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Free Level 1 Art and Design Course in Northampton

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

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

The course is free if you are 16 to 18 years old. If you are 19 or over, fee remission may be available. You will explore drawing, printmaking, painting, photography, textiles, 3D design, and digital design. You will also build portfolio and contextual research skills. The course takes one year to complete.

You will finish with a Diploma in Art, Design and Media at Level 1.

Who this course is for

This course is ideal if you: Enjoy drawing and creating Are interested in games and digital arts Want to build confidence in a creative environment Are ready to develop skills for further study for creative industries

Entry requirements

Four GCSEs at Grade 2, and you must show a portfolio of artwork demonstrating your skills and particular interest in Art. This can include work produced for GCSE Art as well as personal projects completed at home. The level of course you enrol on will be based on the overall quality of your artwork. References may be requested from the course lead if deemed necessary.

What you will learn

  • You'll practise drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques.
  • You'll explore photography and time-based creative work.
  • You'll develop 3D design and textile skills.
  • You'll create digital design work.
  • You'll build a personal portfolio of your creative projects.
  • You'll develop contextual research and critical writing skills.
  • You'll solve 2D and 3D creative problems through set projects.

How you will learn

You will learn through studio-based projects set and assessed internally by the college. Each project builds practical and creative skills across different disciplines. You will receive guidance and feedback as you work. Projects also support your literacy and numeracy development alongside your creative practice.

What you will need to bring

You will need a portfolio of artwork to show at interview. This can include GCSE work or personal projects. Northampton College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Junior graphic designer, creates visual content for print or digital.
  • Studio assistant, supports artists or designers in a creative workspace.
  • Photography assistant, helps with shoots and image editing.
  • Textile worker, produces fabric designs or handmade pieces.
  • Digital content creator, makes visual assets for social media or websites.

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, the natural next step after this course, covering specialist creative disciplines in more depth.
  • Level 2 or Level 3 apprenticeship in a creative industry, combining work and study.
  • GCSE English or Maths, which you may study alongside this course if you have not yet achieved a grade 4.
Apply on northamptoncollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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