Art and Design Level 3
Start Date: 1st September 2027
- Length 2 Years
- Study Full Time
- Location West Lancashire College
More about the course
Our Art and Design Level 3 course is ideal for aspiring creatives looking to develop their artistic skills, progress to university, or take the first step towards a career in the creative industries.
You'll begin by exploring a wide range of creative practices in a professional studio environment, working across 2D, 3D and digital media using industry-standard facilities, including Apple Mac computers, a photographic darkroom and a fully equipped photography studio. As the course progresses, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in areas aligned to your interests and career aspirations, working on personalised and negotiated briefs that help you refine your creative practice, build a professional portfolio and prepare for higher education or employment within the arts sector.
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
What will I learn?
- Drawing and painting
- Fashion and textiles
- Fine art
- 3D design and sculpture
- Computers and digital photography
- Print making
In the second year, you'll have the opportunity to specialise in your chosen area of Art and Design, helping you build the skills, knowledge and portfolio needed for university, an apprenticeship or employment. As part of the programme, you'll also complete a relevant work experience placement, giving you valuable industry insight and helping you develop the professional skills employers are looking for.
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 and the organisation of the Rotary Young Artists Competition
- Partnership with Tate Liverpool
- NCG Skills competitions and The Lancashire Colleges' Skills competitions
- The Terrace 10-metre mural project
How am I assessed?
- Coursework produced in the art studios
Where can I progress?
Upon successful competition of Level 3, you may wish to progress to Entry in Employment, Higher Education including University, Degree Apprenticeship or an Apprenticeship.
Our students go on 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
- 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
- BA in Fine Art at the University of Lancashire
- BA in Animation at Edge Hill University
- BA in Comic and Concept at the University of Leeds
- BA in Animation at Leeds Art University
- BA in Games Art at Wrexham University
- BA in Animation at Northern School of Art
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 our Student Services team 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
Neil Farrell
Head of Curriculum for Creative Service IndustriesHaving studied Sport and Exercise Science at both college and university, I began my career in the sport and active leisure sector before moving into education. During my time at West Lancashire College, I have managed a diverse range of curriculum areas and learning provision. My experience has included 16 to 18 provision, adult education, apprenticeships, Higher Education, community learning programmes, and provision for young people and adults with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This broad experience has given me a deep understanding of the varied educational pathways available and the importance of creating opportunities for all learners to succeed. I firmly believe that education has the power to transform lives and that everyone should have access to high-quality learning opportunities. I am passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals, realise their potential, and progress towards successful futures, regardless of their starting point.
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.
Sarah Haj-Manouchehri
Art and Design LecturerWith 12 years of industry experience and a degree in Visual Arts from the University of Salford, I have a strong background in secondary education and supporting students with their GCSE Photography studies. I am passionate about helping learners develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to express their individual creativity and artistic style. I look forward to supporting our students as they explore new techniques, refine their creative practice, and build successful futures within the creative industries. Encouraging learners to develop their confidence and realise their full potential is one of the most rewarding aspects of my role.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Alessandro
Art and Design Alumni StudentWhen deciding which course to study, I discovered that fashion was included as part of the Art and Design programme, and I immediately knew it was the perfect choice for me. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity to experiment with different areas of art, including photography and fine art, which allowed me to develop my creativity, explore new techniques, and broaden my artistic skills. The course encouraged me to explore a variety of creative disciplines and helped me build the confidence and experience needed to progress towards my future goals within the creative industry.
Corey
Art and Design Alumni StudentChoosing to study Art and Design was an easy decision for me, as I have always been passionate about the subject and the wide range of progression opportunities it offers. The practical experiences and the freedom to explore new techniques, ideas, and creative processes have been the highlights of the course for me. The course has allowed me to develop my artistic skills, expand my creativity, and build confidence in my work. After completing the course, I plan to progress to university to continue studying Art and further develop my knowledge and practice within the field.
Dylan
Art and Design Alumni StudentI chose to study Art and Design because I enjoy being creative and expressing myself through art. One of the aspects I enjoyed most was exploring a wide variety of mediums and techniques throughout the course, which allowed me to develop my skills, experiment with new ideas, and broaden my artistic practice. The course encouraged me to embrace my creativity and build confidence in my work, helping me grow both personally and artistically while preparing me for future opportunities within the creative industry.
Connor
Art and Design Alumni StudentI knew I wanted a career in the industry, and this course was the ideal pathway to help me achieve my ambitions. I particularly enjoyed the independent nature of the learning, which allowed me to take responsibility for my own development while building confidence in my abilities. The trust, encouragement, and support provided by the tutors were invaluable and helped me make the most of my time on the course.
Michaela
Art and Design Alumni StudentI chose this course because I have a strong passion for Animation, and after attending the College's Open Events, I knew it would cover the areas I was most interested in. I particularly enjoyed the Animation elements of the course, which helped me develop both my creative and technical skills. The experience and knowledge I gained prepared me for the next step in my journey, and I am now studying Animation BA (Hons) at Edge Hill University.
Yana and Diana
Art and Design StudentsWe began our journey at West Lancashire College on the ESOL course, where we developed our confidence and language skills. After completing ESOL, we progressed onto Art and Design Level 3, where we are focusing on a variety of workshop projects that we find really interesting. We particularly enjoy experimenting with different drawing techniques and styles, which is helping us to develop our creativity and artistic skills. Looking ahead, we hope to progress to Edge Hill University to further develop our art practice, with a particular interest in photography.
Sophie
Art and Design Alumni StudentI chose this course because it gave me the opportunity to focus on Art full-time, which has always been my goal and something I wanted to continue studying at university. One of the highlights of the course was completing work experience with a professional artist in Skelmersdale, where I helped design and paint a mural, allowing me to develop my creative skills in a real-world setting. The course helped me build my confidence and prepare for the next stage of my education, and I am now studying BA (Hons) Fine Art at the University of Lancashire.
Art and Design at West Lancashire College
Upcoming events
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
April Open Event
West Lancashire College
Thursday 29th April 2027
4:30pm - 7:00pm
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