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Level 3 Art and Design Course in Leicester – Leicester College St. Margaret’s Campus

CostAnnual Tuition Fee: GBP2882.00. Material Fee: GBP157.00. Resident Fee: GBP30.00. Additional costs may apply and concessions may be available. Please click on GO TO COURSE or call 0116 224 2240 or email [email protected] for more information.
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Level 3 Art and Design Practice Course in Leicester. Classes run at Leicester College St. Margaret's Campus, full-time over one year. This Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma covers graphic design from the ground up, including drawing, design methods, photography, screen printing, and web design. You'll train on industry software including Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. The course is timetabled across four days per week. Gallery trips, location research, and live industry projects are part of the programme. Entry requires four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and an art or design related subject, plus a portfolio.

Who this course is for

This is the first year of a two year qualification and is equivalent to 1.5 A Levels. Successful students will progress onto the second year Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels). This established course is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and understanding to become a creative arts and crafts practitioner.

It is a two-year qualification providing a broad-based art and design overview which can lead students into an exciting range of career areas including graphic design, illustration, interior design, photography, digital art and media architecture, fine art, gallery technicians, and prop design.

Each year comprises of two units covering a broad range of 2D and 3D subjects. The course is supported by regular trips to galleries and museums as well as location research trips. There is also a developing programme of artist/designer and opportunities for work experience, volunteering, and live projects. Previous opportunities have involved local fashion retailers, local hospitals and Attenborough Arts.

If you are aged 16 to 18, you will be enrolled on a study programme. This will include retaking GCSEs or undertaking Functional Skills in English and maths if you haven't already achieved a grade 4 or above. You will take part in activities that help you to develop your personal skills, such as building your character and confidence. This will help you to live well and move into your chosen career.

If you are 16-19 years old these activities will be timetabled as will work experience and placement. You can also choose to take part in other activities. For other age groups, activities will be tailored to your needs.

Entry requirements

Standard entry to this course requires one reference. It is desirable that you can demonstrate 90% attendance. 4 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) including English including an Art/Design related subject is required. GCSE Maths at grade 4 (C) or above is desirable. You will also require a portfolio that demonstrates your suitability for your chosen course.

Consideration will be given to all applicants over the age of 19 who do not hold formal English and maths qualifications.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop ideas and concepts through drawing and design methods.
  • You'll use Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator to produce design work.
  • You'll explore photography and screen printing as part of the design process.
  • You'll study contextual and historical influences on art and design.
  • You'll create work for web design and interactive media.
  • You'll carry out location research and respond to live project briefs.
  • You'll build a portfolio of work across graphic design disciplines.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based practical work, project briefs, and contextual studies. Assessment is portfolio-based, with work built up across the year through assignments and projects. Gallery visits, museum trips, and live industry projects are part of the timetabled programme. Classes run over 14 hours across four days each week.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Leicester College St. Margaret's Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need a portfolio of your work to apply for the course.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and online platforms.
  • Digital artist: work across animation, gaming, and interactive media.
  • Advertising creative: develop visual campaigns for brands and agencies.
  • Web designer: design layouts and visual elements for websites.
  • Media art worker: produce content across broadcast and digital channels.

What you could study next

  • BTEC National Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice (Level 3): the natural next step after this Diploma, equivalent to 3 A levels and a strong foundation for university applications in art, design, or media.
  • Higher National Certificate or Degree in Graphic Design: university-level study for those looking to specialise further and move into professional design roles.
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