Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Preston. Classes run at Cardinal Newman College, full-time over two years. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in Art and grade 4 in English Language or Maths. The level 3 BTEC art and design classes cover drawing, painting, printmaking, graphic design, illustration, textile art, and three-dimensional work. You'll research artists and designers and build a practical portfolio to support progression to higher education.
Who this course is for
On the Art and Design BTEC you will gain knowledge and understanding of visual communication and the creative process. You will study the work of other artists and designers to inspire and inform your work. You will build up a practical portfolio of work to support progression to higher education, by exploring and developing a wide range of Art & Design skills. This is a vocational course, which means that all major project briefs will aim to better prepare you for what to expect in a creative work environment. You will work with a diverse range of materials, techniques & processes within Art & Design. Working through the creative cycle to research, explore, experiment, and develop ideas working towards a resolved outcome is key.
Entry requirements
Five Grade 4s at GCSE with at least a 4 in Art and a 4 in English Language or Maths
What you will learn
You'll develop visual expression skills using drawing, painting, and printmaking
You'll create graphic design and illustration work using Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
You'll explore textile art techniques including embroidery, surface pattern design, and fabric manipulation
You'll experiment with three-dimensional forms using materials such as clay, plaster, wire, and paper
You'll research the history and methods of artists, designers, and craftspeople
You'll build a practical portfolio of work to demonstrate your creative development
How you will learn
This is a vocational course delivered through studio-based practical projects and research tasks. Assessment is portfolio-based. You'll complete major project briefs that reflect real creative industry practice. Work is assessed continuously through your portfolio rather than by written exams. Classes are daytime, full-time at the college.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Cardinal Newman College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer, creating visual content for print and digital media
Illustrator, producing artwork for publishing, advertising, or media
Textile designer, developing patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors
Visual merchandiser, designing retail displays and brand environments
Art technician, supporting studio and gallery operations
Junior creative, working in advertising or design agencies
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fine Art or Illustration, the natural next step for portfolio-based creative study
BA (Hons) Graphic Design or Textile Design, for a specialist route into industry
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4), a one-year bridging course some universities recommend before a degree
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design, a two-year higher education route at college
