Explore how you could improve the world around you through your designs. The A Level 3D Design course is a two-year programme which will give you the opportunity to explore a wide range of materials and techniques through creating three dimensional work. Students who enjoy and successfully complete this subject typically progress on to creative apprenticeships or degree courses at University.
A minimum of five GCSEs at grade 4 and above, including Maths and English, with at least two at grade 6, including DesignTechnology/Product Design or Art at a grade 5. Outstanding students without these subjects, but with a good portfolio of creative work and a background in subjects such as Graphic Communication or Textiles, may be considered. Art and design portfolio may be required at interview.
Students who enjoy and successfully complete this subject typically progress on to creative apprenticeships or degree courses at University. During the course, students will develop desirable transferable skills that will enable them to create a professional portfolio providing a pathway to whichever journey they choose after their studies here.
Some of the specialist areas you will study on the course are:
- Architecture and environmental design
- Interior design
- Sculpture
- Product design
- Furniture
- Jewellery
- Crafts (ceramics, glass, wood & metal working)
- Prop and Set Design
You will have access to our specialist workshop where you will be given expert guidance on safe usage of all the machines and tools available, including our new technologies such as the laser cutter and 3D printer. You will learn how to communicate your three dimensional designs effectively with digital programmes such as 2D TechSoft, Fusion 360 and Adobe PhotoShop.
You will learn how to work to scale and how to create perspective drawings by hand. Using the work of other artists and designers is essential to expand your creative knowledge and inspire your ideas. You will create visual research, through observational drawing from life, as well as taking photographs of inspirational objects from which you will base your designs. You will explore the complex issues within design today, how these impact humanity and how you could improve the world around you through your designs.
In both the first and second years of the course you will have the opportunity to visit local and national galleries exhibiting relevant design work from historical to contemporary artists and designers. You will gather primary research on materials, making techniques and processes as well as how to present work to a professional standard.
You will gain first hand knowledge on working within the creative design sector from our visiting practitioners, who will demonstrate their specialist craft and answer questions about their experiences in honing their skills, studying and ultimately working in their chosen creative field.
Within the first year of the programme you will be challenged to follow design briefs created for you, for example exploring the exciting architectural splendour in our very own Birmingham City Centre. Towards the end of the first year you will be given free rein to design and create a project of your own choosing in the 3D specialist area you are most interested in.
Assessment
The 3D Design A Level is an art-based qualification under the Eduqas examination board. The course is divided into two units; coursework which counts for 60% and an external exam which counts for 40% of the overall A Level grade.
Exam Board
Eduqas
