The course will commence in August ‘09 subject to internal Approval.

What is the Level 3 BTEC National Certificate in Art and Design?

The BTEC National Certificate in Art and Design will let you build on the essential skills, techniques, attitudes and understanding to start as a successful professional or move on to further study. It will give an understanding of the employment and further educational opportunities available in the art and design world so that you can progress into a specific area of work or specialist study. The essential elements of the course give you a strong understanding of the fundamentals of art and design – techniques and materials, concepts and influences, visual recording and communication. The specific focus is up to you; you can choose to specialise in the area that you are most talented and interested in, such as Drawing and Painting, Sculpture, Visual Communications or Fashion and Textiles. The course structure can allow the qualification to be flexible to meet learners’ interests, abilities and aspirations. There are five compulsory core units plus a choice of units from a range of professional specialist areas.

Where will this qualification take me?

Employment opportunities:

With the international recognition of BTEC courses such as this, you can progress straight into employment. If successful there are a wide variety of prospective careers that you can explore within the Creative Arts.

Further vocational and academic qualifications:

The BTEC National Certificate in Art and Design has the equivalence of two Advanced Highers (two GCE A Levels), and it is possible for you to progress further into higher education, as successful BTEC National qualifications give UCAS points for university applications.

What are the entry requirements?

Fundamentally you should have a broad education, for example, a minimum of a BTEC First in Art and Design and four Standard Grades at credit, including Art and Design and English (or equivalent). It is envisaged successful applicants would also have achieved basic pass grades at Int 2 or Higher, in Art and Design and English. Mature students would be assessed on past life experience and employment history. All applicants must submit a portfolio of practical Artwork that demonstrates sound drawing skills and an understanding of the creative process in sketchbooks and larger scale imagery. Potential applicants should take note that the selection decision and emphasis is based on the portfolio assessment and interview, rather than specific grades.