Level 3 Art and Design Course in Croydon. Classes run at John Ruskin College, full-time over 68 weeks. This level 3 art and design qualification covers the skills common to all art and design disciplines. In the first stage you get a broad grounding across creative practice. In the second stage you specialise in one of four pathways: Fashion and Textiles, Graphics and Illustration, Three-Dimensional Design, or Fine Art. The course carries UCAS points and is recognised by Higher Education art, design and media programmes. Support is available for portfolio preparation for university applications or job interviews.
Who this course is for
16 or 16+
What you will learn
You'll develop core creative practice skills shared across art and design disciplines.
You'll explore the role of the creative process within the creative industries.
You'll build a specialist focus in one of four pathways: Fashion and Textiles, Graphics, Illustration, Animation, Film and Photography, Three-Dimensional Design, or Fine Art.
You'll produce a portfolio of work to support university applications or job interviews.
You'll develop your ability to research, experiment, and refine ideas through a structured creative process.
How you will learn
You'll learn through studio-based practical work, project briefs, and creative assignments in the classroom. Assessment is through a portfolio of work and projects completed across both stages of the course. The first stage covers broad creative practice; the second stage focuses on your chosen specialist pathway. You'll also receive guided support for portfolio preparation.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. John Ruskin College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Graphic designer, working on visual communications and branding
Illustrator, creating images for print, digital, and publishing
Fashion or textile designer, developing garments and fabric concepts
Animator or motion graphics artist, producing visual content for screen
Photographer, working in commercial, editorial, or creative contexts
Visual merchandiser, designing retail displays and brand environments
Junior creative or studio assistant, supporting design teams
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Graphic Design, Fine Art, Fashion, Illustration, or a related subject at university. This Diploma carries UCAS points and is recognised by Higher Education art, design and media programmes.
UAL Level 4 or Level 5 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, if you want a further pre-degree year of specialist study before committing to a degree route.
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design, a work-focused alternative to a full degree.
