Art & Design

Applications Open: - Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: - Thursday 20th August 2026.

General Sixth Form Entry Requirements: - Minimum 4 GCSE passes at Grade 4 and above to study BTEC or vocational courses; 5 GCSE passes at 4 and above to study A level/BTEC combination; 5 GCSE's at Grades 5 and above to study straight A Levels.

*Please note there may be subject specific entry requirements which also need to be met.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices. Applications via email will not be accepted.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Art and Design

The course is an introduction to the study of art and design at level three and is for students who aim to progress to higher education and ultimately to employment, in the creative industries.

Students will develop art and design projects and gain an understanding of the creative process. They will study visual recording and communication, critical analysis and production skills to produce art and design outcomes.

The course is delivered through practical projects in art and design. There are three mandatory units which explore processes, methods of visually recording, creative intention and students’ understanding and analysis of the work of artists and designers.

Students develop skills and knowledge through an optional unit in Fine Art. The qualification is designed to enable students to develop their knowledge and skills in the sector and increase their levels of independence.

The course is 360 Guided Learning Hours and is equivalent in size to one A Level.

There are a total of four units of work for this qualification.

Three units are mandatory, with one internally and two externally assessed.

One unit is optional, and this is internally assessed.

The work is marked using Pass, Merit, Distinction or Distinction *.

To successfully pass the course learners must complete and achieve at least a pass grade or above for all units.

Five GCSE 9-4 grade or equivalent, including at least a Pass in GCSE Art, a portfolio of work and natural artistic flair.

To study this course, you must have a high level of artistic ability and must have achieved a Level 2 C grade equivalent (Pass) in an Art and Design qualification as a minimum. You should also have a portfolio of work demonstrating your artistic abilities. You will need to be enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to developing your work in your own time. You will need to be able to read and write to a good standard and will need to use sketchbooks and a camera to record your observations and experiences, continuously problem solving and exploring alternative possibilities and solutions

You may decide to further your studies by continuing with a foundation course in Further Education. This will give you a more in-depth experience of art and design, allowing you to decide on your specialist area of expertise and prepare you for university.

Careers for Art and Design students include: Graphic Designer, Photographer, Product Designer, Fashion and Textiles Designer, Fine Artist, Architect, Interior Designer, Set Designer, Costume Designer, Illustrator, Web Designer, Animator, Curator

More examples can be found in this link:

http://www.theartcareerproject.com/art-as-a-career/