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Level 1 Art and Design Course in Darlington

CostFREE
Duration34 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Level 1 Art and Design Course in Darlington. Classes run at Darlington College, full-time during the day. The course may be free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply.

The course runs for 34 weeks and covers a broad range of creative disciplines. You will explore fine art, photography, graphics, textiles, 3D design, game design, and TV and film. You will develop your own ideas and build practical skills across art, design, and creative media.

You will finish with a University of the Arts London Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

Who this course is for

This is an exciting course which uses a mixture of art, design and creative media to help you develop confidence, industry knowledge and skills in order to progress on to a Level 2 qualification. This course is perfect for creative thinkers and will teach you the relevant skills needed to develop your original ideas and artistic flair.

If you are interested in photography, game design, 3D design, TV and film, fine art, textiles or graphics, then this course is an excellent starting point for you.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry criteria however it is recommended you hold 4 GCSEs (or vocational equivalents) at Grade 1 or higher, including English and maths.

We will request a school or college report to demonstrate your good attendance and engagement. Progressing students require good attendance & engagement within English and Maths lessons.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore fine art techniques and develop your personal artistic style.
  • You'll work with photography, understanding composition and visual storytelling.
  • You'll experiment with graphics and digital design tools.
  • You'll investigate textiles, 3D design, and spatial concepts.
  • You'll explore game design and interactive media.
  • You'll develop skills relevant to TV and film production.
  • You'll learn to generate and refine your own creative ideas.
  • You'll build knowledge of the creative industries and how they work.

How you will learn

You will learn through practical studio work, creative projects, and classroom-based activities. Assessment is through a portfolio of work that shows your skills and creative development across different disciplines. You will also complete set assignments and projects throughout the course. Your work is assessed by your tutors at Darlington College.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Darlington College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior graphic designer, creates visual content for print and digital.
  • Photography assistant, supports shoots in studios or on location.
  • Creative media assistant, helps produce content for TV, film, or online.
  • Textile design assistant, works on fabric and pattern projects.
  • Art technician, supports artists and designers in a studio or college setting.
  • Game design assistant, contributes to visual elements of game projects.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, the natural next step to deepen your skills and specialise in a creative area.
  • Level 2 qualification in Photography, Graphics, or Textiles, if you want to focus on a specific discipline.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, which can lead to university or higher-level creative careers.
Apply on darlington.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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