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Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Penzance

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Penzance. Classes run full-time at Penwith College, five days a week during the day. The course is free for 16 to 18 year olds who are UK residents.

Over two years, you'll develop skills across art, design, and visual communication. The course covers areas relevant to the visual effects, games, and creative industries. You'll build an extensive portfolio of work to take into employment or higher education. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade 4, including English Language or Literature. Maths at grade 5 is preferred, though grade 4 is accepted.

You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

Who this course is for

This course bridges the gap between the needs of the UKs rapidly growing Visual Effects and Games industries, and the skills taught to creative students before they go to university. The diploma will provide a Level 3 qualification, which is equivalent to three A Levels. Over two years, students will build extensive portfolios relevant to industry needs, in preparation for either working in these sectors or as a progression to higher education or higher Apprenticeships. The limits of what can be produced are only defined by your ability and effort, and Penwith College Games have a rich history of publishing games and winning national awards for our work.

Entry requirements

The basic requirement is four GCSEs at grade 4 to include English Language or Literature at grade 4 and mathematics at grade 5 is preferred but 4 is a minimum.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop drawing and visual communication skills across a range of media.
  • You'll explore design principles used in graphic design, illustration, and digital art.
  • You'll learn techniques relevant to the visual effects and games industries.
  • You'll build a professional portfolio of creative work.
  • You'll study colour theory, composition, and visual storytelling.
  • You'll experiment with both traditional and digital creative tools.
  • You'll develop the research and critical thinking skills needed for creative practice.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based projects, workshops, and individual creative briefs. Assessment is portfolio-based, with your body of work reviewed throughout the two years. You'll also complete written and research tasks to support your practical projects. Tutors will give feedback on your work as it develops.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Penwith College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands and media.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms.
  • Web designer, designs the look and layout of websites.
  • Visual effects artist, works on digital imagery for film, TV, or games.
  • Games concept artist, develops visual ideas for game characters and environments.
  • Animator, creates moving images for film, games, or online content.
  • Art and design technician, supports creative teams in studios or colleges.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, a degree for those wanting to specialise in design for brands and media.
  • BA (Hons) Illustration, a degree route for those focused on image-making and visual storytelling.
  • BA (Hons) Animation or Visual Effects, for those drawn to the games or film industries.
  • Higher Apprenticeship in Creative and Digital Media, an earn-while-you-learn route into the industry.
Apply on truro-penwith.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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