Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Leicester – Gateway Sixth Form College

CostFREE
Duration12 months
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyOCR awarding body

About this course

Free Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in Art and Design Course in Leicester. Classes run at Gateway Sixth Form College, full-time during the day. You'll study for 12 months, building practical skills across a broad range of art and design disciplines. The cambridge technical extended diploma in art and design qualification is awarded by OCR and carries real weight with universities and creative employers. You'll have an initial assessment to confirm this is the right level for you.

Who this course is for

This practical course is a useful foundation for anyone thinking of pursuing a career in health and social care, working in organisations such as residential homes, hospitals, nurseries and schools. You don't need any previous experience but you should have an interest in caring for and helping people.

Entry requirements

2-4 GCSEs at grade 2 (E) or above - including maths and English or entry level functional skills.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop practical skills across core art and design disciplines.
  • You'll explore different media, materials, and techniques used in creative practice.
  • You'll produce a portfolio of work that demonstrates your creative development.
  • You'll learn to research, plan, and realise your own design ideas.
  • You'll study contextual and critical thinking relevant to art and design.
  • You'll work to briefs, developing skills in presenting and communicating your ideas.

How you will learn

Learning is classroom based, with practical studio sessions at the heart of the course. You'll be assessed through coursework, project work, and a portfolio of creative outcomes. There are no written exams for most units. Assessment is continuous, with your work reviewed and marked throughout the year rather than in a single end-point exam.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Gateway Sixth Form College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for print and digital media.
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and media.
  • Visual merchandiser: design retail displays and in-store environments.
  • Art technician: support artists and educators in studios or schools.
  • Photography assistant: work alongside photographers on shoots.
  • Junior designer: entry-level role in a design studio or agency.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Art and Design or a specialist creative subject (Graphic Design, Illustration, Fine Art, Fashion) at university. The Level 3 Extended Diploma meets entry requirements for many degree courses.
  • Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in a creative discipline, if you prefer a vocational higher education route.
  • Level 4 or Level 5 qualifications in specific design areas, such as graphic design or interior design, for a more focused professional direction.

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