Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in London – Acland Burghley School

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 London. Classes run at Acland Burghley School, full-time during the day. This level 3 btec art and design course runs over two years and carries the same UCAS points as two A Levels. You'll explore 2D, 3D, digital and photography-based art forms through practical and theoretical work. The course covers visual communication, research, analysis and creative problem-solving. Gallery visits, workshops and industry speakers are built into the programme. In Year 13 you'll produce work for an exhibition, building a portfolio suited to art foundation courses or creative degrees.

Who this course is for

Age range: 16-18

Entry requirements

Art and design level 2 diploma at distinction or merit with recommendation. 6+ in art or portfolio of work

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in 2D, 3D, digital and photography-based art forms.
  • You'll build techniques in visual communication and creative problem-solving.
  • You'll carry out research and critical analysis of art and design practice.
  • You'll complete six mandatory units, including three that are externally assessed.
  • You'll choose two optional units to explore a specialist area or pathway.
  • You'll prepare and present a body of work for a professional exhibition in Year 13.
  • You'll build a portfolio suitable for art foundation courses or undergraduate creative degrees.

How you will learn

You'll learn through a mix of practical studio work and theoretical study in the classroom. Six mandatory units form the core of the course, with three assessed externally. Two optional units let you develop a specialist focus. Assessment is through a combination of internally marked coursework and externally set tasks. The course culminates in Unit 3: The Creative Process, assessed through an exhibition of your work.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Acland Burghley School will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: creating visual content for brands and media
  • Illustrator: producing artwork for publishing, advertising or digital platforms
  • Photographer: working in commercial, editorial or fine art photography
  • Visual merchandiser: designing retail displays and in-store environments
  • Art technician: supporting studios, galleries or educational settings
  • Animator: creating motion graphics or character animation for screen
  • Set or prop designer: working in theatre, film or television production

What you could study next

  • Art Foundation Diploma (Level 4): the standard route into creative undergraduate degrees, and a direct use of the portfolio you build on this course.
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration or Photography: degree-level study at a university or specialist art college.
  • Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Art and Design (Level 4 or 5): a work-focused alternative to a full degree, offered at many further education colleges.

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