Our Level 2 Art and Design course will give you an exciting start to your creative career.
Whether you choose to focus on traditional fine artists and contemporary designers there are so many varied careers to which an art & design course can lead.
On this course you will look at the range of different traditional art techniques.
You’ll learn design skills using traditional art materials and skills.
You will create 2D Drawing, Painting, Graphic Design, Illustration, Printmaking and 3D (Sculpture) and, again, build your confidence for progression to our Level 3 Programme.
During this year of study you will learn new skills and build upon your existing creative abilities, you will learn to reflect upon your work in a professional and objective way in order to ensure progress.
We give regular feedback, designed to help you to achieve your full potential.
During the first term, workshops and skill building sessions will equip you with the skills necessary to create your own brief for your final major project; this is a body of work that shows your strengths and personal interests, reflecting your research, contextual design, presentation and, of course, your practical skills.
Studying this vocational qualification enables you to explore and build a variety of creative skills whilst also working creatively within a pathway that challenges and excites you.
The standard entry requirements for this course are:
3 GCSE grade 4 or above (grade A*-C), including English and a creative subject studied at GCSE.
You’ll be invited to have a chat with our teachers and you’ll need to bring a portfolio of work with you (this can be digital).
Applicants who do not meet all the course entry requirements, may still be considered.
If not able to continue with their application to this course, an alternative course will be explored and further advice and guidance offered.
On this course, there are no formal exams.
You will be assessed on your coursework throughout the year.
Your final grade is based on your final major project, but we support you throughout the year to build you skills to achieve the grade you are aiming for.
We are a highly motivated and positive teaching team and believe that an open mind and a can do attitude is the best way for you to get the most out of your learning.
We work closely with our students and often learn from each other to embrace creativity, share new ideas and celebrate at the end of year with an exhibition of the fantastic work produced.
Our highly skilled and enthusiastic teachers will help you build confidence and vocational skills and will motivate you along the way.
We work with UK based artists and businesses on various projects throughout the course.
You are encouraged and supported to enter competitions and work with clients on industry-led project assignments, which help increase your future aspirations.
The course provides regular workshops with artists and businesses.
In the past year we have worked with:
We have also worked with tattoo artists, mural designers and the award winning BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.
Our Arts & Design department is one of the best in the country.
Our passionate tutors have a wealth of experience and strong industry links.
Facilities include industry-standard software and equipment within specialist creative spaces.
You can progress onto one of our Level 3 courses, which are equivalent to three A Levels and can help gain entry to university as well as alllowing you to progress into work.
Our team, along with our expert careers advisers, will guide you throughout the course and help you to decide what is right for you.
You will need to buy some art supplies and materials, we’ll supply you with a list and advise how to source the best quality materials at the lowest prices.
“I wasn’t really confident with art before I started this course, but gradually I’ve learnt about the foundations and it’s really helped me figure out that art isn’t as complicated as I thought… it’s definitely doable with enough practice.“ Liam Armstrong
“Our students have gone on to greater things. Some have progressed to university while others have become professional artists. It’s great to know that we helped them to develop their skills so they could achieve their goals.” Steve Lyon-Bowes, Curriculum Leader
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college.
We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
Our specialist teams can help with:
See here for more information, pop into one of our enrolment events, call us on 0191 490 4627.
This course is free to those aged under 19 years old.
Most people aged 19 years and over can qualify for free or reduced price course fees and there are grants and bursaries you can apply for to help cover the costs of coming to college, depending on your circumstances.
If you already have a full level 3 qualification and are aged 19 years over, you can apply for an Advanced Learning Loan or pay the fee upfront in full and qualify for a 10% discount.
You can get more information at our enrolment events, by calling 0191 490 0300 or email us at [email protected]
Whatever support you need, we’re here for you and will make sure you get the most out of your time at college. We have expert teams in place to look after every single one of our students.
To contact our dedicated Learning Support team email [email protected] or head to Live Chat
Knowledge
Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Clerical: Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.
Production and Processing: Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Median Salary
£36,621
Averge Qualifications
Administration and Management: Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modelling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Economics and Accounting: Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
£67,398
Design: Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Fine Arts: Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Communications and Media: Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
£23,875
Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
£46,137
£33,166
£43,525
£41,885
Education and Training: Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Psychology: Knowledge of human behaviour and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioural and affective disorders.
£21,718
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Monday 16 March 2026
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Monday 23 March 2026
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View or download our course guide for 16-18 year olds.