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Level 2 BTEC Art and Design Course in Leicester – Leicester College St. Margaret’s Campus

CostAnnual Tuition Fee: GBP1080.00. Material Fee: GBP84.00. Resident Fee: GBP25.00. Additional costs may apply and concessions may be available. Please click on GO TO COURSE or call 0116 224 2240 or email [email protected] for more information.
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 2
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Art and Design Skills in Leicester. Classes run at Leicester College St. Margaret's Campus, full-time during the day. The course takes one year and covers graphic design, photography, drawing, digital design, and contextual studies. There is a strong emphasis on research, development, and evaluation throughout. It is a practical course that requires creative talent and a committed attitude. The Pearson Edexcel Level 2 BTEC Diploma in Art and Design Skills is equivalent to four GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Who this course is for

This course is aimed at those who enjoy creative subjects and wish to start a career in graphic design, photography, or interactive media, and want to gain a qualification equivalent to four GCSEs grade 4 or above. Our established Digital Art Department offers this course aimed at those who are interested in Photography and Graphics. It is a practical course and requires creative talent and a committed attitude. There is a strong emphasis on research, development, and evaluation.

If you are aged 16 to 18, you will be enrolled on a study programme. This will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven't already achieved a grade 4 or above. You will take part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career.

If you are 16-19 years old these activities will be timetabled as will work experience and placement. You can also choose to take part in other activities. For other age groups, activities will be tailored to your needs.

Entry requirements

Standard entry to this course requires one reference. It is desirable that you can demonstrate 90% attendance. English and an art/design-related GCSEs at grade 3 (D) is required and maths at grade 3 (D) or above is desirable. You will also require a portfolio that demonstrates your suitability for your chosen course.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in graphic design, including layout, typography, and visual communication.
  • You'll learn photography techniques and how to use professional digital photography software.
  • You'll practise drawing as a foundation skill across both graphic and photographic pathways.
  • You'll study contextual studies, researching and evaluating art and design work.
  • You'll use digital design software to produce and refine creative work.
  • You'll complete a personal project that draws together your skills and ideas.
  • You'll build research, development, and evaluation skills throughout your assignments.

How you will learn

You'll learn through practical, project-based assignments in the classroom. The first two terms focus on core skills in graphic design and photography. Projects are varied and give you space to explore different approaches. Assessment is through coursework, portfolios, and project submissions rather than written exams. There is a strong emphasis on research, development, and evaluation throughout.

What you will need to bring

You'll need a portfolio of your creative work to apply. Leicester College St. Margaret's Campus will confirm any other materials you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic design assistant: supporting designers on layouts and visual content.
  • Junior photographer: shooting and editing images for clients or publications.
  • Digital media assistant: creating content for websites and social media.
  • Print production assistant: preparing artwork for print and digital output.
  • Visual merchandiser: designing in-store displays and branded environments.
  • Multimedia designer: working across digital, video, and interactive media.

What you could study next

  • Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design: the natural next step if you want to go deeper into a specialist area such as graphic design or photography, and a route into higher education.
  • Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Creative Media Production: if you want to move into film, animation, or digital media.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: a one-year course that prepares you for a degree in art or design at university.
Apply on leicestercollege.ac.uk →
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