Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Stratford-upon-Avon. Classes run full-time at Stratford-upon-Avon College, five days a week during the day, over two years. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths or English and a creative subject such as Art, Graphic Design, or Photography. The course covers drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media, and moving image, alongside research, critical analysis, and contextual study of Art and Design. You'll work through assignments, live project briefs, and industry-linked activities.
Who this course is for
On successful completion of the course you will be qualified to enter Higher Education to pursue a Higher National Diploma or Degree course. We offer Art and Design Level 4 and HND Photography alongside Solihull College and University Centre. You will also develop the necessary skills to enter the workplace or an apprenticeship should you choose to do so. You could even become a freelance designer or animator.
Entry requirements
You need to have 4 GCSEs at grade C / grade 4 or above, one of which should be Maths or English, and also a creative subject such as Art, Photography or Graphic Design.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, 3D work, photography, and moving image.
You'll build research skills to explore the history and context of Art and Design.
You'll learn to analyse and interpret visual language and design methods critically.
You'll use sketchbooks to document your ideas, experiments, and design development throughout each assignment.
You'll work on assignments with your own choice of outcomes, including live project briefs set by industry professionals.
You'll take part in enrichment activities and work experience with specialist practitioners.
How you will learn
You'll learn through individual, small-group, and whole-group workshops in the classroom. Assessment is coursework-based, using assignments completed each year. You'll document your process in sketchbooks, annotating ideas and reflecting on your development as each assignment progresses. Some assignments are live project briefs involving work with industry professionals. There are no written exams.
What you will need to bring
The provider page mentions sketchbooks as a core working tool throughout the course. Stratford-upon-Avon 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.
Photographer - work commercially or in editorial and events photography.
Illustrator - produce artwork for publishing, advertising, or animation.
Textile designer - design patterns and surfaces for fashion or interiors.
Visual merchandiser - plan and build retail displays and brand environments.
Art technician - support studios, galleries, or college art departments.
Animator - create moving image content for film, games, or online media.
What you could study next
Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design - the standard next step before a degree, developing your specialist direction.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in a specialist art or design subject - a two-year higher education qualification, often at college.
BA (Hons) degree in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Illustration, or a related subject - the main route into professional creative careers.
Design apprenticeship - combine paid work with structured training in a design discipline.
