All about A level Art – course information

Fine Art at A Level is about much more than just drawing and painting. You’ll experiment with a wide range of techniques, from printmaking and mixed media to digital art and sculpture. Throughout the course, you’ll gain a strong understanding of historical and contemporary art movements, learning how artists throughout time have shaped creative practice.

One of the most exciting aspects of A Level Fine Art is the freedom to develop a personal body of work that reflects your own creative journey. Guided by an expert teacher, you’ll explore themes and ideas that truly inspire you, evolving your skills and artistic direction along the way.

You’ll complete two major components that will shape your final grade:

Personal Investigation (60% of your grade) – This is your chance to develop a highly personal project, experimenting with different media and techniques, refining your ideas, and creating final outcomes. Alongside your practical work, you’ll produce an illustrated 1,000-word essay that explores your influences and artistic process.

Externally Set Assignment (40% of your grade) – In your final year, the exam board provides a set of exciting themes for you to choose from. Over three months, you’ll develop ideas and experiment with materials before showcasing your creativity in a final 15-hour practical exam.

Studying Fine Art isn’t just about making work in the studio, you’ll also investigate the work of artists and broaden your critical analysis skills to deepen your understanding of visual culture. This broader context will enrich your own creative approach and help you develop a professional portfolio.

If you love being creative, enjoy hands-on learning, and are eager to develop your own artistic style, A Level Fine Art is for you! Most students have studied GCSE Art (Grade 6 or above), but if you’re coming from a different background, all art departments welcome students with a strong portfolio of work.

A Level Fine Art opens doors to a wide range of creative careers. Many students go on to study Art & Design Foundation courses or specialist degrees in areas like Fine Art, Graphic Design, Fashion, Illustration, Animation, and Architecture. The creative industries are among the fastest-growing sectors worldwide, offering opportunities in everything from film and game design to set production and branding.

While Fine Art is traditionally a two-year course (to allow time for skill development and experimentation), students with significant prior experience may be able to complete it in one year.

If you’re ready to take your creativity to the next level and build a portfolio that showcases your artistic potential, A Level Fine Art is the perfect choice!