Whether you dream of long days in the studio, an academic career in art history, your artwork used in advertising for your favourite products or a creative outlet which complements your academic studies, an A Level in art and design will support your future in creative media and the expressive arts.

You will be fully supported by professional, exhibiting teaching staff, and given the opportunity to develop your creative ability while broadening your contextual understanding.

Negotiating briefs, creative problem solving and working to deadlines are all skills which separate creative arts students in a competitive marketplace. Alongside an academic study programme, art and design provides a creative outlet, adding variety to the week; a place where critical thinking and self-reflection drive ambitious, expressive solutions.

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Topics include:

• Printmaking
• Graphic design
• Painting
• Sculpture
• Drawing
• Installation

ACTIVITY SHEET – Click to download activities designed to give you a deeper understanding of the subject.

Entry Requirements
You need grade 5 or above in GCSE Art, Textiles or Graphics, plus grade 5 or above in English and you will require a second interview.  

Assessment Methods
Your final A Level submission will be made up of two projects. Each is documented through a sketchbook – paper or digital. The Personal Investigation is the larger of the two and is guided by your own creative ideas. It runs from September to January and your original ideas will be fully supported by dedicated lecturers who encourage development through practice. A fully supported, extended writing piece accompanies this and allows academic writing to help inform your practical work.

The second project is based on a paper of themes set by the examining board. It runs from February to May. You will have three months to research and experiment prior to your final exam – a week of practical work culminating in your final piece.

Additional Costs
A materials fee is collected when you enrol and there are additional costs if you take part in residential trips. These can be purchased/paid for via the College online store when you enrol.

Progression Options
Many progress to a Foundation Diploma in Art & Design or BA Fine Art at University Centre Somerset to refine their portfolio before embarking on a university qualification in subjects such as interior design, illustration, fine art, education, applied arts or art history.

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This subject has allowed me to creatively express myself, presenting a change of pace from my other busy essay-based subjects.

Aided by the amazing facilities at the College, my second-year project was the most demanding and time-consuming piece, but the end results were amazing.

– EMILY RUTTER
A Levels (Art & Design, English Language & Sociology)