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3D Design

This course encourages you to view the world with an inquisitive perspective, transforming your observations into unique outcomes through sketching, model making, material experimentation, and three-dimensional creations.

In your first year, you’ll work on both product and architectural design projects, building a strong foundation before specialising in your second year. You’ll also complete a focused written study (1,000–3,000 words) early in your coursework unit, deepening your understanding of design concepts. Throughout the course, you’ll draw inspiration from the work of established designers and architects, refining your ideas and approaches.

This course emphasises creativity within the design process, encouraging students to explore diverse methods of capturing their ideas, from observational drawing to computer-aided design. The focus is on developing refined concepts through hands-on material experimentation and model making. Guided by Varndean’s expert tutors, who are all practising artists and designers, you’ll have the opportunity to create innovative and refined outcomes.

Shape your ideas, explore new possibilities, and bring your designs to life through this dynamic course!

This is a creative rather than technology-based course and students must be willing to explore a wide variety of approaches to recording their ideas ranging from computer aided design to observational drawing. There is an emphasis upon developing sophisticated concepts through material experimentation and model making. Design tutors at Varndean are all practising artists/designers.

An independent ALPS report places Varndean College 3D Design A Level course top in the UK when comparing our student grades against all other centres offering the same qualification.

Year 1

  • Architectural Brief: Develop designs for architectural structures in response to a brief. This could be: bridges, skyscrapers, treehouses, temporary pavilions
  • Product Design Brief: Explore creative briefs for products such as lighting or furniture
  • Model Making: Gain hands-on experience working with a variety of materials to bring your ideas to life.
  • Material and Process Experiments: Experiment with techniques and machinery in the workshop to understand materials and processes in depth.
  • Critical Research: Analyze and draw inspiration from the work of leading designers to inform your own creations.
  • Recording Skills: Develop a diverse range of approaches to documenting and presenting your ideas.

Year 2

  • Deepening Expertise: Build on your skills, knowledge, and understanding, taking your work to a more advanced level.
  • Critical and Contextual Study: Complete a written study that explores key themes and ideas in depth.
  • Personalised Project: Undertake an individually negotiated product or architecture project tailored to your interests.
  • Ambitious Practical Outcomes: Create bold, refined final pieces that showcase your creativity and technical ability.
  • Practical Exam: A 15-hour practical exam following from a period of development
I chose to study 3D Design because I wanted to, and still want to, study architecture. I wanted the opportunity to learn not only how to create and build models, but also how to consider the building environment. I have really enjoyed the independence given to me, the ability to experiment and explore with different techniques and materials, as well as the direct hands-on teaching and feedback.

Bonnie Irvine, ex Hove Park School

Course Essentials

Courses Available

A Level

Entry Requirements

PLUS

Grade 5 in GCSE Art or Design Technology (resistant materials, product design, graphic products)

OR

Merit or above in BTEC Level 2

OR

If GCSE Art or Design Technology have not been taken, suitably qualified students with a good portfolio of work will be considered.

How The Course is Assessed

60% coursework, 40% exam

Career Pathways

Every year a large percentage of our students go on to successfully study product design, interior design, set design for theatre, design engineering and architecture at top universities including Bath, Brunel, Cambridge, Imperial College London, Loughborough, St Martin’s and UCL.

Transferable Skills

Creative and aesthetic, technical, organisational and interpersonal, analytical and communication, and organisational and teamwork skills.

Other Information

Regular visits are made to design museums and exhibitions in London and the South East.

Enquiries To

Sarah Lampard Sawyer: sls@varndean.ac.uk
Pippa Forster: pdf@varndean.ac.uk

Enrichments & Trips

Visual Arts love to go on international trips, most recently we’ve been to Paris, Madrid and Berlin. Our artists, designers and photographers return from visits abroad with well-used sketchbooks, hundreds of photographs and many new and creative ideas to develop in their projects back at college. 

Art Enrichment encourages learners to expand their critical thinking and industry knowledge and to become clearer about their progression plans by being introduced to a range of artist practitioners. Participants will be inspired by meeting a range of professionals and hearing them talk about their life, work and ideas development. Regular visitors include Brighton artists; Murray Ballard, Photographer; Sarah Jones, Illustrator; Jon Mills, Sculptor and Andrew Gifford, Painter. These talks also include some local university and college presentations.

International Trips

Visual Arts love to go on international trips, most recently we’ve been to Paris, Madrid and Berlin. Our artists, designers and photographers return from visits abroad with well-used sketchbooks, hundreds of photographs and many new and creative ideas to develop in their projects back at college. 

What are the Standard Entry Requirements?

CourseGeneral GCSE Grade minimum entry requirements
IB Diploma or 4 A levelsA mixture of at least 7 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 6 including English, Maths and Science.
3 A LevelsA mixture of at least 6 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 4 including English.
A mixed programme at Level 3, to include at least one vocational courseA mixture of at least 5 GCSEs at Grades 9 – 4 including English.
Foundation Level (Level 2)At least 4 GCSEs at Grade 3, including English. At least one GCSE should be at Grade 4 or above.
Any student who has not achieved a grade 4 or C in GCSE English and/or Maths must include further study of these subjects in their programme.