BTEC Art and Design Level 3 (Double)
QUALIFICATIONS NEEDED TO START THE COURSE
Art and design level 2 Diploma at distinction, or merit with recommendation
OR
6 or above in art. Portfolio of work may be considered.Plus our standard LaSWAP entry requirements for Level 3 Vocational and Technical courses, which can be found here
COURSE OVERVIEW
The BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Art & Design is a two-year, 8-unit course equivalent to two A Levels (720 guided learning hours). It combines six mandatory units (including three externally assessed) with two optional units, giving students a broad grounding in Art & Design while allowing for specialist pathways in line with career or higher education goals. Students are also supported in preparing a portfolio for progression to art foundation courses or creative undergraduate degrees.
Students will have the opportunity to explore 2D, 3D, digital and photography-based art forms through practical and theoretical work, developing skills in visual communication, research, analysis and creative problem-solving.
To enrich learning, the department arranges gallery and museum visits, workshops, and speakers from the art and design industries. These experiences allow students to engage with real-world practice and inspire creativity in their own work.
In Year 13, students complete Unit 3: The Creative Process, which culminates in an exhibition of their work. This provides a professional platform to present and reflect on their creative ideas, giving them real-world experience in preparing for an exhibition.
COURSE SPECIFICATION
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Year 12 The first year lays the foundation for your studies, focusing on a wide range of ideas, concepts, materials, techniques and processes. |
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INTERNAL MANDATORY UNITS |
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Unit Name & Number |
Guided Learning Hours |
Dates |
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Unit 4: Materials, Techniques & Processes in Art & Design |
90 GLH |
September - November |
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Unit 9: Photographic Materials, Techniques & Processes |
60 GLH |
November - January |
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Optional selection from: · Unit 10: Graphics Materials, Techniques & Processes · Unit 12: Fine Art Materials, Techniques & Processes · Unit 13: 3D Design Materials, Techniques & Processes · Unit 14: Textile Materials, Techniques & Processes |
60 GLH |
May - July |
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EXTERNAL MANDATORY UNITS |
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Unit 1: Visual Recording & Communication |
120 GLH |
Mock: January - February Prep: February - March Exam: March/April |
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Unit 2: Critical & Contextual Studies in Art & Design (Written Exam) |
90 GLH |
Prep: April Exam: May |
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Year 13 The second year focuses on developing specialist skills and preparing for progression to higher education or employment: |
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INTERNAL MANDATORY UNITS |
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Unit Name & Number |
Guided Learning Hours |
Dates |
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Unit 3: The Creative Process
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90 GLH |
September - November |
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Unit 5: Developing an Art & Design Portfolio
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90 GLH |
November - January |
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EXTERNAL MANDATORY UNITS |
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Unit 7 External: Developing & Realising Creative Intentions |
120 GLH |
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LEARNING & SKILLS
Students develop a creative voice through:
- Visual communication and idea development
- Contextual research and analysis of other artists’ work
- Portfolio creation and reflective evaluation
- Specialist technical skills in 2D, 3D, and time-based media
EXAMINATION AND ASSESSMENT
EXAM BOARD: PEARSON/ EDEXCEL
- Most units are assessed internally against grading criteria (Pass, Merit, Distinction).
- Three units are externally assessed under exam conditions, with results awarded by Edexcel (Unit 1, Unit 2 and Unit 7).
- Strict deadlines must be met, and all submitted work must be the student’s own.
FUTURE PROSPECTS
The BTEC Level 3 Diploma prepares students for:
- Art & Design foundation courses and undergraduate degrees (fine art, graphic design, animation, photography, fashion, textiles, games design, etc.)
- Entry-level roles in creative industries for students entering the workforce directly (e.g. an apprenticeship).