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Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Southend-on-Sea

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Practice Course in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus, full-time over two years.

The course focuses on 2D mark-making, drawing, and developing original styles and concepts. You'll explore ideas aimed at the animation, cartoon, and illustration industries. Units cover skills development and a creative project, both internally assessed. You'll build a portfolio of work as you progress.

The course is free for UK residents under 19 years old who are not in employment. You'll finish with a Pearson Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design Practice.

Who this course is for

This Level 3 two year course will teach you a variety of 2D mark-making skills with a strong emphasis on drawing and generating original styles and concepts for the animation, cartoon and illustration industries. On completing the course you will have a portfolio to present to potential employers as evidence of your artistic abilities. This qualification will also be suitable for those wishing to go onto higher level studies at Foundation Diploma level and then Degree.

Entry requirements

Level 2 qualification or GCSEs x 4 at grade 4/C - one to be in Fine Art and grade 4/C in ENGLISH OR MATHS dependent on vocational subject to be studied You will be asked to provide evidence of your ability in the subject which could be in the form of a portfolio Successful attendance at interview event

What you will learn

  • You'll develop 2D mark-making skills across a range of techniques.
  • You'll practise drawing to build a strong personal visual language.
  • You'll generate original styles and concepts for creative briefs.
  • You'll explore ideas suited to animation, cartoon, and illustration industries.
  • You'll develop a creative project from concept through to finished work.
  • You'll build and present a professional portfolio of your artwork.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based studio sessions at South Essex College Southend Campus. The course is assessed through two internally assessed units: A1 Skills Development and A2 Creative Project. You must pass both units to achieve the qualification. There is no external exam. You'll also attend an interview event as part of the application process.

What you will need to bring

You'll be asked to provide a portfolio of work as evidence of your ability at the application stage. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm any materials you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Illustrator, creates images for books, editorial, advertising, and publishing.
  • Concept artist, develops visual ideas for animation and games studios.
  • Animator, produces moving image content for film, TV, or digital media.
  • Graphic designer, designs visual content for brands and communications.
  • Photographer, works in commercial, editorial, or specialist photography.
  • Multimedia artist, produces digital artwork across a range of platforms.
  • Freelance illustrator, takes on self-employed commissions across industries.

What you could study next

  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, the typical next step before a degree, broadening your creative practice.
  • BA (Hons) Illustration or Animation, a degree for those specialising in illustration or moving image.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, a degree route for those drawn toward design and visual communication.
  • Higher National Certificate or Diploma in Art and Design, a higher-level vocational route into creative industries.
Apply on southessex.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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