Free Level 1 Art and Design Course in Maidstone

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 1 Art and Design Course in Maidstone. Classes run at MidKent College Maidstone Campus, full-time during the day.

The course runs for one year. You'll explore a wide range of materials, processes, and techniques across both 2D and 3D disciplines. Photography is also part of the mix. You'll build practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge, creating your own artwork throughout. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English or maths, to join.

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

The Level 1 Art, Design and Media qualification is an exciting opportunity for prospective students looking to gain a solid foundation of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in art and design.

Over the duration of the course you will be introduced to a wide variety of materials, processes and techniques across both 2D and 3D disciplines; challenging your ability to wield them purposefully and creatively in the production of your own artwork. You will also use photography as a means of recording the development of your ideas.

Specifically, you will learn and develop techniques in:

  • Tonal drawing (pencils, chalk, ink, charcoal)
  • Watercolour and acrylic painting
  • Collage and Mixed Media
  • Printmaking (Polystyrene safe-print, Mono Printing, Lino)
  • Photography
  • Plaster Casting, plasticine/ paper-based sculpture

Research and reflective writing will inform your learning and underpin the work that you produce. This is an invaluable step towards seeking exciting inspiration for your outcomes, whilst deepening your awareness of how the visual arts influence the world around us. Within the projects, the Level 1 Art, Design explores how artists can be inspired by cultures, nature, as well as other creative practitioners (both historical and contemporary).

Student coursework is assessed upon the completion of each unit, with feedback, support and guidance offered during the project duration. Units 1-6 are learning units with a maximum grade of pass; enabling students to take creative risks with media experimentation and learn in an exploratory manner. The final major project (Unit 7) determines the final grade for the course, and will be awarded either a Fail, Pass, Merit or Distinction.

The Level 1 Art, Design and Media course will prepare students for ongoing study with the following core skills:

  • Analytical Writing as a means of researching artists and other contexts in order to develop their own exciting ideas for their artwork

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Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English or maths at grade 2 or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll work with a variety of 2D materials and techniques, including drawing and painting.
  • You'll explore 3D disciplines, experimenting with sculpture and model-making processes.
  • You'll use photography as a creative and documentary tool.
  • You'll develop your ability to use materials purposefully and creatively.
  • You'll build theoretical knowledge of art and design principles.
  • You'll produce your own original artwork across different briefs.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical studio sessions and classroom-based study. Assessment is through a portfolio of your own artwork, showing your creative process and finished pieces. You'll also complete written or research tasks to demonstrate your theoretical understanding. Feedback from tutors will guide your development throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. MidKent College Maidstone Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Studio assistant, supports artists or designers in a professional studio.
  • Photography assistant, helps with shoots and image editing.
  • Visual merchandiser, creates displays for retail environments.
  • Print or media production assistant, works on design and print projects.
  • Art technician, supports art departments in schools or colleges.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, the natural next step to deepen your practical and creative skills.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, a common route into higher education or specialist creative careers.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, a one-year course that prepares you for degree-level study at art college.