Free Level 2 Art and Design Course in Manchester – The Manchester College City Campus – Daytime

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 2 Art and Design Course in Manchester. Classes run at The Manchester College City Campus, full-time over one year.

You'll work across a range of materials and disciplines. Areas include graphic and communication design, fashion and textiles, drawing, and 3D materials. You'll develop practical and analytical skills, and respond to live briefs set by employers. The course is awarded by University of the Arts London, the only specialist creative arts awarding body in the UK.

You'll finish with a Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design.

Who this course is for

This Level 2 Diploma in Art & Design (Photography) is the ideal route for anyone who would like to complete one of our Level 3 courses here at The Manchester College but who doesn’t yet meet the necessary entry requirements.

Throughout the whole year, you’ll have the chance to work across a range of photographic genre and techniques, developing your practical and analytical skills in areas such as studio & location photography; image capture, editing and printing; use of lighting and composition.

You’ll be able to focus on your own creative potential, and use your skills to find innovative solutions to a number of creative problems, some of which will be posed to you directly by employers in live briefs. This will give you real work experience of the industry and - along with sessions on study skills like reflective thinking, self-management and problem solving - will help prepare you for a future successful career. As with nearly all of our creative qualifications, this Diploma is awarded by University of the Arts London Awarding Body - the only specialist creative arts awarding body in the UK.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore graphic and communication design principles.
  • You'll work with fashion and textiles materials and techniques.
  • You'll develop drawing skills across different styles and media.
  • You'll create work using 3D materials and processes.
  • You'll respond to live briefs set by employers.
  • You'll build analytical and reflective thinking skills.
  • You'll practise self-management and problem-solving in a creative context.

How you will learn

You'll be assessed through a range of creative briefs that combine practical and theoretical work. Classes are classroom-based and run during the day. You'll also take part in a work placement relevant to your studies. Sessions cover study skills including reflective thinking, self-management, and problem-solving.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a small portfolio of work that shows your personal creative interests. The Manchester College City Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for print and digital media.
  • Textile designer, develops patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors.
  • Visual artist, produces original artwork for exhibitions or commissions.
  • Art and design technician, supports studios, galleries, or schools.
  • Junior illustrator, produces images for publishing, advertising, or online content.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design, the natural next step for learners who want to specialise and progress to higher education or creative careers.
  • Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design, a broader qualification covering more disciplines, often required for university foundation or degree entry.
  • University of the Arts London Foundation Diploma, for those aiming toward a degree in a creative subject.

Related courses at The Manchester College City Campus

More courses near you