Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Waltham Forest. Classes run full-time at Leyton Sixth Form College, five days a week during the day. The course is free if you were under 19 on 31 August before your course starts and have been resident in Britain or the EU for the three years prior. To join, you'll need a G Score of 30 and a grade 4 in GCSE English. Over two years, you'll develop practical and critical skills across a range of art and design disciplines, building a portfolio of work alongside your studies.
Who this course is for
Students who are under 19 years old as at the 31st August prior to the start of the course
Entry requirements
You will need a G Score of 30 and a 4 in GCSE English.
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, including fine art, graphic design, and illustration.
You'll research artists, designers, and movements to inform your own creative practice.
You'll produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative development.
You'll learn to analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.
You'll develop skills in presenting and communicating ideas visually and verbally.
How you will learn
The BTEC National Extended Certificate is assessed through a combination of coursework and externally set assignments. You'll complete unit assignments throughout the two years, building a portfolio of practical work. Some units include an externally assessed component set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. Teaching takes place in the classroom and studio, with regular feedback from tutors on your projects and written work.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Leyton 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 media
Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms
Art technician: support artists and educators in studio or gallery settings
Visual merchandiser: design retail displays and in-store environments
Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or events photography
Animator: create moving image content for film, games, or online media
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fine Art or Graphic Design: a degree is the natural next step for many art and design students, and the BTEC National is widely accepted by universities as a qualification for entry.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3): a one-year course that broadens your creative skills before a degree, offered at many art colleges.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Art and Design (Level 4): a shorter higher education route if you want to specialise sooner.
