Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Solihull

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

About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Solihull. Classes run at Solihull College and University Centre, full-time over two years.

The course covers photography in depth, including digital imaging, darkroom practice, studio and location work, experimental imagery, and the history of art and photography. You work to set briefs in year one, building practical skills across all areas. In year two, you go deeper and develop a Final Major Project in the area you want to specialise in.

You'll need at least four GCSEs at grade C or above to apply. You finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design.

Who this course is for

Our Extended level 3 Diploma in creative and professional photography aims to prepare you for higher education and give you a broad range of ability and knowledge.

The course is taught vocationally, with an emphasis on the specialist skills you will need in the industry as well as the core, practical understanding that is essential to succeed.

An option to move onto higher education upon completion of this course in either broad based Photography or a more specialised, related field is the norm.

The course will also give you a vast range of employability skills.

Photography is a discipline that is very varied; we will work to briefs in the following areas:

  • Digital imaging and manipulation
  • History of art and photography
  • Darkroom practice
  • Location photography
  • Studio photography
  • Experimental imagery

You will produce project work in the first year that covers all these areas, with an emphasis on developing and responding to briefs in an independent and creative way.

The second year goes into more depth in all the briefs you are assigned, but you will have even more freedom to specialise in the area you wish to progress into through the Final Major project.

Entry requirements

At least four GCSEs at grade C or above (Art/ Photography and English Language are preferred) or a BTEC level 2 diploma in art and design at a merit grade or above.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in digital imaging and photo manipulation.
  • You'll practise darkroom techniques and film-based photography.
  • You'll shoot in studio and on location.
  • You'll create experimental and conceptual imagery.
  • You'll study the history of art and photography.
  • You'll respond to set briefs independently and creatively.
  • You'll produce a Final Major Project in your chosen specialism.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on, project-based work in a studio and classroom environment. Classes run up to four days a week, generally between 9am and 5pm. You'll be assessed through a portfolio of project work and your Final Major Project, which you develop in your second year.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Solihull College and University Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Photographer, working in portrait, commercial, or editorial photography.
  • Graphic designer, creating visual content for brands and media.
  • Illustrator, producing artwork for publishing, advertising, or digital platforms.
  • Art director, leading the visual style of campaigns or publications.
  • Digital content creator, making images and visual assets for online channels.
  • Photo editor, selecting and retouching images for print or digital use.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Photography, the natural next step for those wanting to specialise further in photography at degree level.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, for those drawn toward design and visual communication.
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, for those who want to pursue a broader creative practice.
  • Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design, a two-year higher education route available at many colleges.

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