Qualification purpose

This qualification is designed for learners who wish to develop a range of skills and techniques essential for working in the art and design sector.

This qualification will:

  • focus on the study of art and design
  • offer breadth and depth of study, incorporating a key core of knowledge
  • provide opportunities to acquire a number of practical and technical skills

Qualification objectives

The objectives of this qualification are to:

  • develop learners' skills and techniques and use of visual language and formal elements in art and design
  • extend learners' knowledge and understanding of the design process
  • extend learners' understanding of health and safety issues relating to art and design
  • provide the opportunity for personal development
  • provide a basis for progression onto further study

In line with these aims, the objectives of the qualification are to enable the learner to:

  • use raw materials, tools and equipment safely and competently
  • develop analytical and research skills
  • evaluate own work, developed ideas and learning through the design process
  • provide evidence of key skills attainment, where appropriate

To be awarded the Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design, learners are required to successfully complete all 7 mandatory units

  • Unit 1 – Investigate sources of ideas in art and design
  • Unit 2 - Explore and use art and design materials, techniques and visual language
  • Unit 3 - Produce final art and design work
  • Unit 4 - Working in the art and design industry
  • Unit 5 - Building an art and design portfolio
  • Unit 6 – 3D visual communication
  • Unit 7 – 2D visual communication

Total Qualification Time (TQT) - 240

Guided Learning Hours (GLH) - 140


Entry guidance

This qualification is designed for learners interested in art and design

This qualification is suitable for learners aged pre-16 and above

Centres are responsible for ensuring that this qualification is appropriate for the age and ability of learners. They need to make sure that learners can fulfil the requirements of the learning outcomes and comply with the relevant literacy, numeracy and health and safety aspects of this qualification


How the qualification is assessed

Assessment is the process of measuring a candidate’s skill, knowledge and understanding against the standards set in a qualification. The Level 3 Diploma in Photography is internally assessed. Internal assessment

Each candidate must create a portfolio of evidence which demonstrates achievement of all the learning outcomes and assessment criteria associated with each unit. On completion of each unit candidates must declare that the work produced is their own. The Assessor must countersign this. Examples of suitable evidence for the portfolio for each unit are provided in the Handbook.

The main pieces of evidence for the portfolio could include (in no particular order):

  • Assessor observation – completed observational checklists and related action plans
  • witness testimony
  • candidate’s proof of work
  • worksheets
  • assignments/projects/reports
  • record of professional discussion
  • record of oral and written questioning
  • candidate and peer reports
  • Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Moderation

Moderation is the process by which we confirm that assessment decisions in centres are:

We do this through:

external moderation – which we carry out through our External Moderators who, by supporting you, will make sure that assessments meet nationally agreed standards and that your quality assurance systems continue to meet our centre approval criteria.