BTEC Diploma in Art and Design Skills Level 2

In a nutshell

This course is ideal if you want to further your knowledge and experience in art and design, enabling you to develop your ability and confidence before progressing to the Level 3 qualification.

You'll experience working with image and mark, fashion, wearable and textiles, 3D, space and product, moving image and lens, and graphic and digital communication, as well as historical and contextual studies.

This course is for you if...

... You’re creative
... You aspire to further your study after this course
... You want a career in art and design

What will I be doing?

During this course, you’ll make work of your own and explore a range of new processes, such as working with surface pattern, ceramics, print, and photography. You’ll also look at visual studies, textiles, historical and contextual studies. There will be opportunities to throw yourself into drawing, mark making and finding ways to record, understand and communicate the world around you.

Key to the course is problem-solving through fun tasks, taking risks and exploring new ideas. Stimulating and demanding projects will challenge you to think about how and why you make artwork. Studio and library discussions with your tutors and peers will give you a chance to look at the work of other artists and designers, which in turn will give you confidence to talk about your own work. You’ll get plenty of support in finding new ways to research and investigate, all of which will help you decide where you fit and what you can bring to the world as an artist, designer or maker.

English and Maths are an integral part of the course. Students who do not yet have the necessary grades (Grade C or above) will receive additional teaching and support to study for either GCSE or Functional Skills, depending on prior GCSE grades.

You’ll also have the opportunity to complete the Agored skills challenges in community, enterprise and current affairs. The challenges are focused on imitating real-life scenarios that artists and creatives often work on in the industry.

You'll be assessed through coursework and your work will be externally moderated. Once completed, you’ll achieve:

• Level 2 in Art and Design
• Skills Activities
• Maths and English

What is expected of me?

To enrol on this course, you’ll need a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade D or above, including either Maths or English/Welsh First Language, or an appropriate Level 1 Diploma qualification to include either Maths or English/Welsh First Language at Grade D or above.

However, consideration will be given to a range of grades and circumstance for acceptance on this course.

Full commitment to attendance is required, as well as respect for others, enthusiasm for the subject, self-motivation, creative ability and a desire to succeed.

What comes next?

The majority of our Level 2 students progress onto the Level 3 National Diploma in Art and Design Practice and continue their journey as artists and designers. Others who feel that a future within the creative industries may not be for them feel confident enough to find employment or to take up an alternative study programme, knowing that the transferable skills they gained on the course have given them tools to try a new pathway.

Additional information

As part of this course, you’ll need to pay studio fees, purchase sketch books, painting and drawing materials. Trip fees for gallery visits and events may also be payable throughout the year.

All costs are under review and subject to change.