Art and Design - Level 1
Start Date: 1st September 2026
- Length 35 weeks
- Study Full-Time
- Location Carlisle College
Qualification Gained
Level 1 BTEC Introductory Certificate in Art and Design
More about the course
Fall back in love with learning and study this fun Art and Design course.
Level 1 Art and Design is the perfect course if you are interested in studying art and progressing into the creative industries. Whether you weren’t able to study or gain Art and Design GCSE at school or if you weren’t able to achieve your English and maths, this is the course for you.
At Carlisle College you’ll have a hands-on experience as you learn and develop transferrable and creative skills such as working independently, being proactive, being organised and developing subject specific skills including developing an understanding of different drawing techniques, working with clay, building 3D models with paper and card, using printmaking techniques such as monoprint, collagraph and relief printmaking.
You will develop digital skills on our in-house Mac labs and engage in an exciting art-based practise in creative studios inspired through regular trips to museums and galleries across the country.
Meet Your Tutors
Helen Thomson
Level 1 Art LecturerHelen Thomson an Art Lecturer who specialises in textiles. Her creative journey began at Carlisle College, where she first studied Art and Design at Level 1 before progressing through further study and completing a degree in Contemporary Applied Arts at the University of Cumbria. This foundation continues to inform her approach to both teaching and professional practice. Helen’s work is strongly influenced by her time in Cyprus, where she trained in traditional textile and craft techniques. Her textile pieces have been exhibited at the Business Design Centre in London, featured in the Fashion, Knit & Stitch Show at the NEC in Birmingham, and included in a Philip Treacy performance exhibition at Tullie House Museum. These opportunities reflect her commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and the contemporary application of traditional processes. Alongside her teaching role, Helen runs her own textile business and sells her handmade work in independent shops across Carlisle. She has been teaching art since 2011, beginning her career in secondary education before moving into further education. As the Level 1 Art and Design tutor, she is dedicated to supporting emerging artists at the start of their creative journeys, fostering a studio environment rooted in exploration, skill development, and confidence-building.
Wendy Oxley
Level 1 art Lecturer and Tutor for UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, specialising in FashionWendy is a graduate of Central St. Martins School of Art and Design, London Institute, specialising in Womenswear, with extensive experience in the fashion industry and also costume, performance and creative art direction. Wendy has worked with numerous fashion designers including Alexander McQueen, Ghost, Elizabeth Emmanuel, Whitaker and Malem; fashion editorial for Helen Storey, fashion/ colour predictions with Nigel French, alongside running her own business for many years. Wendy's commercial practice includes: Wardrobe/stylist assistant to British video artist and music director Chris Cunningham (creator of Madonna’s -Frozen), Orange commercials; Creative art direction and lead stylist for legendary Japanese guitarist Tomaso Hotei’s (featured on the “Kill Bill” soundtrack) “Supersonic Generation” album cover and merchandise; amongst styling for other bands in industry, costume for Ian Dury and Billy Connolly. Wendy's film wardrobe experience includes: Wild West starring Dawn French and Catherine Tait (2002), Warner Brothers, “24 hrs in London” (2000) with Sarah Stockbridge; the BBC; Baby Cow productions for Channel 4 – “Human Remains” (2000) starring Rob Brydon, Julia Davis and Ruth Jones - with the costume team winning the Royal Television Society (RTS) award for best costume. Theatre experience includes single-handedly sewing 16 outfits for Ballet Rambert’s 'Cheese' at Sadlers Wells in 2001.
