If you have a passion for creativity and are eager to explore the world of art and design, our Level 1 Art and Design course is your perfect starting point. This course offers a hands-on introduction to a variety of artistic techniques and media tools, preparing you to take your first steps towards a career in the creative industries or to progress to further study.

Throughout this course, you will:

• Develop your skills in traditional drawing, painting, and modelling
• Learn digital design using industry-standard software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and interactive media tools
• Explore video production and photography, creating content that showcases your visual ideas
• Gain practical experience in producing digital and physical art projects

This course offers a perfect balance of practical skills and creative exploration, helping you develop a diverse portfolio of work. Whether you’re interested in pursuing a career in graphic design or fine art, this qualification will provide the skills and knowledge needed to take your creativity to the next level.

We recommend that you have:

• Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above, including English and maths
  or
  Functional Skills in English and maths at Entry Level 3

At enrolment, you will have an interview with our course tutors to ensure the course is right for you. You may also need to complete an initial assessment in English and maths, depending on your grades.

You will produce both practical and written work for assessment.

After completing this course, you'll be well-prepared for further study, such as Art and Design Level 2.

Units covered can include:

• Introduction to materials, processes and skills in art, design and media
• Introduction to contextual research in art, design and media
• Introduction to communication skills in art and design
• Solving 2D creative problems
• Solving 3D creative problems
• Solving time-based creative problems
• Art, Design & Media Project

Note; The units are 'generic' so make reference to Media, but the course delivery will focus on the Art & Design aspects only.

School Leavers (16-18)

If you will be 16, 17 or 18 years old on 31 August before your course starts, and you have the legal right to live in the UK for the full length of your study programme, your course will be free.

You may also be eligible for financial help to support with books, travel, course materials and childcare costs – please click here for more information.

As part of your studies, you will be required to maintain a basic art kit, which includes essential tools such as a range of pencips and pens, a ruler, eraser, scissors, glue, a black permanent marker (eg a Sharpie), an A3 sketchbook, and an A3 wallet. These materials will help you to create your artwork and keep your projects organised. We also recommend you purchase a 1TB hard drive to store and transport your digital design files.