Art and Design Level 2

Develop your creativity through practical projects that take you from an initial idea through to a finished outcome.

During this one-year programme, you will experiment with different materials, techniques and creative disciplines while learning how artists and designers research, develop and communicate their ideas.

You will explore:

• Materials, processes and technical skills
• Drawing
• Researching artists, designers and creative influences
• Communicating ideas visually
• 2D creative projects
• 3D creative projects
• Time-based creative work
• Developing and producing your own personal project

Your projects may include areas such as:

• Drawing and painting
• Printmaking
• Graphic design
• Photography
• Digital art
• Textiles
• 3D work

You will build your skills throughout the year and apply them to increasingly challenging projects. You will be encouraged to experiment, learn from your experiences, discuss your ideas and use feedback to develop your work.

Your final personal project gives you the opportunity to choose a creative direction that interests you and take greater responsibility for researching, planning, developing and presenting your own work. Alongside your creative projects, you will also develop wider skills such as communication, teamwork, organisation, confidence and preparing for the world of work.

You will normally need:

• Five GCSEs at grade 3 or above, including English and Maths
• Or an appropriate Level 1 vocational qualification, together with equivalent English and Maths qualifications

If you have not yet achieved grade 4 in GCSE English and/or Maths, you will continue to study these alongside your main programme.

You may be asked to share examples of your work during the application process. This could include:

• A sketchbook
• Drawings or paintings
• Photography
• Digital artwork
• Design work
• Photographs of physical work you have created

You will get the most from this programme if you:

• Have a genuine interest in art and design
• Enjoy experimenting with different ideas and techniques
• Are willing to try new creative approaches
• Can listen to feedback and use it to improve your work
• Are prepared to develop an idea rather than stop at your first attempt
• Can organise your work and meet deadlines
• Are comfortable working independently and with other people
• Are willing to talk about and reflect on your own work

You do not need to have already chosen a creative specialism. Exploring different possibilities is an important part of the programme.

University of the Arts London (UAL) Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design

The most common next step is Art and Design Level 3 at Newbury College.

Depending on the direction your interests and portfolio take, you could also consider other creative pathways such as Creative Media, Production and Technology Level 3.

Possible next steps include:

• Art and Design Level 3
• Creative Media, Production and Technology Level 3
• Creative or digital apprenticeships
• Other suitable Level 3 creative programmes
• Entry-level opportunities within the creative industries

In the longer term, these routes can lead towards careers in areas such as graphic design, illustration, photography, fine art, animation, digital design, advertising and content creation

The Art and Design qualification is assessed through practical work and coursework rather than formal written exams. Units are assessed against criteria that define the skills, knowledge and behaviours you need to demonstrate to successfully achieve your qualification. Your tutors will provide feedback throughout your projects to help you refine your work, develop your skills and build evidence of your achievement against the assessment criteria.

Your final personal project is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.

English and Maths, where studied alongside your programme, are assessed separately and may include exams.

You should expect approximately 2-4 hours of independent study each week.

This may include:

• Developing your sketchbook
• Researching artists and designers
• Finding visual inspiration
• Taking photographs
• Experimenting with materials and techniques
• Developing project ideas
• Preparing or completing practical work

Your independent work contributes directly to the projects and portfolio you are creating in College. Your tutors will review your progress and provide feedback, but you will also be expected to become increasingly responsible for managing your own time and creative development.

You will take part in activities that help you understand the creative industries and develop the skills employers are looking for.

Depending on the opportunities available during your programme, this may include:

• Live or simulated creative briefs
• Employer projects
• Visiting creative professionals
• Exhibitions and competitions
• Collaborative projects
• Workplace or industry visits
• Work experience or placement opportunities where appropriate

These activities will help you understand how creative skills are used professionally and what employers expect from people working in the sector.

• All full-time students are asked to contribute £15 towards the College Subscription Fund
• You will need your own basic art and design kit for day-to-day activities
• A recommended list of tools and materials will be provided at enrolment
• Visits to museums, galleries and exhibitions may have an additional cost