COURSE OVERVIEW
Duration: 2 Years, Full-Time
Entry Requirements: 5 GCSEs inc. Maths (9-4/A*-C) & GCSE English Language (9-4/A*-C)
UCAS points: up to 56 (depending on grade outcome)
Campus: Middlesbrough
Challenge your creativity, sharpen your skills, and build a strong foundation for a future in the arts. This course combines academic depth with hands-on studio practice.
Why Choose This Course?
• Explore a wide range of practical disciplines and visual research methods
• Learn from experienced educators and practising artists
• Build a portfolio that supports progression to Foundation, HE or employment
All students are awarded qualifications under their offi cial A-Level title, as listed in the header.
COURSE DETAILS
This two-year A-Level is perfect for students who want to explore the creative arts while keeping future pathways flexible. You’ll develop technical skills, visual awareness, and personal voice through practical work and critical investigation.
You will explore a broad range of materials and techniques including drawing, painting, print-making, photography, mixed media and digital processes. You’ll be encouraged to experiment, take creative risks and develop work that is imaginative, personal and informed by wider cultural and historical contexts.
A key part of the course is the Personal Investigation - an in-depth project where you choose your own theme, explore ideas in depth and produce both practical and written outcomes. This allows you to specialise and build a strong portfolio that reflects your interests and strengths.
Studying A-Level Art & Design at a specialist school gives you access to outstanding facilities, experienced artisttutors and an inspiring creative community. You’ll also have the opportunity to exhibit your work, visit galleries, and explore progression routes into university, art foundation or creative careers.
Where Could It Take You?
• Fine Artist
• Architect (with further study)
• Illustrator
• Art Director
• Product, Interior Textile or Fashion Designer
• Art Therapist (with further study)
• Gallery or Museum Professional
• Art Historian or Critic
• Graphic or Visual Designer
• Teacher or Academic (with further study)
• Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (as your next step)
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.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
"I’ve been able to develop my skills and personal style within my creativity and grow my confidence”
"I’ve been able to develop my skills and personal style within my creativity and grow my confidence”
Ofsted Outstanding
The Northern School of Art’s Middlesbrough campus has been given another ‘Outstanding’ rating by Ofsted. Following an intensive four-day inspection by six inspectors the School’s further education provision has retained the top rating it has held since 2009.
