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Free Level 1 Art and Design Course in Birmingham – James Watt College

CostFREE
Duration42 weeks
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start31 Aug 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 1 Art and Design Course in Birmingham. Classes run at James Watt College, full-time during the day.

The course runs for 42 weeks. You'll explore creative and digital media through live briefs with local organisations. Topics include social action, music video, advertising, podcasts, and short film production. You'll also get to explore games design and digital art. GCSE Maths and English at Grade 2 or above are preferred, or a Functional Skills equivalent. All applicants are considered through interview and portfolio.

You'll finish with a Level 1 Diploma in Art, Design and Media, awarded by the University of the Arts London.

Who this course is for

Take your first steps into the exciting world of creative and digital media. This course is perfect for anyone with an interest in media, games design, or digital art. You�ll work on live briefs with local organisations and explore areas like social action, music video, advertising, podcasts, and short film production.

Entry requirements

An interest in media, games design, or digital art is essential. GCSE Maths and English at Grade 2 or above (or Functional Skills equivalent) are preferred. All applicants are considered based on interview and portfolio.

What you will learn

  • You'll create work responding to live briefs from local organisations.
  • You'll explore digital art and games design techniques.
  • You'll produce music video and short film projects.
  • You'll develop advertising and social action campaigns.
  • You'll record and edit podcasts.
  • You'll build a portfolio of creative work across different media.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, project-based work in the classroom. Assessment is based on a portfolio of work you build throughout the course. Live briefs from local organisations give you real creative challenges to respond to. You'll also take part in interviews as part of the application and review process.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Digital content creator, produces video, audio, and social media content.
  • Junior games designer, supports the development of digital games.
  • Media production assistant, helps with film, podcast, or advertising projects.
  • Graphic design assistant, creates visual assets for print and digital use.
  • Social media coordinator, manages content across online platforms.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, a natural next step to develop your creative skills further.
  • Level 2 Diploma in Creative Media Production, ideal if you want to focus on film, audio, or digital content.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, which opens routes into higher education or specialist creative careers.
Apply on bmet.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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