Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Liverpool. Classes run full-time at The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre, five days a week during the day. The course runs over one year and covers digital graphic design disciplines including illustration, animation and motion graphics, digital photography, and visual communication. You'll build a portfolio of work through project assignments, developing both technical skills and cultural awareness. To apply, you'll typically need 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including at least one in Maths or English, or a Level 2 qualification at Merit or above.
Who this course is for
It aims to provide you with the opportunity to build and develop your skills in photography, create a varied portfolio of quality work and acquire a body of transferable skills to successfully prepare them for Higher Education, apprenticeships and / or employment within the creative industries
Entry requirements
Designed for all learners with 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above and/or a level 2 qualification at grade Merit or above. You must have at least one GCSE at Maths and/or English at grade 4 or above. Learners aged 19 and over with an outstanding portfolio of artwork will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in graphic design, including print design and layout
You'll explore illustration and visual communication techniques
You'll create animation and motion graphics projects
You'll work with digital photography and media production
You'll build a professional portfolio showcasing your work
You'll develop cultural awareness relevant to the creative industries
You'll gain experience using a range of industry-standard computer software
How you will learn
You'll learn through project assignments that let you explore different design disciplines. Classes are classroom-based and run full-time during the day over 35 weeks. Assessment is portfolio-based. Your portfolio will include samples of work demonstrating digital and artistic techniques, methods, and approaches across the disciplines you study.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. The City of Liverpool College Arts Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer: creating visual content for print and digital media
Illustrator: producing artwork for publishing, advertising, or digital platforms
Motion graphics artist: designing animated content for video and online
Digital photographer: working in commercial, editorial, or media photography
Media production assistant: supporting creative projects in film or broadcast
Visual communications designer: developing brand and marketing materials
Junior art director: supporting creative direction in agencies or studios
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Graphic Design or Illustration: a degree-level route into the creative industries, building on your Extended Diploma portfolio
BA (Hons) Animation or Digital Media: if animation and motion graphics are your focus
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Creative Media Production: a two-year higher-level qualification if you prefer a vocational route before a degree
Foundation Degree in Art and Design: a flexible higher education option available at many colleges
