Art and Design Level 3
Start Date: 2nd September 2026
- Length 2 Years
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
More about the course
Our Art and Design Level 3 course is ideal for anyone who wishes to gain a vocational qualification in Art and Design, as a step towards a career in the industry or a university application.
The initial term will introduce you to working in professional art and design studios, this will include working in 2D, 3D and digitally with Apple Mac computers. You will also have the opportunity to work in a photographic darkroom and fully equipped studio. From that point forward, we will tailor your course to match your career goal, enabling you to work with negotiated briefs which will develop your specialist art skills and prepare you for university study.
Entry requirements
-
4 GCSEs at Grade 4-9, including English or Maths
What will I achieve?
If you successfully complete this course, you will receive an extended diploma in Art and Design. This is equivalent to three A Levels.
Students can also obtain function skills or a GCSE English if required.
What will I learn?
- Drawing and painting
- Fashion and textiles
- Fine art
- 3D design and sculpture
- Computers and digital photography
- Print making
During the second year of the course, students are able to specialise in their chosen subject area for university/employment.
Students will undertake a period of work experience appropriate to the course, as part of the programme of study.
What experience will I have?
- Specialist facilities including two fully equipped Apple Mac suites, a large traditional Art Studio that caters for 2D and Textiles/Fashion, a 3D Art Studio, a Photographic Darkroom and Photography Studio
- Working on Arts Council England funded projects (such as the recent 'Illume' - photographic and sound art project)
- Brutalist Art Project - concrete relief sculptures
- Day trips to important UK galleries including Liverpool Tate, The Walker Gallery, The Lowry, the National Media Museum in Bradford, The Chapel Gallery and the Lady Lever Art Gallery
- Entrepreneurial and work based activities
- Extra-curricular projects and collaborations
- End of Year Creative Arts Exhibition
- Work experience opportunities with local employers in the arts industry
How am I assessed?
- Coursework produced in the art studios
Where can I progress?
Upon successful completion of the course, students may wish to progress to Entry in Employment, Higher Education including Degree Apprenticeship or an Apprenticeship.
Our students go to University to study:
- BA in Fine Art at Manchester Metropolitan University
- BA in Illustration and Graphics at Liverpool John Moores University
- BA in Games Design at the University of Falmouth
- BA in Fashion Promotion at Manchester Metropolitan University
- BA in Photography at UCLan
- BA in Illustration at UCLan
- BA in Architecture at the University of Liverpool
- BA in Interior Design at UCLan
- BA in Illustration with Animation at Manchester Metropolitan University
- BA in Textiles and Fashion Design at Middlesex University
- BA in Surface Pattern Design at Staffordshire University
Course costs
If you are 16-18 years old, you do not have to pay course tuition fees*.
If you need information on any financial support that may be available to you with fees or study costs on this course, please contact Student Services who can offer advice and assistance on accessing any financial support that may be available.
*This is subject to attendance.
Contact our team
Meet our Art and Design students and tutors
Gary Owens
Art and Design LecturerLike all of the Art and Design staff at West Lancashire College, I am a practising artist. It is always a pleasure to work with like-minded creative individuals and to see their skills, confidence, and ideas develop over time.
Louise Curran
Art and Design LecturerAs a multidisciplinary artist and designer with a background in film and television costume design, I bring a relevant and realistic insight into working within the creative industries. As an educator, I have experience working with learners of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs across a wide range of artistic disciplines. I believe effective Art and Design education should both nurture and challenge the individuality and creativity of every student, while equipping them with the technical skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to progress in their chosen specialism. I am passionate about what I do and consider it a privilege to play a role in helping our students realise their creative and professional potential.
Nourhan
Art and Design Alumni StudentStudying Art and Design at West Lancashire College helped me develop my ideas and express myself through my artwork. The course encouraged me to explore my creativity and build the skills and confidence needed to progress to higher education. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to follow a similar path. I am now studying for a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design at UCLan.
Jess
Art and Design Alumni StudentI was originally studying three A Levels at another college before realising that I would be happier focusing on Art and transferring to West Lancashire College. It proved to be a great decision, as I was able to build strong relationships with my classmates, which helped me develop both personally and artistically. What I enjoyed most about the Art department was the variety of specialist studios and equipment available for different artistic disciplines. It felt like a supportive and inspiring creative community. The overall college experience was mature and welcoming, offering greater independence while still providing plenty of support. The campus itself is excellent, with modern facilities and a contemporary feel.
Evie
Art and Design Alumni StudentI really enjoyed my Art course because it offered such a wide range of activities and opportunities to explore different creative techniques. Before coming to West Lancashire College, I thought the course would be quite restricted and that we would only be able to focus on certain areas, but it was much more diverse than I expected. College life was also very different from high school. What I found challenging about school was the feeling that everyone had to fit a certain mould. At West Lancashire College, I felt free to be myself and express my individuality, which helped me grow both personally and creatively.
Hannah
Art and Design Alumni StudentI really enjoyed my Art course, as it offered a wide range of activities and opportunities to explore different creative techniques. Before coming to West Lancashire College, I thought the course would be quite limited and that we would only be able to focus on certain areas, but it was far more diverse than I expected. College life was also very different from high school. What I found challenging about school was the feeling that everyone had to fit a certain mould. At West Lancashire College, I felt free to be myself, express my individuality, and develop both personally and creatively.
Hanga
Art and Design Alumni StudentI really enjoyed the opportunity to experiment on my Art course, taking part in workshops that explored a wide range of techniques and styles. There was much more independence than at high school, while still having access to support from tutors and fellow students whenever it was needed. It truly felt like a creative and supportive community. Following my studies at West Lancashire College, I progressed to a degree in Illustration at Sheffield Hallam University. I chose Illustration because of its versatility, and I hope to pursue a career in book illustration or concept art in the future.
Caitlin
Art and Design Alumni StudentMy time as an Art student at West Lancashire College was a fantastic experience. When I first joined, I had limited artistic skills, but by my second year, I had developed the confidence, knowledge, and techniques I needed while also building lasting friendships. The College has a welcoming atmosphere, excellent facilities, and plenty of support available whenever you need it. Initially, I thought I would pursue photography, but after attending a workshop on advertising, my interest was sparked and I discovered the career path I wanted to follow. I am now studying Marketing at Edge Hill University.
Art and Design at West Lancashire College
Upcoming events
October Open Event
West Lancashire College
Monday 12th October 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
November Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 19th November 2026
4:30pm - 7:00pm
February Open Event
West Lancashire College
Monday 1st February 2027
4:30pm - 7:00pm
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