Free Level 2 Art and Design Course in Bishop Auckland. Classes run full-time at Bishop Auckland College, three days a week over one year. You'll need a Level 1 qualification or some prior experience of art and design to join. The course covers drawing, painting, 3D sculpture, and graphic design. You'll explore visual language, tone, shape, form, and composition, and develop a final project using the materials and techniques you've studied. You'll also collaborate with local artists, visit galleries, and exhibit your own work.
Who this course is for
At Level 2, students will immerse themselves in a dynamic and professional range of traditional art and design skills. From drawing and painting to 3D sculpture and graphic design, you'll explore a wide variety of materials and learn how to bring them to life in your work. You'll master the essentials of visual language, tone, color, shape, form, and composition, while developing a final project that highlights the techniques and materials you've explored. Throughout the year, you'll also build broader skills by collaborating with local artists, visiting galleries, and exhibiting your own creations. After completing this course, you'll be ready to progress to a T Level or Art and Design Level 3, where your creative journey continues to soar!
Entry requirements
Level 1 qualification or some prior experience of art and design.
What you will learn
You'll explore drawing, painting, 3D sculpture, and graphic design techniques.
You'll investigate sources of ideas in art and design.
You'll experiment with a wide range of art and design materials.
You'll develop your understanding of visual language, tone, colour, shape, form, and composition.
You'll produce a practical portfolio of final art and design work.
You'll complete written assignments and tasks alongside your practical work.
You'll collaborate with local artists and visit galleries as part of your studies.
You'll exhibit your own creative work during the course.
How you will learn
You'll learn through hands-on studio practice in the classroom. Assessment includes three mandatory units covering ideas research, materials and techniques, and final artwork production. You'll also complete two additional units based on your interests and abilities. Assessment combines a practical portfolio of your work with written assignments and tasks. If you don't already hold a GCSE grade 4 to 9 (or A to C) in maths and English, you'll study those alongside your main qualification.
What you will need to bring
You'll need art equipment as confirmed at your interview, a portfolio (A5 to A3 size), and basic stationery. Bishop Auckland College will confirm the full list of materials you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer assistant: support design projects in studios or agencies.
Visual merchandiser: create displays for retail environments.
Illustrator: produce artwork for print, digital, or publishing.
Art technician: support artists and educators in studios or schools.
Printmaker: create original prints for galleries or commercial clients.
Gallery assistant: support exhibitions and public engagement in arts venues.
What you could study next
BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design: the natural next step after this course. Bishop Auckland College interviews successful Level 2 completers with good grades and attendance for this programme.
T Level in Design, Surveying and Planning: a technical qualification for those interested in design in a built-environment context.
Level 3 Art and Design qualifications open routes into higher education, including foundation degrees and BA programmes in creative subjects.
