National (Extended) Diploma Art & Design

Qualification Edexcel BTEC National Diploma in Art & Design (ND)
Course contact Suzanne Archer

Course Overview

FE, two years, full-time, day-time

This course will help you to discover where your strengths lie and which aspects of art and design you are most suited to.

Over the two years, you will develop a wide range of skills and gain a better understanding of the requirements of the art and design sector, and you will build up a portfolio of work enabling you to apply to a higher education course in your chosen specialist area.

Course content

First year

This is an introduction to the many aspects of art and design. You will develop your general art and design skills by working through a range of assignments, including photography, model-making, sculpture, drawing and painting, fashion, textiles and graphics.

Throughout the course you will study the work of other artists, designers and craftspeople, developing an understanding of the historical and cultural context of art and design. Towards the end of the first year, you will work on a final project which will help you to confirm your specialist area for the remainder of the course.

Second year

This will be spent studying your selected specialist area of graphic design, textiles/fashion, 3D design, or fine art.

Graphic Design
You will extend your knowledge of materials and processes and gain a greater insight into the role of graphic design in our society. You will use a range of techniques including desktop publishing on a Mac using state-of-the-art software, photography and traditional media. Potential careers include graphic designer, illustrator, creative director, advertising, typographer or photographer.

3D Design
You will develop your knowledge of 3D materials and processes through projects which include product and interior design. These incorporate a range of materials including wood, plaster, metal and plastics. You will also use drawing and model-making to develop your ideas. Potential careers include product designer, interior designer, set designer, model-maker, furniture designer or architect.

Fine Art
Developing your own practice as a fine artist, you will be encouraged to take an exploratory and open-minded approach to ideas and processes. You will explore a wide range of media and techniques including print-making, photography, drawing, painting, mixed media and 3D. You will also study the concepts underlying contemporary and past artists’ work. Potential careers include illustrator, painter, sculptor, photographer, print-maker, teacher or lecturer.

Textiles/Fashion
You will extend your knowledge of materials, techniques and processes across a wide range of textile/fashion contexts. Various assignments will develop your ideas through extensive visual research, using drawing, painting, colour and mixed media. Potential careers include textile designer, fashion designer, craftsperson, fashion illustrator or stylist.

Assessment

Your work will be assessed by a combination of continual internal assessment which is subject to external moderation.

Working with the industry

Live briefs will take place during your second year, giving you the opportunity to understand the working practices of a variety of art and design roles.

Resources

You can make full use of the College’s resources, including art and design studios and well-equipped workshops in print-making, textile print, photography, 3D and computers.

Study visits

Day-study visits take place in both years of the course at a variety of national art galleries and exhibitions.

Progression & career opportunities

Most students decide to progress to BA (Hons) degrees or foundation degrees in their chosen specialist area of art or design. Full guidance is given to help you make appropriate choices. You will also study towards a complementary qualification in your first year.

Course fees & costs

See course fees page and find out if you qualify for any support. Additionally, you should expect to spend up to £50 per year on trips and equipment.

Find out more

Contact our Student Advice Team
Visit the College at one of our open events
Contact our Marketing department on 0113 202 8000

How to apply

Visit our how to apply section.

Entry Requirements

You should be at least 16 years old, have four GCSE passes at grade C or above, or an Intermediate GNVQ or a Level Two Diploma in Art & Design at a merit or above, and be able to present a portfolio of work which shows your interest and ability in art, design and/or technology.

If you are a mature student, you may not need these qualifications. Please contact our Student Advice Team.

A student’s perspective: “The College is so unique – it’s in an absolutely fabulous building. The place is so inspirational, and it’s full of people who are all keen on art. I chose this course because it just gives you such a wide range of experiences. In the first year you just have a little taster of everything.”

Emily

Notman

A

student’s

perspective

: “I like graphics, and I like fine art, but I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do – so I thought, Well, I may as well dabble in a little bit of everything. I’ve done 3D, sculpture… I’ve done all that. I love the course because it’s a real eye-opener. The first year was inspirational, to say the least. It includes expressive drawing – you might think that’s with a pencil, but we’re talking big masses of paper, and lots of flinging paint…”

Tom

Cummings

A

student’s

perspective

: “I love the facilities, I love the tutors (I don’t know how much you can love the tutors – eeuw!). I love most things about it. I’m glad I’m here. The facilities here are print-making, fine art, the Mac suite, every single kind of 3D you can think of – latex, wood, metal, clay, pottery, everything. Now, when I look at certain areas of Leeds or anywhere I’m going, from walking around, I think how I could affect that; how I could change that into something. The course has taught me to have a wider appreciation for art in all its forms. It’s taught me to have a more open mind, to see art in a way I hadn’t looked at it before.”

Ben

Clay

A

tutor’s

perspective

: “The ideal student to come on the course is somebody who knows they want a career in art and design, but not quite sure what, because they don’t really understand what art and design is, or what’s possible. To help a student move on to higher education, we provide the basic skills of drawing, of understanding art and design so it’s not just about the drawing and painting, the taking of a photo, the doing of a textile print; it’s about all the process that goes behind that. Like, where does a designer or an artist get an idea from?”
Suzanne Archer, Course Leader

Course gallery

Course contacts

Click here to see some members of the course team.

Course facilities

Click here for more information about the facilities at the College.

Placements (Industry Links)

Click here to learn more about our links with the industry and see some case studies.

Tips & Guidance

Put together a great portfolio

Write a great UCAS form

Any college or university will use your UCAS form to find out whether you’re suitable for the course.