Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Chatham. Classes run at MidKent College Medway Campus, full-time during the day. You'll study for one year, building practical and theoretical skills across art, design, communication, and photography. The course covers technical studio skills alongside transferable creative knowledge that applies across the creative industries. You'll need five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths, to be considered for a place. The University of the Arts London awards this qualification.
Who this course is for
With creative skills in high demand there has never been a better time to move onto higher-level study in art and design. This course will help you do that. You will have the opportunity to experiment in a wide range of specialisms to help you decide which career you are most suited to, with activities including sculpting, photography, graphic design, animation and more. What activities are available to you will depend on what campus you are studying at. You will also gain inspiration from visits to galleries and museums, and have the chance to showcase your own coursework at the departments end-of-term exhibition. The course is made up of two one year programmes. In the first year you will study the UAL L3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (Graphic Design). If you complete this successfully with the minimum of a Pass, you will be able to progress to the second year, when you will study the UAL L3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication (Graphic Design). The course is delivered in a variety of ways including demonstrations, practical workshops and tutorials There are also opportunities to take part in workshops run by external practitioners, for example in life drawing or printmaking Overall performance will be continually assessed and a major formal assessment will occur at the end of each term This is a study programme which includes English, maths and work experience in addition to your main programme
Entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and maths at grade 4/C or above.
What you will learn
You'll develop technical photography skills, including studio lighting and camera operation.
You'll explore the theory and history behind art, design, and visual communication.
You'll practise creative problem-solving across different design briefs.
You'll build a portfolio of practical work to demonstrate your skills.
You'll learn how to research and develop ideas from concept to finished outcome.
You'll gain an understanding of how the creative industries work in the UK.
How you will learn
You'll learn through a mix of studio-based practical sessions, theoretical study, and project work. Teaching takes place in photographic studios and classroom settings. Assessment is through coursework, practical projects, and a portfolio of work you build throughout the year. You'll be supported by a specialist photography and creative arts team.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. MidKent College Medway Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Photographer: work in commercial, portrait, or editorial photography.
Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and media.
Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, or digital platforms.
Art technician: support studios in schools, colleges, or galleries.
Visual merchandiser: design displays for retail environments.
Digital content creator: produce images and visual assets for online channels.
Junior designer: entry-level role in a design studio or agency.
What you could study next
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 4): a common next step before applying to a degree.
BA (Hons) Photography, Graphic Design, or Fine Art: undergraduate degrees at UK universities, including University of the Arts London.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Art and Design (Level 4): a work-focused higher education route available at many colleges.
