BTEC National Diploma Art and Design

BTEC National Diploma Art and Design
BTEC National
Introduction
This two year full time course is equivalent to three 'A 'levels, leading towards a career or higher education course in art/design at University. This course will help you develop skills and experience in a full range of art and design subjects, including photography, textiles/fashion, graphics, 3D design craft, drawing, illustration, painting, ceramics.
You will also study the work of other artists, craftspeople and designers, particularly in relation to your own development. As the course progresses you will choose an area in which to specialise. This process will also help you to decide which University course to apply to.
Leek College has specialist workshops and studios for textiles/printmaking, photography, IT and digital, ceramics, 3D and life drawing as well as visual studies areas and base rooms. Second year students have their own designated work space within the base room.
Students are expected to contribute a small fee towards trips to galleries which happen twice in each term. These trips are an important part of the course helping to widen student†s contextual knowledge, integral to their future success.
Course Content
During the latter stages of the course you will work in specialist units in one of the following areas:
Graphic Design
These units will enable you to study in depth how to apply graphic design across a wide range of tasks. You will learn how to use computers and digital hardware and software as well as traditional methods. Potential careers in this area are; graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, typographer, advertising.
Fine Art
These units will enable you to study in depth how to apply fine art across a wide range of tasks. You will learn how to use computers and digital hardware and software, photography and printmaking as well as traditional methods such as painting and sculpture. Potential careers in this area are; artist, illustrator, photographer, printmaker, teacher, lecturer, gallery worker.
Textiles/Fashion
These units will enable you to study in depth how to apply textile and fashion design across a wide range of tasks. You will learn how to use a variety of techniques involving IT and digital methods as well as traditional ways of working such as drawing, painting and mixed media. Potential careers in this area are; textile designer (fashion or furniture etc.), fashion designer, craftsperson, fashion illustrator.
Three Dimensional Design
These units will enable you to study in depth how to apply 3D design across a wide range of tasks. You will learn how to use wood, metal, glass, plastics as well as more traditional methods such as drawing and model making. Potential careers in this area are; product designer, furniture designer, set designer, model maker, interior designer.
Photography
These units will enable you to study photographic technology and processes
Entry Requirements
To enter this programme students will normally be 16 years of age or older. You should have four GCSEs at C or above, or a GNVQ in a related subject. We would normally interview you with a portfolio of your work before offering a place.
Duration
The course is 2 years full time. Lessons are normally Monday through to Thursday. Students are encouraged to use college facilities on Fridays and at other times when they do not have a timetabled lesson. Students will be expected to work in their own time in addition to timetabled sessions in order to successfully complete the course.
Assessment
The course is assessed both internally and externally but there are no exams to sit, work is project based and work is assessed at the end of each project. Our assessment process is very thorough, involving all staff and the individual student with her/his work. Our assessment process has been praised by Ofsted on the art & design department.
Progression
From the BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design successful students have a choice of progression routes. As the programme is equivalent to 3 A Levels students can apply directly to University. Should a student wish to undertake further study at FE Level they could apply to the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at this college or another institution.
Alternatively students may wish to enter employment.
Fees
Students are required to pay at the beginning of the course each year £40 studio costs towards materials