Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design)

Key Facts

Level:
Level 3
Subject Sector:
9.2 Crafts, Creative Arts and Design
Credits:
60
Qualification No:
QAAQ004746
Price:
View price list
Age Range:
19+
QAA aim code:
40014770

Qualification Summary

The Diploma provides learners with a wide choice of units to support progression into Art and Design degree programmes. The mandatory group ensures that learners have a good understanding of themes relevant to Art and Design including, Cultural Studies - Modern and Contemporary Studies in Art and Design, The Design Process and Visual Studies 2D. Learners will also complete a research project in an area of interest relevant to the diploma. Learners can select from a range of optional units linked to Art and Design, with some variety of choice to include units which may be of specific interest if the learner has an interest in, 3D Design and Production, Graphic Design, Photography, Printmaking, Studies of the Human Figure, Textile Printing and Colouring, Typography and Using Mixed Media.

In addition to the graded units, learners must choose from a selection of mandatory and optional ungraded units to support underpinning skills both for work within the sector or for further academic study.

Why choose this qualification?

This Access to HE Diploma has been fully reviewed and revalidated for the 2024-25 academic year. Updated resources are also available to Gateway Qualifications recognised centres.

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is an academic qualification that is designed to prepare learners for study at degree level. The diploma is designed to give the learner the relevant academic subject knowledge and underpinning study skills required to progress onto a relevant degree programme.

As an Access Validating Agency (AVA), all of our Access to Higher Education (HE) Diplomas are compliant with Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) regulations.

Units

Graded Academic Subject Content Units

Learners must complete 45 credits from the Mandatory Units: Graded Academic Subject Content, Mandatory Unit: Research Graded Academic Subject Content and Optional Units: Graded Academic Subject Content groups.

Mandatory Units: Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must complete 18 credits from the mandatory graded units.

Cultural Studies – Modern and Contemporary Studies in Art and Design

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU034932
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The Design Process

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035112
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Visual Studies

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035146
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Mandatory Unit: Research Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must achieve 6 credits from this group.

Visual Research

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
6
Unit No:
QU035144
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Optional Units: Graded Academic Subject Content

Learners must achieve 21 credits from this group.

3D Design and Production

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034880
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Colour Theory and Application

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034914
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Graphic Design

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034976
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Participating in an Exhibition

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035016
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Photography

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035054
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Printmaking

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035052
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Studies of the Human Figure

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035098
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Textile Printing and Colouring

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035106
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Typography

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035120
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Using Mixed Media

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035136
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Ungraded Units

Learners must achieve 15 credits from the Mandatory Units: Ungraded and Optional Units: Ungraded groups.

Mandatory Units: Ungraded

Learners must achieve 3 credits from this group.

Preparation for Higher Education

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034710
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Optional Units: Ungraded

Learners must achieve 12 credits from this group.

Academic Writing Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034692
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Application of Number - Interpreting and Presenting Information

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034694
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Communication - Speaking and Listening

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034696
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Computer Data Protection

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034700
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Developing Professional Attributes

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034702
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Inclusivity and Disability

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034704
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Introduction to Drawing & Painting

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035164
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Mathematics - Calculations

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034706
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Optimising Examination Performance

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034708
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Presentation Skills

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034712
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Presenting Information Using ICT

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034714
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Problem Solving in the Workplace

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034716
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Professional Interpersonal Behaviours

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034718
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Promoting Wellbeing and Building Resilience

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034720
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References and Reliability of Sources

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034722
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Spreadsheets

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034726
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Study Skills for Higher Education

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034730
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Study Skills for the Creative Arts

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU035365
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Sustainability Project

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034732
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The Fundamentals of Environmental Sustainability

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034734
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Writing Reports

Level:
Level 3
Guided Learning Hours:
Not available
Credits:
3
Unit No:
QU034736
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Intended learner groups

a) Adults who, because of social, educational or individual circumstances may have achieved few, if any, prior qualifications and wish to progress to Higher Education
b) Adults who have gone straight into industry (perhaps following apprenticeship routes) who wish to progress to Higher Education.

How this diploma meets learners' needs

The Diploma will address the learning needs of these target groups with underpinning skills to support academic study and provide a level 3 qualification linked to their proposed Higher Education study. A broad range of knowledge will be acquired which support an understanding of Art and Design including, a range of topics such as modern and contemporary studies of art, the design processes used within the sector, use of 2D and 3D design, knowing how colour is used, graphic design, photography, printmaking, understanding the human figure, taking part in an exhibition, textile printing and colouring, typography or using mixed media, ensuring that the learner is fully prepared for progression onto the relevant degrees.

What this diploma covers

Learners will complete a planned, balanced and coherent programme of study, through which they have been able to acquire subject knowledge and develop academic skills which are relevant to the intended progression route(s). The units include a balance of units which allow the learners to study a broad range of topics until they have fully decided on their preferred route at degree level. The ungraded units have been chosen to support both progression into higher education and also to allow the learners to develop skills relevant to the subject area.

Delivery methods

Delivery methods for the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) can include:

• Face to face sessions
• Blended learning

Work placements would also be beneficial and visits to museums would widen opportunities.

Throughout the diploma, learners should research the work of other artists/designers/specialists in the medium as a way of underpinning knowledge and to use as a means of developing own style.

Assessment Methods could include: essays, projects, compiling a portfolio of evidence, completing a reflective journal, reports, practical application of skills, research, exam, presentation, group discussion, case studies, literature review and SWOT analysis.

Progression routes

Following successful completion of the Access to Higher Education Diploma (Art and Design) learners may progress to the following:
BA (Hons) Art and Design
BA (Hons) Ceramic Design
BA (Hons) Design
BA (Hons) Fine Art
BA (Hons) Fine Art: Drawing
BA (Hons) Fine Art: Painting
BSc (Hons) Fine Art: Photography
BSc (Hons) Fine Art: Sculpture
BA (Hons) Graphic Design
BA (Hons) Illustration
BA (Hons) Photography, Video and Digital Imaging
BA (Hons) Textile Design

Provider approval criteria

Depending on the choice of unit, centres will require access to relevant art and design resources.

Funding information

There are now two main sources for funding information, a straightforward ESFA Qualification Search and the more detailed Find a Learning Aim website.

The new Find a learning aim (FALA) service provides a search tool that you can use to check the funding status of any qualification, framework, unit, standard or T Level:

View this qualification on the ESFA’s Find a learning aim website

The Education and Skills Funding Agency search provides funding information on qualifications. It does not provide funding information for units, non-regulated activity and work placements, for this information please use Find a learning aim (FALA).

View this qualification on the ESFA Qualification Funding Search

How to find a learning aim

If you’re not sure how to use the new find a learning aim website, we’ve created a handy walkthrough to help you:

How to Use: Find a learning Aim

We have done our best to collate and summarise the key information, and wherever possible we alert our providers to changes in funding policy.

This funding information is provided in good faith and it is always advisable to check directly with the funding agencies before committing to delivery.

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