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National Diploma in Art & Design

Okay so I know this isn't a university course, but I thought the thread would get more response here than its got in the exams forum.

Im doing AS levels at the moment but am not enjoying my subjects. I didn't get to do art for a-level as my college doesn't offer it (or dt or graphics or similar). So im thinking of at the end of this year changing to a National Diploma in Art & Design. Has anyone done one? Apparently their all coursework which would suit me really well as im rubbish at exams anyway, and that unis prefer them to a levels for art courses? Im thinking of doing graphic design at uni, and have got GCSE Art grade A.

Any experiences with the course - did you enjoy it etc?
Thanks x

Reply 1

xxstace123xx

I haven't got experience in it.

But if you think that A levels aren't for you, then go for it, if its something that you will enjoy and have inspiration by.
My boyfriend is also dropping out at the end of AS to do a diploma, if you prefer a more hands on approach then it will be perfect for you.

You seem to have quite a passion for it, so go for it, :biggrin:

Reply 2

Aiko

I'm presuming you're referring to the BTEC National Diploma? If so, the qualification is deemed the equivalent to an art and design foundation course, the standard pathway after A Levels for those hoping to apply to an undergraduate degree thereafter. A Levels alone are not considered sufficient, hence why many universities and colleges require a foundation. With the BTEC, you can bypass the foundation and apply directly to the undergraduate degree.

Reply 3

SteelApathy

I'm on a BTEC National Diploma, specialising in Fine Art and it's going very well for me. I would recommend it. Message me if you have any m ore detailed questions.

Reply 4

Mercedes.

If I want to do graphic design at uni, do you think it would be better to take a national diploma in graphic design, or a national diploma in art and design to show I can to a bit of everything? x

Reply 5

SteelApathy

It depends, i am doing a ND in Art and Design and we were made to specialise, i chose Fine Art. I believe there is a pathway where you can do a bit of everything on the ND this year at my college but i don't have any experience of this.

If you can do just Art and Design, i would, because i know a lot of people on the graphics pathway that have now changed their minds regarding graphics.

I can tell you that we do absolutely zero graphics on the Fine Art pathway.

I hope that helps a little.

Reply 6

sourcherry

Mercedes.

If I want to do graphic design at uni, do you think it would be better to take a national diploma in graphic design, or a national diploma in art and design to show I can to a bit of everything? x

If you honestly want to do graphic design (and why not, it's such a great subject :smile:

) then I'd choose that over the art and design course. I do BTEC ND Graphic Design and although it's focused on graphic design and not general art, we cover a lot of areas such as illustration, web design, packaging, advertising etc. It's also not as computer-based as some people assume; we do a lot of hand-rendered design too.

It's a lot of coursework (18 units across two years) but having absolutely no exams makes up for that!