Level 3 Art and Design Course in Bolton for 16 to 18 Year Olds

CostFree for 16 to 18 year olds
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

A sixth-form course for 16 to 18 year olds. Aged 19 or over? Check which courses you can do free.

About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Bolton. Classes run at The Sixth Form Bolton, full-time over two years.

You'll explore design, sculpture, fine art, photography, printmaking, illustration, and textile and fashion design. The course is built around live briefs. You work with real clients and build a portfolio as you go. Units cover creative process, specialist technical skills, and responding to industry briefs. All units are internally assessed, and two are externally moderated.

You'll need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including grade 4 in English Language and grade 4 in Art and Design. You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

Who this course is for

This is an in-depth, full-time, art and design course, where you will explore specialist techniques and processes associated with areas such as design, sculpture, fine art, photography, print making, illustration and textile, fashion and surface pattern design.

Entry requirements

Students will be expected to have a minimum of five GCSEs at grade 9-4, including a grade 4 in GCSE English Language and a minimum grade 3 in Mathematics.

GCSEs should include a GCSE grade 4 in Art & Design. Those who have not studied this at GCSE will be asked to bring samples of their work so that the best advice can be offered. Student will be invited on campus for a skills assessment

You will also need GCSE French at grade 6 or to be a native French speaker.

What you will learn

  • You'll explore specialist techniques in fine art, sculpture, and printmaking.
  • You'll develop skills in photography, illustration, and textile design.
  • You'll work through a creative process from initial idea to finished outcome.
  • You'll respond to live industry briefs and work with real clients.
  • You'll research specialist industry practice in your chosen area.
  • You'll develop a portfolio of work suitable for university or employment.

How you will learn

You'll study in a classroom studio environment at The Sixth Form Bolton. The course has six units split across two years. Units 1 to 3 are covered in year one, and Units 4 to 6 in year two. All units are internally assessed. Units 3 and 6 are also externally moderated. You must pass all units from year one before progressing to year two.

What you will need to bring

If you haven't studied Art and Design at GCSE, bring samples of your work to your skills assessment. The Sixth Form Bolton will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands and campaigns.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital media.
  • Web designer, designs layouts and visuals for websites and apps.
  • Textile designer, develops patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors.
  • Photographer, works in commercial, editorial, or fine art photography.
  • Art and design technician, supports creative teams in studios or colleges.

What you could study next

  • A degree in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related subject at university, building on your Extended Diploma portfolio.
  • A degree apprenticeship in a creative or digital discipline, combining work and study.
  • A Higher National Diploma in Art and Design, for a shorter higher-education route before a full degree.

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