Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in York – York College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in York. Classes run at York College, full-time during the day. The course runs for one year and covers art, design, and communication through creative practice. You'll develop practical skills across a range of disciplines, building a portfolio of work as you progress. This is a University of the Arts London qualification, which carries weight with universities and creative employers. It's a strong foundation if you're considering higher education in the arts or moving into a creative role.

Who this course is for

Please see the York College website for full details of this course: https://www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/

Entry requirements

Please see the York College website for full details of this course: https://www.yorkcollege.ac.uk/

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in drawing, visual communication, and design thinking.
  • You'll explore a range of creative disciplines including fine art, graphic design, and mixed media.
  • You'll produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative development.
  • You'll learn to analyse and respond to creative briefs.
  • You'll study the work of artists and designers to inform your own practice.
  • You'll develop skills in presenting and evaluating your creative work.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom based, with studio sessions at York College during the day. Assessment is through practical projects, portfolio work, and critical reflection on your creative practice. You'll build a body of work over the year that forms the basis of your final assessment. There are no written exams.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. York College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and media
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, or digital platforms
  • Visual merchandiser: design displays for retail environments
  • Art technician: support artists and designers in studios or schools
  • Photography assistant: support shoots in commercial or editorial settings
  • Social media content creator: produce visual content for brands online
  • Design assistant: support senior designers in agencies or in-house teams

What you could study next

  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3): a specialist pre-degree year recognised by art schools and universities, often the next step before a degree.
  • BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, or Illustration: a full undergraduate degree at a university or arts institution.
  • Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design (Level 5): a two-year higher education qualification available at some colleges, including York College's University Centre.