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Free Level 1 Art and Design Course in Lewes

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2027
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Art and Design Course in Lewes. Classes run at East Sussex College Group Lewes Campus, part-time during the day, over one year.

You'll explore drawing, design, photography, 3D making, and animation. Work builds into a portfolio across six units, plus a final graded project. There are no exams. You'll need to show you can reach Level 1 English and maths by the end of the course. An initial assessment at the start helps plan your learning.

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

Who this course is for

Discover your creativity. Reconnect with learning.

The UAL Level 1 Diploma in Art, Design and Media is a welcoming and hands-on course designed for people who may have found school difficult, missed out on education, or are looking for a fresh start. If you've ever felt that traditional learning wasn't for you, this course offers a different way forward: through creativity, exploration, and practical experience.

You'll get the chance to try out drawing, design, photography, 3D making, animation, and more. You'll learn by doing, supported by tutors who understand that everyone learns differently. There are no exams, just projects that help you build confidence, express yourself, and discover what you're good at.

This course is about more than art: it's about finding your voice, working with others, and building the skills to move on to further study or creative work. Whether you've been out of education or just need a new way to learn, this is a chance to reconnect, rebuild, and rediscover your potential.

Entry requirements

You will need to demonstrate an ability to achieve Level 1 English and maths by the end of the course through an initial assessment.

What you will learn

  • You'll practise drawing and mark-making across different styles and materials.
  • You'll explore graphic design and visual communication.
  • You'll try photography and digital media techniques.
  • You'll experiment with 3D making and model construction.
  • You'll create animation and moving image work.
  • You'll build a portfolio of creative projects that shows your progress.
  • You'll develop skills in presenting and talking about your own work.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on studio work, trying out different materials and techniques. Units 1 to 6 are assessed through your portfolio, which can include sketchbooks, journals, photos, models, digital recordings, and presentations. Unit 7 is a final graded project, marked at Pass, Merit, or Distinction. There are no written exams. You'll receive feedback and guidance from tutors throughout the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. East Sussex College Group Lewes Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Studio assistant, supports artists or designers in a creative workspace.
  • Visual merchandiser, creates displays for shops and retail environments.
  • Photography assistant, helps with shoots in commercial or studio settings.
  • Print and production operative, works in print, packaging, or design production.
  • Community arts worker, delivers creative activities in community or education settings.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, the natural next step after this qualification.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production, if you want to focus on film, photography, or digital media.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, which opens routes into higher education and creative careers.
  • Functional Skills English and Maths at Level 1 or Level 2, if you want to strengthen those alongside your creative study.
Apply on escg.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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