Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design

This Diploma offers an active live brief and work placement programme in arts, design and related areas. It will also develop your independent learning and transferable skills. 

Whatever your entry qualifications, you will continue to develop your English and maths skills on the course. 

You will need four GCSEs at grade D/3 or above. Alternatively you may have grade C/4 and above in several subjects, including English and Maths, but have not yet achieved an Art or Design qualification. 

All candidates must have a successful interview and show a portfolio to gain a place.

The course encourages your own direction and the final outcome is in an area of your choice, which forms the basis of your Final Major Project.

A lot of activities are based around visual and physical problem solving. Each unit offers a set of particular problems to solve.

The course will challenge you in the development of the formal elements of visual language, such as line, tone, plane and colour, to name but a few. 

You will learn about technical processes, new materials, methods and techniques, then use your creative freedom to produce exciting artwork in areas of your own personal interest.  

You will develop into an effective independent learner, able to manage yourself, your learning, your research and your artwork. You will be expected to experiment, practise and make valuable mistakes to learn from. 

Direct observed drawing from the real world (not pictures) provides a large part of the content and you will be expected to carry out life drawing – ie drawing from the human body.

You will carry out a range of two-dimensional activities/assignments including photographic recording and creative development, painting and graphics, alongside a range of three-dimensional activities/assignments in wood, metal and clay etc.

There are other specialist activities and materials, some of which may be very experimental. Upcycling and sustainable materials are forming an important part of the course.

You will be expected to carry out contextual research relevant to the area that you are studying.

Some of the technical elements of the course will ask you to apply/use maths skills, such as measurement, ratio and proportion, and develop your English comprehension and critical writing skills.  

This course will be delivered on-site.

You will be provided with the resources required to complete the course, however, you may be expected to purchase your own sketchbook and some basic equipment. There may also be money required for trips throughout the year.

The Diploma is assessed at the end of each unit. There are eight units, with Unit 8 being graded Pass, Merit or Distinction. 

The work for Unit 8 has to be professionally presented in an end-of-year show for you to achieve the grade. 

The course is designed to prepare you for a Level 3 course in Arts, Design, Technology or a related area.

For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk