Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Daventry – Northampton College at Daventry

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Daventry. Classes run full-time at Northampton College at Daventry, over two years. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and Art, plus a portfolio of your work. The course covers creative practice across art, design, and communication, developing your technical skills, conceptual thinking, and professional portfolio. It's awarded by University of the Arts London, and sits at the same level as A-levels, making it a strong route into higher education or the creative industries.

Who this course is for

This course is designed for students with a genuine passion for Photography and Visual Arts, who are keen to develop their creativity into future opportunities. It offers the chance to refine practical and technical skills, build confidence, and explore a range of photographic and visual disciplines while working towards a recognised qualification.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Art A portfolio demonstrating your skills and particular interest in Art. This may include GCSE artwork and personal work produced at home The level of course you enrol on will be determined by the quality of your portfolio References may be requested by the course lead

What you will learn

  • You'll explore a range of creative disciplines to develop and focus your own practice.
  • You'll build technical skills in areas such as 3D design, model making, technical drawing, and digital visualisation.
  • You'll develop a professional portfolio that showcases your creative and technical abilities.
  • You'll carry out contextual research and critical analysis to strengthen your design thinking.
  • You'll undertake a self-initiated Final Major Project that brings together your learning.
  • You'll develop literacy, numeracy, and digital skills relevant to working in the creative industries.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based projects set and assessed internally by the centre. Each project builds on the last, moving from exploratory work in year one through to a self-initiated Final Major Project in year two. You'll receive guidance and feedback throughout. Assessment is portfolio-based, with work judged on creativity, technical skill, and reflective practice.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Northampton College at Daventry will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to bring a portfolio of your existing work when you apply, which can include GCSE artwork and personal pieces made at home.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creating visual content for brands and media
  • Illustrator, producing artwork for publishing, advertising, or digital platforms
  • Interior designer, planning and styling interior spaces
  • Visual merchandiser, designing retail displays and in-store environments
  • Art technician, supporting creative departments in schools or studios
  • Photography assistant, supporting professional shoots and productions
  • Creative arts administrator, coordinating projects in galleries or arts organisations

What you could study next

A University of the Arts London Level 3 Diploma is widely accepted for entry to degree-level study. You could progress to a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Interior Architecture, Photography, or a related subject at university. Alternatively, a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design offers a two-year higher education route. Some graduates move into higher or degree apprenticeships in the creative industries.

Related courses at Northampton College at Daventry

More courses near you