Art A Levels or Art BTEC?

As you are all ready doing AS, why don't you finish the whole A-Level, then go on to do a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (BTEC).

Really, some universities prefer you to have the foundation and are adamant that they wont even look at you if you only have A levels, but i think overall it depends on how strong your portfolio is; if its really good you could get on the course without it.

I'm applying now to do my foundation next year, partly because i'm not entirely sure which area i want to go into and also because i've heard it gets you used to the pace of university and the work load.

Also i've seen on the requirements for some of the foundations i'm thinking of applying to that they require either one or two whole A-levels or the equivalent.

anyway hope this was all helpful

Do both if you can.

I did a drama A level and an acting BTEC and the two together were very useful when applying to uni.

Ok so I'm clearly not from an art background lol but in a nutshell, if you're sure it's art you want to do then the A level will show that you can handle the academic side whilst the BTEC will show that you have extensive skills in the practical side...so this might open more doors for different uni courses (based on some prefer practical work and some prefer academic work) plus it shows your subject enthusiasm very strongly

you must be amazing to be doing AS level a year early so may as well finish the A level at least

good luck

I was considering that, but then the colleges from where I live don't offer A Levels, and the sixth forms don't offer BTECs. So I can't have it both ways

No I'm not. XD It's just a programme my school's been doing for a few years, and they just pick out the best ones to do it. But that doesn't neccessarily mean I'm amazing though :P

Thanks

I was considering doing the BTEC at one point (glad I didn't now) but decided with A-Levels amongst two academic subjects, I do Fine Art and Photography, and I enjoy having something academic as a "refreshment" of sorts, makes me enjoy and appreciate my art subjects more

are you doing fine art at as atm? why not carry on with that, and take graphics too? Universities have been known to accept two art a-levels with a strong portfolio. I'd advise you to do a bit of research into universities, the courses you like and their policies, and then think about what you need to do, and which way you would enjoy it more

Do the BTEC if you're really serious about it, but if its a bit half-hearted definitely go for A-levels cos if you change your mind I hate to say it but art isn't a very versatile qualification! Also think do you want to finish the A-level you started? (Well done for doing it early!)

Point. I was wondering how well I would take it if I do art full time.
I'm doing fine art AS now, and I'm thinking of doing Art, Graphics, Photography and something else. Although a couple of teachers did say something about 3 visual art subjects being a little too much...
I did try to research the courses, but tbh, the website don't tell you a lot.

Im doing the Btec National Diploma in art and design at the moment, on my second year. I started a levels, completed my as levels and then changed onto the btec at college. best decision i made tbh!

3 art a levels will be a ridiculous amount of coursework as they are very demanding subjects. the 1st year of my national diploma let me experiment in graphic design, painting, photography, drawing, printmaking, textiles etc and then now in my second year i am specialising in graphic design and photography.

I think this course is a better preparation for uni, as it lets you experiment and develop your skills in a wide range of areas before choosing you specialisms. This gives you a better chance to create an excellent portfolio for universities to see showing skills such as life drawing all the way through to graphic design.

Universities dont think a levels are a suitable preparation for a degree in art or design, there is no preference to a national diploma or foundation.

It depends on the uni really, some prefer you to have a wide range of skills that allow you to be more experimental, whilst some unis just want people to follow the course and be good at just graphic design. Have a look at some good unis for graphic design, its never too early to start looking, it gave me something to work towards once id chosen a course and a selection of unis. have a look at there specification and what they are looking for in applicants, this should give you an idea on if they want a specifically graphic design student or if the welcome students from a generally creative background!

If you can find a foundation degree in graphic design or equivalent btec in graphic design then id say go and check that out because you are very certain on what you want to do. but over a levels id definitely choose a btec in art and design (or specifially graphics if you can find it, my college didnt do it unfortunately).

if you are definitely wanting to apply for graphics then I'd say go for the ND. you get to build a better portfolio over the two years and have a lot more experience within your subject area, will make the transition to university easier. After your a levels you will most likely have to do a foundation year, so thats another year of study when you could be at university. If you are hesitant on focussing only on graphics then do the a levels, that way you have more options, i generally depends what you are like as a person... decisive or indecisive!

Im working towards kingston too :P