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Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Westgate-on-Sea

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Westgate-on-Sea. Classes run at Ursuline College, full-time during the day over two years. You'll explore a wide range of techniques, materials and processes, and build an artist portfolio that shows your creative range. The course carries the same weight as one A level, so you can study it alongside other Level 3 qualifications. Entry requires four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 including Maths and English, a grade 5 or above in Art, and a portfolio of your 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 GCSE’s 9-4, including Maths and English and a Grade 5 (Level 2 Pass) or above in Art.

A portfolio of art work demonstrating artistic abilities and proficiency in using a broad range of media and processes.

Students should be to be enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to developing their art work at home. They should have experience of working with a camera and sketchbook to record their own observations and experiences.

What you will learn

  • You'll experiment with a broad range of art and design techniques, materials and processes.
  • You'll develop and refine your personal creative practice through practical projects.
  • You'll build an artist portfolio that demonstrates your skills and artistic development.
  • You'll use a camera and sketchbook to record observations and develop ideas.
  • You'll explore specialist areas of art and design to find the direction that suits you.
  • You'll develop the ability to work independently and manage your own creative projects.

How you will learn

Learning is practical and studio-based, with classroom sessions at Ursuline College. The BTEC National Extended Certificate is assessed through coursework and portfolio work rather than written exams. You'll produce projects and assignments that build toward your final portfolio, with your progress assessed throughout the course rather than in a single end-of-year exam.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a portfolio of your existing artwork to apply. The centre will confirm any specific materials or equipment you need before you start. Students are expected to work on their art at home as well as in class, so access to a camera and sketchbook is important.

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 displays and in-store experiences for retailers.
  • Textile designer: create patterns and designs for fashion or interiors.
  • Art technician: support studio and workshop environments in schools or colleges.
  • Junior animator: entry-level roles in digital animation and motion graphics.

What you could study next

  • BTEC Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Art and Design (Level 4): a natural next step if you want to specialise further without committing to a full degree.
  • BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration or a related subject: most universities accept the BTEC National Extended Certificate as part of an application, especially combined with other Level 3 qualifications.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3): some learners use this one-year course to build their portfolio before applying to degree programmes.
Apply on qualifications.pearson.com →
Apply now →

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