ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN – A LEVEL
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A LEVEL · ART, CRAFT AND DESIGN Explore widely. Develop your own creative identity.A flexible creative course combining fine art, photography, textiles and other design disciplines, with the freedom to shape projects around your interests. |
| QUALIFICATION A Level |
EXAM BOARD AQA |
DURATION Two years |
ASSESSMENT 100% non-exam assessment |
One broad course, many possible specialismsThis course is proposed as a replacement for separate Fine Art and Textile Design A levels. Rather than choosing one fixed pathway at the outset, students can work across creative disciplines and make their preferred area the main focus of their portfolio. AQA requires the Personal Investigation to show work drawn from at least two endorsed areas. Within that broad framework, each student can specialise, combine media and develop a highly individual body of work. |
Creative areas you could explore
Fine artDrawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media and installation. |
PhotographyPortraiture, documentary, experimental imagery, moving image and digital practice. |
Textile designFashion, printed and dyed materials, constructed textiles and textile art. |
Graphic communicationIllustration, branding, design for print, digital media and motion graphics. |
Three-dimensional designCeramics, product design, jewellery, interiors, architecture and 3D digital design. |
Interdisciplinary practiceCombine processes and materials where this best supports your personal ideas. |
What you will develop
Ideas and personal directionInvestigate themes that matter to you and develop sustained, independent lines of enquiry. |
Materials and techniquesExperiment confidently with traditional and contemporary media, processes and technologies. |
Critical understandingResearch artists, photographers, designers and craftspeople, connecting their work to your own practice. |
A resolved portfolioRefine ideas from initial investigation through experimentation to ambitious final outcomes. |
Entry requirements
Standard PH6 entry requirements: at least five GCSEs at grades 9–5, including English and Mathematics.
| Course-specific requirement Grade 5 or above in GCSE Art, Art & Design, Photography, Textiles or another relevant creative subject. Applicants without a relevant GCSE may be considered through a portfolio discussion. |
This course suits you if you…
- want creative freedom rather than being restricted to one discipline
- enjoy experimenting with materials, images, processes and ideas
- are prepared to work independently and develop projects over time
- want to build a distinctive portfolio for university, an art foundation course or employment.
How you will be assessed
| Component | Assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Component 1 Personal Investigation |
A sustained practical investigation with related written material of 1,000–3,000 words | 60% |
| Component 2 Externally Set Assignment |
Preparatory period followed by 15 hours of supervised time | 40% |
Both components are marked by the school and moderated by AQA. There is no written examination.
Where Art, Craft and Design can take you
The course supports progression to art foundation programmes, university and creative apprenticeships. Its flexible structure is particularly valuable for students building a portfolio around a chosen specialism.
Fine art Photography Fashion & textiles Graphic design Architecture Film & media Creative industries