BTEC Diploma Art & Design
BTEC Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art & Design
This is an exciting and challenging post A Level course. Universities see this as a valuable and stimulating time and essential in helping a student to choose a future specialist pathway.
Why choose QE?
Exam results are outstanding
We consistently achieve a 100% pass rate, with excellent high grades.
All of our students progress to University, with many placed on top courses throughout the UK. These include the London University of the Arts (St Martins and Camberwell), Goldsmiths College, Kingston University, Nottingham Trent, Sheffield Hallam, Oxford Brookes, Edinburgh, Teesside University and the University of Northumbria.
Individual guidance and support
Places are limited to 40 students each year, so students receive one-to-one guidance and encouragement in a friendly and supportive environment. Staff are enthusiastic with up-to-date professional experience. In addition, the students are able to work with visiting artists and designers.
An exciting course content
During Stage 1 (the Exploratory Stage) students sample working in different specialist areas, including Fine Art, Graphic Design, Three-Dimensional Design, Photography, Textiles, Fashion and Spatial Design. They also get the opportunity to experiment with a broad range of materials and processes.
In Stage 2 (the Pathway Stage) students work on specific projects in their chosen future specialism. This helps them to build exciting work in their portfolio in preparation for University interviews.
In Stage 3 (the Confirmatory Stage), students work on a personal Final Major Project that is shown in a public exhibition. This work has to satisfy Assessment Criteria at Level 4 and is externally examined.
Special Projects
Students often have the opportunity to work on collaborative projects. These have included UK-Japan Collaborative Arts Projects, which involved students working with Japanese artists on residency projects in the College and assisting with workshops for young children. Students have also created large-scale artworks for the Mayor of Darlington's Charity Ball and their work has been exhibited in public galleries. They have painted huge murals for local schools and worked on projects with community groups such as the recent 'Art in the Yards' public art project. These projects give students the experience of working alongside other professionals.
Art Study Visits
We arrange art study visits to London, as well as overseas and these are an important part of their experience. Visits have been made to Paris, Barcelona, Venice, Florence, Rome and New York.
Additional qualifications
Critical and Contextual Studies in Art (AS Level) is also studied by all Art Foundation students. This includes an art history lecture programme, talks by visiting artists, visits to exhibitions and personal research projects and outcomes. All the work links closely to the students' practical work and broadens their knowledge and understanding of contemporary art and design.
Career Opportunities
This course encourages a student to explore a range of disciplines and helps them to choose the right future specialist pathway. The opportunities and career paths within Art & Design are enormous. They include:
- Arts Administration and Design Management
- Crafts
- Fashion
- Film
- Photography
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design and Visual Communications
- History of Art & Design
- Teaching
- Textiles
- Theatre
- Three Dimensional Design
To find out more
Come to an Open Evening, or arrange a special visit. Please contact the College for further information or click here to download an Application Form.