International Baccalaureate (IB) Visual Arts Diploma

Applications Open: 3rd November 2025

Applications Close: 27th February 2026

Application Details: At Hartsdown Academy we run the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/ . Prospective students need to choose 1 Vocational Course (BTEC or OCR) and 2 IB Diploma Courses.

Entry Requirements: 5 x Grade 4-9 including Maths & English. A good attendance and behaviour record is also essential.

How to Apply: - Please apply via KentChoices

The visual arts course asks students to take on the habits of being a good artist. Students explore materials, techniques, processes and ideas through experimentation, reflection and refinement. They study the work of other artists and designers gaining understanding not only about how they make their work but why. Students take this knowledge of good art and through practice, planning and idea development make finished works of art. At the end of the course a student presents their understanding in their process portfolio, comparative studies and in an exhibition.

The three units of comparative study, process portfolio and exhibition are intertwined with each informing the other. Students will be challenged to and supported in developing their own art and design interests with the lessons being tailored to meet their needs.

Comparative study - 20% - Externally Assessed

A written and visual analysis of three pieces of art that have influenced the work of the student. Each piece is discussed in regards to its aesthetic qualities, purpose and function and its cultural significance. The three works of art are compared with each other.

Process Portfolio - 40% - Externally Assessed

This digital portfolio presents the artistic journey the students have been on over the length of the course, in it the students present their experiments, refinement of techniques and processes, their ideas and the research they have undertaken to realise their final artworks.

Exhibition - 40% - Internally Assessed Externally Moderated

A culmination of the course students choose and exhibit 6 to 10 of their completed works of art.

5+ English and Maths and 3 subjects at Grade 4+

IB Visual Arts can take you onto higher education, studying at degree level.

TOP TEN UNIVERSITIES FOR VISUAL ARTS IN UK

• Royal College of Art
• University College London
• University of the Arts London
• Goldsmiths, London
• The Glasgow School of Art
• Loughborough University
• University of Oxford
• University of Brighton
• Edinburgh College of Arts (ECA)
• Lancaster University

You could study one of the following courses:

• Advertising
• Animation
• Architecture
• Business and Management
• Communication and Media
• Computer Arts
• Education
• Fashion
• Film
• Fine Art and Digital Art
• Games
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Photography
• Product Design

UCAS Points:

Standard level

• S7 - 28
• S6 - 24
• S5 - 16
• S4 - 12
• S3 - 6
• S2 - 0
• S1 - 0

Higher level

• H7 - 56
• H6 - 48
• H5 - 32
• H4 - 24
• H3 - 12
• H2 - 0
• H1 - 0

There are many career opportunities available to you once you have completed IB Visual Arts such as;

• Artworker
• Arts administrator
• Conservator
• Exhibition designer
• Fashion designer
• Game artist
• Interior and spatial designer
• Jewellery designer
• Museum/gallery curator
• Advertising art director
• Animator
• Art therapist
• Ceramics designer
• Commercial art gallery manager
• Community arts worker
• Concept artist
• Fine artist
• Glass blower/designer
• Graphic designer
• Illustrator
• Printmaker