Course overview
Art and Design Level 3 City of Bristol CollegeAn exciting two-year, full-time BTEC National course in Art and Design.
In year one, students complete a Diploma before completing an Extended Diploma in year two.
The qualification gives you a solid understanding of broad Art and Design practices, skills and techniques.
Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
| Course Code | Dates | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
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| LGF1853C01-1 | 07/09/2026 - 28/06/2027 | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | 18.07 | 09:15 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
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Additional information
Who is this course for?
This course is for young people aged 16-18 and adults aged 19 and over who wish to develop a career in the visual arts, crafts and design industry.
The course is designed mainly for school leavers who have experience of Art and Design at GCSE level and who have a passion and desire to explore this diverse subject area.
What you'll learn
During your time on this course, you will work on a wide range of creative projects developing your confidence and creative independence through hands-on practical experience. You will work with a variety of different materials and techniques to build up your general Art and Design skills and knowledge that can lead you to further progression in the creative sector.
You will cover topics such as:
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Fine Art
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Print
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3D Materials
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Ceramics
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Design in Graphics and Digital
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Illustration
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Print Contextual Research
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Photography
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Life Drawing
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Fashion and Textiles
Your first year will be spent developing your foundation skills through exploring these different techniques. Towards the end of year one, you will work on an independent project, choosing one area to focus on for your final year project.
In the second year, you will deepen your specialist knowledge, supporting you to progress to further study and employment. This year will culminate in a final project where you will have the opportunity to put together an exhibition with your peers, showcasing your achievements to friends and family.
During both years, live briefs will be set by industry professionals as part of your projects. With this experience, along with learning how AI contributes to the creative sector, you will increase your understanding of what it means to work within the creative sector and help to prepare you for future study and employment.
Course entry requirements
5 x GCSEs at 4 or above, or a Level 2 equivalent in a relevant subject. You will have gained either English and/or Maths at GCSE 4 or above, or Level 2 Functional Skills in English and/or Maths.
There will be Open Events throughout the year where you will receive information, advice and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.
On enrolment, you will provide a copy of your last school report and/or a reference from an employer or relevant professional other. This will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support you to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criterion.
All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence-based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference or school report.
If you are applying for a creative practice-based course, you will be invited to bring a portfolio of work that demonstrates what you have done in your previous courses.
We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure you can flourish. Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process. We are here to help take you to the next level.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
All assessment is through coursework – there are no exams.
Future career and study opportunities
After completing the first year of the course, you can continue to study this subject in more depth in the second year.
Alternatively, the option to switch learning and transfer onto one of our other Art and Design Extended Diplomas can be explored.
Some learners may choose to leave the course after the first year and progress to employment, into Higher Education or to an apprenticeship.
After completing both years of the course, you may wish to progress onto a Foundation Degree or BA Hons Degree at Higher Education Level.
You may also progress to our Foundation Degree in Graphic Design with Digital Arts.
Past students have also moved into more specialist areas of study, such as print, painting and illustration or they have opted to enter into employment or to take part in an Apprenticeship.
Additional costs
Students are welcome to supply their own materials, but all equipment is available at the college. This includes an A3 sketchbook, watercolour paints, brushes, pencils, drawing pens and other course essentials.
Learner Support Fund applications can be made to provide funding to cover these costs, for students with a low household income.
