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Art and Design

Submitted by admin on 14 December 2011 - 2.45 am
Course Overview

Type of Course and Awarding Body 

AS Level

Level 

Level Three

What's it all about? 

Are you so moved by a single thought or feeling that you are compelled to express it through an artistic medium? Do you also have an eye for colour and style and like the challenge of creating art work?

This A level in Art and Design will appeal to you if you:

  • can draw well from observation and enjoy drawing in a variety of media
  • enjoy developing your own art work responding to theme
  • want to develop your technical art skills, whether they are painting, drawing or sculpture to a high standard
  • enjoy looking at work produced by artists, visiting galleries and exhibitions, and talking about artists and designers
  • are prepared to put time into your coursework consistently throughout the year.

Progression 

An A level in art and design is useful for students wishing to pursue a wide range of careers including fine art, art education, architecture, art therapy, photography, art history, graphic design, gallery direction, illustration, museum curator, animation, interior design, product design, industrial design and fashion design. Alternatively, it is a useful creative A level to add to your programme if you wish to enter higher education.

Entry Requirements 

Five GCSEs - including grade C in English and maths. In addition, you will be expected to have GCSE grade C and above in Art and Design.

Mature learners without those qualifications will be considered on an individual basis and are encouraged to apply, but will need to show a sketchbook with evidence of a high level of drawing, as well as evidence of art as a hobby. In addition, you will be required to attend an interview and to undertake an initial assessment. Last, but not least - you will need an enthusiasm for drawing, painting and creating.

Duration 

One year

Are there any exams? 

AS (Year 1)

Unit One takes the form of practical artwork where you will be expected to hand in a portfolio of artwork including a sketchbook which will evidence all the assessment objectives. The weighting of this unit is 60% of the AS and 30% of the A level.

Unit Two takes the form of a 'controlled test' or examination. Over an eight hour exam period you will produce a piece of artwork directly related to your research. The weighting of this unit is 40% of AS and 20% of the A level. The examination content is set by the examination board.

A2 (Year 2):

Unit Three takes the form of practical artwork, where you will be expected to hand in a portfolio of artwork including a sketchbook and a 2,000 word essay which will evidence all the assessment objectives. The weighting of this unit is 60% of the A2 and 30% of the A level.

Unit Four takes the form of a 'controlled test' or examination. Over a 12 hour examination period you will produce a piece of artwork directly related to your research. The weighting of this unit is 40% of A2 and 20% of the A level. The examination content is set by the examination board.

Course Content

What does the course involve? 

The AS year comprises two units:

Unit One

In unit one you will be taken through a series of projects aimed at improving your drawing and painting skills, colour mixing skills and your observation skills. You will also be encouraged to develop creative ideas and respond visually to a stimulus or an issue and plan your intentions through design work. You will also be encouraged to discuss and evaluate your own work, your creative journey and the work of any relevant artists.

Unit Two

Unit two is your chance to put together, independently, what you have learnt in unit one to produce art work of a high standard in exam conditions. You will have eight hours to produce a piece of art work six weeks after receiving an examination paper, which allows time to prepare ideas, research and experiment with and prepare media.

The A2 year comprises two units:

Unit Three

In unit three you will be asked to focus on the work of one artist who you find inspirational, and produce a written personal study. Following on from this, your own artwork will follow a path of inspiration from your original artist choice. For example, after meeting a local portrait artist you may be encouraged to work in the same media of oil paint, and develop skills in portrait work, but still look at national or international artists who may also produce portraits as a source of direction. At the end of unit three you will have a body of art work, sketchbooks and an essay (2,000 words).

Unit Four

Unit Four is your chance to put together independently what you have learnt in units one, two and three, to produce art work of a high standard in examination conditions. You will have 12 hours to produce a piece of artwork six weeks after receiving an examination paper allowing time to prepare ideas.

 

AS (Year 1)

Unit One takes the form of practical artwork where you will be expected to hand in a portfolio of artwork including a sketchbook which will evidence all the assessment objectives. The weighting of this unit is 60% of the AS and 30% of the A level.

Unit Two takes the form of a 'controlled test' or examination. Over an eight hour exam period you will produce a piece of artwork directly related to your research. The weighting of this unit is 40% of AS and 20% of the A level. The examination content is set by the examination board.

A2 (Year 2):

Unit Three takes the form of practical artwork, where you will be expected to hand in a portfolio of artwork including a sketchbook and a 2,000 word essay which will evidence all the assessment objectives. The weighting of this unit is 60% of the A2 and 30% of the A level.

Unit Four takes the form of a 'controlled test' or examination. Over a 12 hour examination period you will produce a piece of artwork directly related to your research. The weighting of this unit is 40% of A2 and 20% of the A level. The examination content is set by the examination board.

When can I study? 

Various days and times
Course Facts

September

Full-time

Kings Road Centre

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Advanced

ASFT


Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees may not be applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees or access to higher education courses, and other courses not eligible for public funding).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2011 / 12 (August 2011 - July 2012). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2012 / 13.

September

Part-time

Kings Road Centre

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details.

Please contact info@cityplym.ac.uk or phone reception on 01752 305300 for details

Advanced

ASPT


Certain "part-time" courses may become "full-time" courses if additional courses are taken.

If you are aged 16-18, due to Government funding, tuition fees may not be applicable for your course (Please note: this does not apply to foundation degrees or access to higher education courses, and other courses not eligible for public funding).

Please note that fees quoted apply to courses starting in the academic year 2011 / 12 (August 2011 - July 2012). There may be a slight increase in fees for courses starting 2012 / 13.

Click here to request an application form be sent to you through the post or download a printable copy.

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