Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Southampton – Itchen College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Southampton. Classes run at Itchen College, full-time during the day. This two-year course covers the foundations of art and design practice, from concept development to producing finished work across a range of disciplines. You'll build a portfolio and develop the technical and creative skills that employers and universities look for. Entry requirements are listed on the Itchen College website, so check there before you apply.

Who this course is for

1618

Entry requirements

See Website

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in drawing, composition, and visual communication.
  • You'll explore a range of art and design disciplines, including fine art, graphic design, and photography.
  • You'll learn how to research and develop ideas from initial concept to finished outcome.
  • You'll produce a professional portfolio of work to support applications to university or employment.
  • You'll study the work of artists and designers and apply contextual understanding to your own practice.
  • You'll use a variety of materials, tools, and techniques appropriate to your chosen specialism.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based practical work, projects, and research tasks in the classroom. Assessment is primarily through a portfolio of coursework and project work completed over the two years. There is no written exam. Your portfolio will show the development of your ideas as well as your finished pieces, and you'll present and evaluate your work as part of the assessment process.

What you will need to bring

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

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for books, advertising, and publishing.
  • Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or portrait photography.
  • Visual merchandiser: design retail displays and in-store environments.
  • Art technician: support artists and educators in studios or schools.
  • Textile designer: design patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors.
  • Animator: create moving images for film, games, or online content.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Fine Art or Graphic Design: a degree for those wanting to specialise and pursue a professional creative career.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 4): a one-year course that bridges Level 3 and degree-level study, widely used as a route into art and design degrees.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Creative Media Production or Design: a Level 4 qualification for those moving into industry rather than university.

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