BTEC Art & Design
Advanced Studio Practice for Future Creatives. A two-year Extended Diploma equivalent to three A Levels.
Ages 16-18
Years 12–13
6 Mandatory Units
Assessment Modules
1080 GLH
Two-Year Programme
Portfolio
Exhibition Ready
Design, Research & Practice
Prime School’s Level 3 pathway combines rigorous studio exploration, contextual research, and real-world industry briefs. Learners work across fine art, fashion, digital media, and spatial design.
Advanced Studio
Investigative workshops in drawing, sculpture, textiles, lens-based media, and immersive tech.
Contextual Research
Global art history, contemporary culture, and design futures inform each brief and reflection.
Professional Practice
Project management, client liaison, and entrepreneurial planning embedded in briefs.
Global Progression
Dedicated mentorship for applications to UK, US, EU art schools and creative degrees.
Specification
The Extended Diploma (1080 GLH) combines mandatory art and design units (including Pearson Set Assignments) with specialist units, culminating in a comprehensive portfolio.
| Unit | GLH | Type |
|---|---|---|
|
A1
Skills Development
|
— | M |
|
A2
Responding to a BriefPSA
|
— | M |
|
A3
Creative Project
|
— | M |
|
B1
Personal Progression
|
— | M |
|
B2
Personal InvestigationPSA
|
— | M |
|
B3
Creative Industry Response
|
— | O |
|
B4
Extended Creative Industry Response
|
— | M |
Studio Briefs & Portfolio Coaching
Work like a creative professional: research, iterate, respond to briefs, and present your outcomes with confidence.
How You’re Assessed
- Projects are internally assessed with clear criteria and regular critique.
- PSA units (A2, B2) follow Pearson-set briefs with external standards verification.
- Your process (research, experimentation, reflection) is assessed alongside outcomes.
University-Ready Output
- Portfolio sequencing, statement writing, and interview preparation.
- Professional documentation: photography, layout, and presentation standards.
- Pathway planning for HNC/HND specialisms and creative degree options.
Progression & Connections
Learners collaborate with galleries, studios, and cultural institutions to test ideas with real audiences.
Industry Connections
- Studio rotations across fine art, fashion, graphics, and spatial design.
- Professional critique panels with Portuguese and international creative directors.
- International gallery visits and remote collaborations with artists.
- Portfolio showcase at Prime School’s annual Art & Design Festival.
University Success
- Top-tier art and design universities in the UK, EU, US, and Canada.
- Specialist degrees in architecture, fashion, animation, and creative technologies.
- Creative apprenticeships and start-ups in Lisbon’s innovation ecosystem.
- Prime School’s Creative Entrepreneurship Accelerator with venture mentoring.
BTEC PATHWAY
Your creative journey offers multiple pathways—specialise in fine art, fashion, interior design, or architectural technology, each leading to distinct professional opportunities.
Art & Design (Level 2) --> Art & Design (Level 3) --> Architectural Technology (Level 4) --> Architectural Technology (Level 5)
Art & Design (Level 2) --> Art & Design (Level 3) --> Fashion & Textile (Level 4) --> Fashion & Textile (Level 5)
Art & Design (Level 2) --> Art & Design (Level 3) --> Fine Art (Level 4) --> Fine Art (Level 5)
Art & Design (Level 2) --> Art & Design (Level 3) --> Interior Design (Level 4) --> Interior Design (Level 5)
Ready to Choose Your Specialism?
Our advisors will help you map Level 3 to your HNC/HND destination and university goals.