A-LEVELHISTORY OF ART

AWARD
A-Level Art & Design - Critical Studies
DURATION
2 Years (Full-Time)
UCAS POINTS
Up to 56 (depending on grade outcome)
CAMPUS
Middlesbrough
COURSE DETAILS
This course offers you the opportunity to explore the very real influence that art has and how it reflects and represents society throughout history. You will examine meanings conveyed through art & design from the Italian Renaissance to the contemporary works of today, analysing how these have influenced and been influenced by changing social, political, cultural and economic factors.
Throughout this course you will specialise in an area of the history of art based on your interests and strengths. You may choose to explore the alluring stories of Greek mythology in the Bronze age, the sophisticated Haute Couture fashion of the 16th century or curate your own modern day exhibition and bring it to life through 3D design. History of Art offers you a fascinating and diverse insight into the past which will inspire and inform a practical and theory-based outcome for each of your projects.
Your studies are further enhanced by museum and gallery visits as well as talks given by visiting lecturers and practitioners from industry. This will enable you to develop your skills in observing and interpreting artworks through a theoretical and practical approach to study.
On successful completion of an A-Level programme of study, you will have the skills and qualifications needed to progress onto a wide range of courses, at Foundation Diploma or degree level, or go directly into employment. The qualification you will be awarded is GCE A-Level Art & Design: Critical and Studies.
Students can go into a diverse range for careers such as art curation, archaeology, content writing, archiving, editing, publishing, writing, teaching or lecturing.
Assessment
This course is 80% exam (with 2 x 2.5 hrs exams) and 20% coursework.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Study the world’s most significant artworks, buildings and design movements
- Develop skills in research, visual analysis and critical writing
- Gain contextual understanding to support your creative practice
- Boost your UCAS application with a respected academic subject
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 5 GCSEs inc. Maths (9-4/A*-C) & GCSE English Language (9-4/A*-C)
- 1 portfolio of artwork
- Evidence of written work
A-LEVELS
Our A-level students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities to support their understanding of creative arts and their future career and job roles. Students on the A-level pathways have also successfully taken part in national competitions, such as The Knitting & Stitching Show, created video content for the Department of Education and taught online to primary schools. We also think it is really important to explore the issues that impact on our students and recent teaching modules have explored knife crime, environmental issues and art, social media and its impact on mental health.
Our students progress to a wide range of different study and learning, including The University of York, Leeds Arts University, University Arts London, York St John University, Manchester Metropolitan University, as well as The Northern School of Art degree programmes. On the A-level pathway, students also have access to a range of workshops and skills talks provided by practising professionals from across the creative industries as well as higher education and degree-level lecturers - each session provides essential advice and insight into planning for a successful career as a creative professional.
LEARNER HOURS
Our Further Education study programmes are designed to meet the guided learner hours as per their funding bodies.
AWARDING BODY
All students are awarded qualifications under their official A-Level title, as listed in the header.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying here?
It is a excellent college for you if you are creative, expressive and overall looking to work alongside likeminded people in a fun environment.
Aimee Rose Johnson
A-Levels
OUTSTANDING Student Experience
The Northern College of Art had an exceptional history for its further education when formerly known as The Northern School of Art, and Cleveland College of Art and Design prior to that. The institution previously achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding in 2009, and held it consecutively across all inspections until the last inspection under the Education Inspection Framework in 2025. The institution is one of only a handful of colleges to make this achievement.










