio of work forming the core evidence. A final major project draws together your skills and ideas at the end of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Brentside High School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and media
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms
  • Animator: develop moving image and digital animation content
  • Art director: lead visual creative decisions in agencies or studios
  • Textile designer: design patterns and materials for fashion or interiors
  • Photographer: work commercially in editorial, product, or events photography
  • Set designer: design environments for theatre, film, or television

What you could study next

A level 3 btec art and design qualification at Extended Diploma level is widely accepted for university entry. You could progress to a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, which many students take as a bridge year before a degree. From there, a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion, or a related subject opens routes into the creative industries. Some students also move into Higher National Certificate or Diploma programmes at college.

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