The qualification is structured to comprise three main stages: exploratory, pathway and confirmatory. This will take the students through a journey of experimentation, skills building and creative research, then move towards specialism in a particular area, and end in a major project in their chosen specialism that demonstrates ability and independence.



The Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (QCF) is a 720 guided-learning-hour (GLH), 120 credit qualification. Each unit has a credit value and these units are grouped into the 3 stages, with 40 credits to be achieved at each stage.

There are two units in the first stage, four units in the second stage and one unit in the final stage. This staged structure supports the progressive development of the student towards independent and self-reliant learning.

The following table illustrates the overall program structure:



​Stage One: Exploratory Stage

(40 Credits)

Unit 1: Researching, Recording and Responding in Art and Design
Unit 2: Media Experimentation in Art & Design
(Unit 3: Preparation and Progression in Art & Design)


Stage Two: Pathway Stage
(40 Credits)

Unit 3: Preparation and Progression in Art & Design
Unit 4 and 7: Information and Interpretation in Art & Design
Unit 5 and 8: Personal Experimental Studies in Art and Design
Unit 6 and 9: Extended Media Development in Art & Design


Stage Three: Confirmatory Stage
(40 Credits)

​Unit 10: Final Major Project in Art & Design

 

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