Key Facts

BTEC Level 3 Art and Design

BTEC Level 3 Art and Design

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This one-year Level 3 course is practical, structured, and discipline-spanning. You'll rotate through key Art & Design specialisms to build core creative skills and a strong portfolio for progression.

Learning is hands-on and clearly laid out. You'll research and test ideas, plan and present work, build technical skill, reflect on artists/designers, and develop professional habits—timekeeping, collaboration, safe studio practice, and effective communication.

  • Entry Requirements


    We will invite you to a 'Meet the Tutor' event 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.

    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 to be able to achieve well on the course. Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference/school report.

    A portfolio or example of your work to demonstrate that you have the appropriate level of skill required to succeed on the course. We love to see your creativity!

    4 x GCSE's at 4 or above, or a Level 2 Certificate / Extended Certificate or above (at merit or above) in a relevant subject.

    You will have gained either English and/or maths at GCSE 4 or above, or L2 Functional skills in English and/or maths.

    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.

  • Course Content


    During your time on the course, you'll complete four projects:

    Kew Fashion House (Fashion & Surface Pattern): Design and construct a paper garment; screen/block print; mixed-media surface studies.

    LetterForms (Graphic Design & Illustration): Create a book-jacket concept; explore typography, mark-making, and repeat pattern in Photoshop/Illustrator.

    Urban Structures (3D Design): Model an architectural form; experiment with materials, cardboard engineering, perspective and etching.

    Final Major Project: Choose a specialism (e.g., Fine Art, Graphics, Fashion/Textiles, Architecture, Product/Prop Design) and produce an independent, portfolio-ready outcome.

    On the course, you'll use: screen-printing beds and tools; relief/mono printing resources; sewing/textile tools; 3D/model-making tools (knives, cutting mats, adhesives), wire and armature materials; photography backdrops; drawing/painting kits (inks, acrylics, watercolour); safe-use PPE.

    You will have access to specialist studios for printmaking, textiles, and 3D; dedicated Mac suites for digital design; clean/dirty working areas; photography/critique spaces; bookable independent-study zones.

  • Progression Next Steps


    Majority of learners continue to the BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma and then go on to university, employment, an apprenticeship or study on the BTEC Level 3/ 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design here at Kingston College.

    Alternatively, you could expect to be employed in the creative industries at junior level. You will have access to a range of career and further/higher education opportunities. Students progress onto specialist courses at Degree, Higher National Diploma, or Foundation Degree level. You will be advised and supported in your UCAS applications with help on appropriate routes and portfolio preparation.

    During your time with us you will have access to a dedicated team of careers and education advisors who will help you as you take the next steps towards achieving your goals.

  • Additional Information


    Most art and design materials and equipment are provided, however, students are expected to purchase a Starter Kit at the beginning of the year. More information will be provided prior to enrolment. There will also be trips and visits throughout the course which will incur some costs.

    For further course specific information please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  • Assessment Details


    There are no written exams. Your portfolio is assessed across the assessment criteria: Informing Ideas, Problem Solving, Technical Skill, Professional Practice, and Communication. You will evidence research, experimentation, iterative development, and reflective evaluation for each brief inside your sketchbook.