Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in London. Classes run at Big Creative Academy London, full-time during the day. You'll need five GCSEs at grades 4 to 9 including English, or an equivalent qualification. A grade 3 or above in Art and Design is desirable but not required. This free art and design course runs over two years and covers fine art, illustration, 2D and 3D design, printmaking, typography, and contextual studies. You'll work on live client briefs and build a professional portfolio across traditional and digital mediums.
Who this course is for
Our Level 3 Art and Design course is for learners who have completed their GCSEs and looking to further their creative skills and in-depth subject knowledge in a supportive and collaborative environment. It will provide you with the opportunity to begin to develop your technical skills in various disciplines. This will involve exploring materials, methods and processes that will define your vision and style, as well as your progression routes.
Entry requirements
5 GCSEs at grades 4-9 including English (or equivalent).
A GCSE grade 3 or Level 2 in Art and Design would be desirable.
What you will learn
You'll develop drawing, painting, illustration, and printmaking skills across traditional and digital mediums.
You'll explore 2D, 3D, and emerging 4D visual design and creative processes.
You'll work with sculpture, mixed media, and installation art.
You'll study typography, layout, and concept development.
You'll build sketchbooks and carry out artist research to develop your personal style.
You'll engage with contextual studies and visual storytelling.
You'll complete live client projects and employer-led briefs to apply your skills professionally.
You'll build and present a polished portfolio for universities, employers, or clients.
How you will learn
You'll learn through studio-based practice in purpose-built art studios, using professional printmaking tools, lightboxes, scanners, and industry-standard digital editing software. Assessment is through portfolio development, project work, and live briefs set by clients and employers. You'll also complete contextual studies and present your work as part of the course. Classes are classroom based, full-time, and run during the day.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Big Creative Academy London will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Illustrator or fine artist, creating work for clients or exhibitions.
Art director, leading visual concepts for agencies or brands.
Gallery assistant or curator, supporting exhibitions and collections.
Graphic designer, producing layouts and visual communications.
Set designer or production designer, working in theatre, film, or TV.
Tattoo artist, applying illustration skills in a specialist trade.
Printmaker, producing editions for commercial or fine art markets.
What you could study next
A degree in Fine Art, Illustration, Graphic Design, or a related subject at university. The portfolio you build on this course is designed to support applications.
A University of the Arts London Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, which some learners take as a bridge year before a degree.
A Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design at Level 5, for a more vocational route into the creative industries.
