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A Level Art and Design in Farnham – Farnham College

CostFree if you're eligible
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyAQA awarding body

Free or reduced fees may be available, depending on your circumstances. Activate Learning lists a fee of £2,581 if you're not eligible. Advanced Learner Loan available. Contact Activate Learning for more info.

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About this course

GCE A Level in Art and Design course in Farnham. Classes run at Farnham College, full-time during the day, over two years. You'll work across a range of media, develop your own artistic ideas, and study the work of other artists through discussion and experimentation. Entry requires five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English, Maths, and Art. Assessment is mainly coursework, with some externally set tasks. The level 3 GCE A Level in Art and Design qualification is awarded by AQA.

Who this course is for

This two-year course will emphasise photography as a creative medium and will be taught primarily as a practical subject. You will learn the basic techniques, theories, principles and how to use photographic processes and equipment; incorporating studio, ICT and camera technique. This will enable you to create your own photographic imagery in response to a variety of exciting and stimulating projects. You will have the opportunity to explore the world of fashion, photo-journalism, advertising, social documentary and many other commercial applications of photography. This can lead to progression towards higher education in photography graphic design, web design, multi-media, video production and also into direct employment. The course provides the opportunity to extend further your techniques and understanding of software applications, with a critical awareness of other photographer's work, through focused self-managed assignments. All 16-19-year olds on full-time programmes will be required to retake GCSE English and Maths or to undertake Functional Skills, if they have not already attained the equivalent of a GCSE grade C in these subjects, every year of their course, until they complete their studies. Those students who are interested in studying photography in a practical and creative environment. You should enjoy creative arts subjects and be able to grasp technical concepts. Access to photographic studios and darkrooms the option to loan digital and film cameras and portable flash equipment, plus a dedicated suite of iMacs and current Adobe software.

Entry requirements

Applicants should have five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English and maths.

What you will learn

  • You'll experiment with a variety of media and materials to develop your personal artistic style.
  • You'll build skills in observation, composition, and visual communication.
  • You'll research and analyse the work of other artists to inform your own practice.
  • You'll develop and refine ideas through sketchbooks, preparatory work, and finished pieces.
  • You'll respond to externally set briefs under timed conditions.
  • You'll reflect on and discuss your creative decisions with your teacher.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom-based studio sessions, combining practical making with research and critical discussion. Most of your mark comes from coursework: a portfolio of work built up over the two years. There is also an externally set task, which includes a preparation period followed by a supervised timed response. Your teacher will guide your development through regular feedback and discussion.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Farnham College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and media
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms
  • Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or fine art photography
  • Art technician: support studio and gallery environments in schools or colleges
  • Textile designer: design patterns and materials for fashion or interiors
  • Animator: create moving image content for film, TV, or games
  • Set designer: design environments for theatre, film, or television

What you could study next

A GCE A Level in Art and Design qualification opens the door to higher education in creative subjects. You could apply for a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3), which many art schools use as a bridge into degree study. From there, a BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, or a related discipline is the natural next step. Some learners also pursue Higher National Certificates (HNC) or Higher National Diplomas (HND) in Art and Design as a more vocational route into the creative industries.

Apply on farnham.activatelearning.ac.uk →
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