BTEC National Diploma Art and Design

BTEC

In Alton, Hampshire

Price on request

Description

  • Type

    BTEC

  • Location

    Alton, hampshire

  • Duration

    2 Years

The BTEC National Diploma is an exciting and highly practical 2 year course ideal for students aiming to progress towards Higher Education and careers in Art and Design. For the strong student the course effectively fast tracks you to degree level study, avoiding the need for an additional Art Foundation year. You will be taught by a range of experienced tutors for developing your skills.

Important information

Government funding available

Facilities

Location

Start date

Alton, Hampshire (West Yorkshire)
See map
Old Odiham Road, GU34 2LX

Start date

On request

About this course

In addition to gaining at least 5 A*-C passes at GCSE you will need to have achieved a grade B in GCSE Art.

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Reviews

Subjects

  • Design

Course programme

BTEC National Diploma Art and Design

What is the BTEC National Diploma Art and Design?
The BTEC National Diploma is an exciting and highly practical 2 year course ideal for students aiming to progress towards Higher Education and careers in Art and Design. For the strong student the course effectively fast tracks you to degree level study, avoiding the need for an additional Art Foundation year.

You will be taught by a range of experienced tutors, developing your skills in drawing, computer aided design and Art / Design theory alongside sustained project work. During the first year of the course projects will address a diverse range of Art & Design pathways such as Graphic Design, Fine Art, Fashion, Textile & Surface Design, 3D Design and Photography; in year 2 you will have the opportunity to specialise in one of these disciplines.

As the course progresses your tutors will help you compile a portfolio for application to specialist degrees in Art & Design. The course concludes with a final major project in which you will have the freedom to explore your own creative interests in depth.

Throughout the course there are opportunities to enhance your understanding by visiting London galleries. In the second year you will have the chance to visit a major cultural venue abroad, destinations in recent years have included Florence & Venice, San Francisco, New York and Barcelona.

A BTEC National Diploma is equivalent to 3 full levels, and is a well established qualification respected by Universities and Colleges of Art. Although most students choose to focus exclusively on their Art & Design, if your GCSE results are well in excess of the entry requirements you may choose to add an additional AS or A level subject alongside the course. This can be discussed at interview.

To succeed on this course you will need a genuine interest and commitment to Art & Design along with enthusiasm and an open mind.

Is the BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design suitable for me?
Current students feel that the -OE relaxed and purposeful atmosphere- encourages them to develop greater -OEfreedom of expression , whilst "OEwell structured" projects allow them to experiment with a wide range of techniques and materials. The resources (such as the computer suite with specialist software) and workspaces are accessible both in andoutside of lessons. Choosing a specialist Art and Design course means you can be ambitious and adventurous and really extend your creative skills.

Present students highlighted -OEhelpful and clear- teaching as a strength of the course, and particularly valued the comprehensive support and advice offered when selecting further courses/careers.

Making the adjustment to a focussed, specialist Art and Design course can be difficult, some students find attaining the -OEquality and quantity- of work expected a challenge.

How will I learn?
You will be taught in the College's new Michael Gray Art and Music Centreby a team of enthusiastic and experienced tutors, many of whom are practising Artists or Designers.

Your week will consist of a mixture of project-based study (where staff offer 1:1 guidance), workshop sessions (where new techniques / approaches will be taught), and lectures / discussions where we will analyse our own work and the work of established artists and designers.

You will be encouraged to keep abreast of current developments in art and design. The department's regular visits to art galleries and exhibitions will help you to achieve this.

You will be expected to extend your learning by completing at least 15 hours a week of independent study / homework.

How will I be assessed?
The course is 100% coursework assessed. Projects are regularly taken in and marked with a grade and written feedback provided. These grades enable you to gauge how well you are doing on the course, and the feedback helps you to see the strengths of your work as well as the areas which you need to develop further.

The course is made up of 18 units: 5 core units (which everyone takes), 2 final major project units (which everyone takes) 11 specialist units (chosen from a wide range of options).

These units will be delivered in an integrated way, finally being assessed and graded towards the end of the course.

Progression
Typically the majority of BTEC National Diploma students go on to higher education in a diverse range of areas of Art and Design such as Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Fashions Design, Textile/Surface Design, Ceramics, Interior Design, Jewellery, Furniture Design, Industrial Design, Animation and Film/Video. Over the past few years our students have successfully obtained places on some of the most prestigious Art courses in the country. Alternatively you may choose to go directly into employment.

Course costs:
All students will be expected to provide their own textbooks, stationery, computer disks and calculators (where appropriate).

Essential: £40 for a box of Art materials (this is a comprehensive set of materials which is available through the College at a substantially discounted rate). £50 for replenishing materials.

Optional: Additional money for trips and specialist materials.

If the costs of equipment, materials and trips may cause you financial hardship, there is the opportunity to apply for help from the College Access Fund.

Course: EDEXCEL

BTEC National Diploma Art and Design

Price on request