Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Westcliff-on-Sea. Classes run at Chase High School Sixth Form, full-time during the day. This two-year level 3 btec art and design course lets you explore a wide range of techniques, materials, and processes across art and design. You'll build an artist portfolio and discover which specialist area suits you best. The course carries the same UCAS points as one A level, so you can study it alongside other Level 3 qualifications. Entry requires 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, or a relevant Level 2 qualification, plus an interview where you can show examples of your creative work.
Who this course is for
If you're thinking about art and design careers and want to to explore and develop your creative potential, this practical, work related course is for you. It will allow you to try out a range of techniques, materials and processes in art and design, help you to build an artist portfolio and discover the specialised area of study or work that most suits you. The course is the equivalent of 1 A level and you can study it in in addition to other level 3 academic or work related qualifications.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above or a level 2 qualification in a related work related area. You'll have an interview to make sure this is the right course for you at which you'll have the chance to demonstrate some examples of your creative work.
What you will learn
You'll explore a range of art and design techniques, materials, and processes.
You'll develop your creative practice across different specialist areas of art and design.
You'll build a professional artist portfolio to support applications to higher education or employment.
You'll investigate the creative industries and the roles available within them.
You'll develop skills in researching, planning, and presenting your creative work.
You'll identify the specialist area of study or work that best suits your strengths.
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, work-related studio sessions in the classroom. Assessment is a mix of coursework, portfolio submissions, and externally set assignments. Your portfolio of creative work is central to the qualification. Some units include externally assessed tasks set and marked by Pearson Edexcel. You'll receive ongoing feedback from tutors to develop your practice throughout the two years.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Chase High School Sixth Form 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 media.
Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or portrait photography.
Visual merchandiser: design in-store displays for retail environments.
Art technician: support artists and designers in studios or schools.
Junior animator: create motion graphics or animation for digital projects.
Creative assistant: support teams in advertising, fashion, or film.
What you could study next
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: a one-year course that prepares you for degree-level study and is widely used as a bridge into art school.
BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related creative subject: the natural next step if you want to specialise and work at a professional level in the creative industries.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design: a shorter higher education route if you want to enter employment sooner.
