btec art or a level contemporary fine art?

what are the differences between the two and dont say theyre the same???? i know art unis focus more on portfolio but which would get me a higher chance at unis like ual?

Reply 1

DataVenia

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

Original post

by hcjrjejsjdej

what are the differences between the two and dont say theyre the same???? i know art unis focus more on portfolio but which would get me a higher chance at unis like ual?

Well, one key difference could be the size of the qualification, as BTECs come in different sizes. A Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate in Art and Design is the same "size" a single A level. However, a Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma in Art and Design is the same "size" as three A levels. So if you took A Level Fine Art, you'd need to choose two other A levels to do alongside it. It's likely that those would be non-art A levels. However, with the BTEC you'd be studying just art - for the equivalent of three A levels.

I mention this because if you look at UAL's web page on BA (Hons) Fine Art at https://www.arts.ac.uk/subjects/fine-art/undergraduate/ba-hons-fine-art-csm, and scroll down to the Entry requirements section, it says:

"The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

One of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:

• Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4)
• Merit, Pass, Pass (MPP) at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects include Art, Art and Design or Design and Technology)
• Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
• Access to Higher Education Diploma equivalent to 64 UCAS tariff points (preferred subjects include Art, Art and Design or Design and Technology)
• Equivalent EU/international qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma (24 points)
And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*–C).

Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio."

You will note that it makes no mention of A levels as being accepted. (I just picked BA (Hons) Fine Art at random - they may accept A levels for other undergraduate degrees.)

Reply 2

elooeww

Original post

by hcjrjejsjdej

what are the differences between the two and dont say theyre the same???? i know art unis focus more on portfolio but which would get me a higher chance at unis like ual?

The person you replied to this is correct in all the information they've given. Honestly, if your only intention is to do art and get into art school, nothing else, then do BTEC and you won't be asked to do a foundation year in addition which eg CSM does if you do a level art. Keep in mind BTEC art is a lot of work for obvious reasons. I currently do a level art and i can't sign up to CSM without a foundation degree which I signed up to this year.

Reply 3

UAL PG Rep Anais

Official Rep

Original post

by hcjrjejsjdej

what are the differences between the two and dont say theyre the same???? i know art unis focus more on portfolio but which would get me a higher chance at unis like ual?

Hello,
I am a student rep at UAL and can help with this question. You will need a portfolio of work that can include both school and personal work you have done. The first thing to do is to get specific about the course you would like to do at uni, check their requirements on the UAL website and work backwards. See what is required, the type of content you will be doing then check if the BTEC or A-Level is better suited for your chosen uni course.

Working backwards can help you make a more informed decision. Make sure to look through what the actual content is in the two courses you are thinking of to make sure you will not just learn, but also enjoy it.