A-level Art and Design lays excellent foundations for a career in the creative industries, although the ability to 'think outside the box' and the observational skills learnt through this subject are considered valuable in a whole spectrum of professions. There are many art-related career paths that Art A-level can ultimately lead to, although even for those students focusing on more scientific subjects, Art can provide a welcome and useful contrast that equips them with a complementary set of skills.
By studying A-level Art, students can then access an Art Foundation course which equips them with the final qualification required to start an Art and Design related degree in the UK.
What will you do as part of A-level Art and Design?
Art and Design is an exploration of practical and critical/contextual work through a range of 2D and/or 3D processes and mediums. By studying A-level Art, students have the opportunity to develop and express their creativity and ideas through a range of artistic areas and media including fine art, graphical communication, textile design, three-dimensional design and photography. They also have the chance to nurture more transferrable skills, which are valued in a whole range of sectors.
What skills will you get from studying Art and Design?
As well as specific skills related to competence in art and design, the study of this subject is widely credited with nurturing all-round problem solving skills, visual analysis, the ability to find creative solutions and make critical judgements, and the capacity to work outside your comfort zone.
What careers can the study of Art and Design lead to?
Careers using creative skills include animation, fine art, fashion design, graphic design, illustration, photography, print making and product design.
Careers appreciating creative skills include arts administration, art teaching, art/fashion critique, art journalism, arts travel, museum or gallery curation.
Find out more about careers in art and design in Kings Life
Top 20 universities for Art and Design (The Times, 2023)
| 1 | University of Oxford |
| 2 | Loughborough University |
| 3 | University of Glasgow |
| 4 | Lancaster University |
| 5 | Kingston University |
| 6 | Bangor University |
| 7 | Newcastle University |
| 8 | University of Reading |
| 9 | University of Edinburgh |
| 10 | University of Leeds |
| 11 | University of Dundee |
| 12 | Glasgow Caledonian University |
| 13 | Nottingham Trent University |
| 14= | University of the Westminster |
| 14= | Goldsmiths, University of London |
| 14= | Staffordshire University |
| 17 | Sheffield Hallam University |
| 18= | University of Manchester |
| 18= | Bournemouth University |
| 20 | Coventry University |
Below are real-life examples of some of the university degrees that studying A-level Art and Design, in combination with other subjects, can lead to.
| Art/ Physics/ Maths | Newcastle University | Architecture |
| Art/ Physics/ Maths/ Further Maths | University of California | Architecture |
| Art/ Physics/ Maths/ Further Maths | University of Edinburgh | Business Management |
| Art/ Physics/ Maths/ Further Maths | University of Sheffield | Architecture |
| Art/ Politics/ Russian/ History | University of Art, Norwich | Art and the History of Art |
| Art/ Physics/ Maths/ Further Maths | University of the Arts Bournemouth | Animation Production |
Read more about A-level Art and Design on the dedicated factsheet
