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Level 3 Diploma
This is a course for those interested in continuing their studies in Art, from Year 11, or the GCSE or BTEC Level 2 Art and Design courses. Learners must complete 6 mandatory units and 2 optional units, which is taught over 720 hours, 12 periods a week. The Diploma takes 2 years, and carries the same number of UCAS points as 2 A Level GCEs.
Level 3 Extended Certificate
Sometimes due to other course commitments, students are not timetabled for enough Art classes to fulfil 720 hours over the 2 years. When this happens students are usually entered for the Extended Certificate. This is 360 hours over the 2 years, and is equivalent to one GCE A Level. Learners must complete 4 units of which 3 are mandatory and one optional. Students on the Extended Certificate study with those on the Diploma, and follow the same assignments.
Level 3 Certificate
This course equivalent to one AS Level. It is ideal for those students who wish to study Art in one year and gain a qualification that will help towards their UCAS points score. It is made up of 180 guided learning hours; students study with those on the Extended Certificate and Diploma course and follow the same assignments. Learners must complete two mandatory units.
Assessment
BTEC Nationals in Art and Design learners will apply their learning through practical assessments in the form of internally assessed assignments and externally assessed tasks.
Entry Requirements
Students require a Merit grade in BTEC Level 2 Art and Design, or a grade 5 in Art GCSE.
Required Skills/Aptitudes
Skills required to be a successful candidate for the subject:
- Personal organisation
- Time management/ meeting deadlines
- Working as a good team member
- Subject specific skills
- To be able to skilfully record your own visual ideas through drawing, sculpting and/or photography.
- To be able to work independently.
- To be able to follow a design process from an idea through to a final outcome.
Career Progression
Progression to higher level courses in Art and Design is normally through application to a foundation course at an Art College, before applying to a degree course in a specialist area. However, progression to Degree courses direct from Level 3 is common.
Future Pathways include: Graphic Design; 3D Design (for example ceramics); Fashion, Fine Art, Illustration, Architecture, Interior Design, game design to list just a few.
Studying Art and Design for its own sake develops transferable skills, which can take you into employment. Success at this level requires determination and dedication.
