Level 3 Art and Design Course in Rugby. Classes run at Rugby College, full-time during the day over two years. Tuition is free if you're under 19 years old or hold an EHCP. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply, though waivers are available based on income or benefits. Note that all students may be charged for materials, equipment, and trips. This is a broad, practical art and design qualification covering subjects across art, design, and communication. It was developed with University of the Arts London institutions, including Central Saint Martin's and London College of Fashion.
Who this course is for
This course is aimed primarily at those who have recently completed their secondary education, and is a practical based program that covers a broad range of art and design subjects. The qualification has been written with the support of University of the Arts London Institutions, including Camberwell College of Arts, Central Saint Martin’s College of Arts and Design, Chelsea College of Arts, London College of Communication, London College of Fashion and Wimbledon College of Arts. The course will prepare students with the skills and creative thinking these institutions, and other HE institutions require for their undergraduate courses. The course will give students the knowledge, skills and understanding to explore, develop and test their creativity within a qualification structure, which is stimulating and demanding and provides a supportive transition from further to higher education.It will develop existing skills gained in related areas of study, as well as helping to teach new and exciting approaches to art and design. The course is designed to enable students to learn and develop through discovery and exploration. Practical and theoretical aspects of the broad range of art and design subjects enables students to make an informed choice of specialism, and prepare for application to specific areas of employment or higher education or HND or BA (Hons) level studies.This course is delivered as two qualifications, each a year long (usually a national or 72 credit diploma in year 1 and the 144 credit extended diploma in year 2). Students who are 18 years old when they start year 1 will therefore be 19 at the start of year 2 and may be subject to fees for the year 2 qualification. All learners will need to successfully complete the year 1 qualification to be able to progress to the year 2 qualification.
What you will learn
You'll explore a wide range of art and design disciplines, from fine art to graphic design and communication.
You'll develop practical studio skills through hands-on project work.
You'll build a professional portfolio of creative work across different media.
You'll study visual communication and how to present ideas to an audience.
You'll learn to research, develop, and refine creative concepts from brief to final outcome.
You'll gain experience working with materials, tools, and processes used across the creative industries.
How you will learn
Learning is studio and classroom based, with a strong emphasis on practical project work. You'll be assessed through a portfolio of creative work built up over the two years, alongside written and research-based tasks. Assessment is ongoing rather than exam-based, reflecting the practical nature of the qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Rugby College will confirm anything else you need before you start. Be aware that some costs for materials, equipment, and trips may apply to all students.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer, creating visual content for print and digital media
Illustrator, producing artwork for publishing, advertising, and media
Visual merchandiser, designing retail displays and brand environments
Photography assistant, supporting shoots in commercial or editorial settings
Art technician, supporting creative departments in schools or studios
Junior designer, working in agencies on branding and layout projects
Social media content creator, producing visual assets for brands
What you could study next
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 4) - the standard entry route into BA degree programmes at art and design universities, including University of the Arts London institutions.
BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Fashion, or a related subject - undergraduate degree study at university, building on the skills and portfolio developed at Level 3.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Art and Design (Level 4) - a shorter higher education route available at many further education colleges.
