Fine Art A Level

Applications Open: Monday 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: Friday 24th July 2026

Entry Requirements: Our general entry requirements are:-

• A Levels – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• BTEC Level 3 – advanced courses, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 4+ qualifications, including English and mathematics. Some subjects may have additional entry requirements.

• T Level - technical course, two year study programme, with an average entry requirement of at least five grade 5+ qualifications, including English and mathematics.

• BTEC Level 2 – One year programme, which could lead on to further studies, with an average entry requirement at least five grade 2 or above, including English and mathematics.

How to Apply: Please apply via Kent Choices

If applying to T Level Engineering, please include a second choice set of subjects within the same application.

Course aims

The AQA A Level Art and Design (Fine Art) course aims to cultivate students' artistic abilities and understanding, fostering their creativity, independence, and personal expression. It encourages students to engage in a comprehensive creative process, from generating ideas and experimenting with diverse media (including drawing, painting, sculpture, and printmaking) to critically analysing their own work and the broader art world. A key focus is developing visual literacy and understanding how art reflects historical, social, and cultural contexts, ultimately enabling students to communicate their unique artistic visions effectively. You will develop practical art skills, research abilities, critical analysis, and an understanding of art history.

Course content

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60% of A-Level)

• A student-led practical project based on a theme, idea, or concept of your choice.
• Supported by research into relevant historical and contemporary artists, including non-European examples.
• Requires a written essay of 1,000–3,000 words that connects your research to your practical work.
• Your entire process from start to finish must be documented (e.g. in a sketchbook).

Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40% of A-Level)

• You choose one starting point from a list of eight provided by the exam board.
• You are given a preparatory period to research and develop your ideas for this theme.
• The final artwork is created in a 15-hour supervised exam.

Assessment

Students’ work is assessed against these four assessment objectives:

AO1: Develop ideas through sustained and focused investigations informed by contextual and other sources, demonstrating analytical and critical understanding

AO2: Explore and select appropriate resources, media, materials, techniques and processes, reviewing and refining ideas as work develops AO3: Record ideas, observations and insights relevant to intentions, reflecting critically on work and progress.

AO4: Present a personal and meaningful response that realises intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual and other elements.

Additional course entry requirements

Grade 5 in Art & Design GCSE.

Progression and career opportunities

An AQA A Level in Fine Art offers a versatile foundation for a wide array of future careers, not only within the creative industries but also in fields that value its transferable skills. This A Level prepares you for roles such as a fine artist, illustrator, graphic designer, animator, or curator. More importantly, it cultivates essential skills like creativity, critical thinking, visual communication, and problem-solving. These highly sought-after abilities are applicable to numerous other sectors, including marketing, media, education, and advertising, making fine art a robust and adaptable starting point for many professional journeys.