Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Hillingdon – Parkside Studio College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body

About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Hillingdon. Classes run at Parkside Studio College, full-time during the day. Entry requires a minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, including grade 4 in English and Maths. If you haven't studied BTEC Art and Design before, you'll also submit a portfolio for assessment on entry. The course runs over two years. You'll develop practical and critical skills across a broad range of art and design disciplines, building a strong body of work for further study or creative employment.

Who this course is for

Pupils age 16 that have completed their GCSEs. Please see our full post 16 course prospectus from our website: https://www.therosedalehewensacademytrust.co.uk/

Entry requirements

A minimum of 5 GCSEs grades 9-4, including a Grade 4 in GCSE English and a Grade 4 in GCSE Mathematics. Students who have not studied BTEC Art and Design before will be required to submit a portfolio which will be assessed upon entry.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in drawing, mark-making, and visual communication.
  • You'll explore a range of art and design disciplines, such as fine art, graphic design, and photography.
  • You'll research and analyse the work of artists and designers to inform your own practice.
  • You'll plan, develop, and refine creative projects from initial idea to finished outcome.
  • You'll build a professional portfolio of work to present to universities or employers.
  • You'll write critically about art and design, developing your ability to evaluate your own work.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom-based and studio-based, combining practical making with research and written work. Assessment is through coursework and a portfolio of projects rather than written exams. You'll complete units that are assessed by your tutors and moderated by Pearson Edexcel. A portfolio assessment is also required at entry if you haven't previously studied BTEC Art and Design.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Parkside Studio 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
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms
  • Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or portrait photography
  • Visual merchandiser: design in-store displays for retail environments
  • Art technician: support studio and gallery operations
  • Animator: create moving images for film, games, or online content
  • Set designer: design environments for theatre, film, or television

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related subject: the Extended Diploma is widely accepted by universities as a qualification for degree entry in creative arts.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3): a one-year course that some learners take before a degree to broaden their creative range.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design: a shorter higher education route into creative industries.

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