What is A Level Art and Design?

If you’re looking for an artistic, creative A Level, you might be considering A Level Art and Design.

Offered by AQA (opens in a new tab), Pearson Edexcel (opens in a new tab), OCR (opens in a new tab) and WJEC (Eduqas (opens in a new tab) in England and CBAC (opens in a new tab) in Wales), A Level Art and Design allows students to choose their own specialism.

This guide covers what each specialism involves, how you're assessed, what you need to start, and where it can take you.

Key Takeaways

• AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC all offer A Level Art and Design

• Specialisms include Art, Craft and Design, Fine Art and Photography

• Apart from WJEC CBAC, assessment is made up of two components: one is worth 60% and the other 40%

• While GCSE Art and Design is not a requirement, many schools ask for it

• A Level Art and Design can lead to Art degrees (including joint honours) and careers in the film industry, design and photography

What A Level Art and Design actually is

A Level Art and Design is an artistic qualification that fosters creative and technical skills.

You’ll choose a specialism (or title) from around six different options.

Specialisms in A Level Art and Design

You’ll choose one specialism, also known as a title or option, from the list below:

1. Art, Craft and Design

2. Art and Design (Fine Art)

3. Graphic Communication 

4. Textile Design 

5. Photography

6. Three-Dimensional Design

See your school’s chosen exam board specification for more information on each specialism.

Which exam boards offer A Level Art and Design

The following exam boards offer A Level Art and Design:

• AQA, the UK’s largest exam board

• Pearson Edexcel

• OCR

• WJEC (Eduqas in England and CBAC in Wales)

How A Level Art and Design is assessed

AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR and WJEC Eduqas all use the following assessment structure:

WJEC CBAC has different units for AS and A2. For more information, visit the WJEC CBAC specification (opens in a new tab).

What you need to take A Level Art and Design

Most schools expect at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Art and Design.

Since most exam boards have no prior learning requirements, some schools will allow you to take A Level Art and Design without a GCSE in it. In this case, they’ll usually require you to provide a portfolio with examples of your recent personal work. Talk to your teacher to see if this is an option, and see our guide to preparing for A Levels after GCSE to navigate the jump.

Schools usually provide more sophisticated equipment, such as darkrooms for photography. However, you’ll sometimes need your own tools. Check with your school to find out exactly what you need for each specialism.

Is A Level Art and Design hard?

Though Art and Design is listed as one of the easiest A Levels (based on a pass rate of 99.4%), some students may still find it hard.

One of the biggest challenges is the personal investigation. This long-term, largely independent project requires you to have excellent time management skills, as you’ll need to make sure you do enough work without neglecting your other A Levels.

Similarly, some students find it difficult to balance creative freedom with the requirements of Component 2. Fortunately, we have plenty of past papers to give you an idea of what to expect.

Where A Level Art and Design can take you

Here are just some of the pathways A Level Art and Design can open up for you:

Further Study

• Degrees in Art and joint honours, e.g. Art & Design or Art & Creative Writing

• Specialised courses, e.g. at the Royal College of Art

Careers

• The film industry, e.g. animator

• Design, e.g. graphic designer or fashion designer

• Photographer, e.g. wedding or fashion photographer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is A Level Art and Design the same as Fine Art?

No. Fine Art is just one of the specialisms you can take. It involves drawing, painting and sculpture in addition to a range of different areas.

Can you take more than one Art and Design specialism?

No, but the Art, Craft and Design specialism is designed for students who want a broader mix.

Do you need GCSE Art for A Level Art and Design?

Most schools expect at least a Grade 5 in GCSE Art and Design. However, if you haven’t taken it at GCSE level, some schools will accept a portfolio of your recent work.

Ask your school what’s required for your chosen specialism, and refer to our guides on A Level Fashion & Textiles and Photography.

Is A Level Art and Design respected by universities?

Yes, especially for Art-related degrees. Universities also respect the transferable skills it offers, such as visual literacy, working to a brief and project management.
As one of the top 10 most popular A Level subjects, Art and Design is a great creative option. Consider this A Level if you’re after an art-related degree and/or creative career.