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Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Bishop Auckland – Bishop Auckland College

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design Practice in Bishop Auckland. Classes run at Bishop Auckland College, full-time during the day.

The course runs over one year. You'll explore a wide range of creative disciplines, from photography and illustration to graphic design and fine art. Working alongside local artists, you'll develop your creative voice and build a professional-standard portfolio. The course covers contextual influences in art and design, plus optional specialist units chosen at interview.

You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel Level 3 National Diploma in Art and Design Practice.

Who this course is for

A fantastic course designed to build on students existing skills to gain an in-depth knowledge of a range of different photographic techniques. Looking at landscape, portrait, still life, experimental, documentary, advertising and abstract photography. Advancing skills within our traditional darkroom, as well as perfecting your digital skills. You will also have the opportunity to work on commissions from our external links, as well as showcasing your own work at exhibitions and participating in creative competitions. Enrichment also includes skills development, location photography to support portfolio work and further cultural trips. Progression from this course would be onto our own college HND course or university.

Entry requirements

Level 2 in photography or equivalent. GCSE Grades 4 or above in English and maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills across a range of visual art and design disciplines.
  • You'll study contextual influences in art and design, exploring how professional artists and designers shape creative practice.
  • You'll build a portfolio of work through assignments, projects, and creative briefs.
  • You'll work to industry standards, collaborating with local artists and designers.
  • You'll explore specialist areas such as photography, illustration, and graphic design through optional units.
  • You'll gain experience showcasing work at exhibitions and entering creative competitions.
  • You'll develop skills in both traditional and digital creative techniques.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based practical work, creative projects, and assignments. Assessment is portfolio-based: you'll produce a body of work including assignments, albums, and projects throughout the year. You may also take part in location visits and cultural trips to support your portfolio. Optional units are agreed at interview based on your interests and entry criteria.

What you will need to bring

Bishop Auckland College specifies a DSLR camera and an A3 or A2 art workbook. You'll also need basic stationery: pens, pencils, lined paper, a file, and similar items. The college will confirm anything else before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and editorial clients.
  • Photographer, works in portrait, commercial, or documentary photography.
  • Art and design assistant, supports creative teams in studios or agencies.
  • Visual content creator, produces images and design assets for brands and social media.
  • Junior designer, works within a creative agency or in-house design team.

What you could study next

  • HND in Art and Design (Photography) at Bishop Auckland College, a natural next step into higher-level specialist study.
  • A BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, or Illustration at university, building on your Level 3 Diploma.
  • A Level 4 or Level 5 Diploma in a specialist creative discipline, for those who prefer a vocational route into industry.
Apply on bacoll.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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