Four GCSEs grade C or above or equivalent preferably in relevant creative subjects. Entry is subject to a successful interview with the course co-ordinator.

All units are internally assessed, this allows learners to use large-scale projects, workshops and completing assignments, as a basic for generating evidence for assessment. Learners must complete all two assessment units and achieve a Pass grade or above in each assessment criterion. The Pearson BTEC Level 3 National 540 Diploma in Art and Design Practice is graded using an overall qualification grading of P to D*, attracting UCAS points in the same way as A'Level grades.

If learners complete this qualification in a year, they may progress to further learning at Level 3, for example another Diploma with 540 GLH in a complementary sector or the Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma in Art and Design Practice. If taken as part of a programme of study that includes other BTEC Nationals or A'Levels, it supports progression to higher education. It also supports progression to an apprenticeship in the art and design sector or to a further year of study at Level 3.

To deepen and refine students’ skills over time, this course has been designed to ensure exposure to teaching and learning approaches that challenge learners. This is supported by the five mandatory areas of content, which are common to both modules and which are developed to give learners valuable transferable skills. The five content areas are: informing ideas problem solving technical skills professional practice communication This qualification has been designed to enable and encourage multidisciplinary practice and integration of all the relevant skills that learners want to develop. Technical skills have been expressed through the following categories to allow for development and integration of skills across practices, including skills used across art, design and media: image and mark fashion/wearable space and form moving image and lens experience usable/product text sound Skills are developed through teaching and learning modules and synthesised through projects, producing outcomes for assessment.