Why study Art and Design?

Art and Design features in many aspects of our everyday lives, from the advertising posters we see on our streets to the special effects we see in films. Almost everything we see or touch has been designed to be visually attractive including mobile phones, clothes, cars, buildings and websites.

The skills that you develop in Art and Design are useful in many different careers, such as architecture: interior design, fashion and textiles, graphics, web design and photography.

Career Pathways

To see what career areas this subject could lead to and the routes to get there, download and view these career pathways:

Art and Design

Computing and ICT

Construction

Hairdressing, Beauty and Wellbeing

Information, Culture and Heritage

Manufacturing Industries

What do I need to get in?

Entry is at the discretion of the school or college but you would normally have achieved one of the following:

• National 3 Art and Design
• National 3 Design and Technology

What will I study?

Art and Design is a practical, hands-on subject that develops your creativity and imagination, and your artistic skills. You will learn how to use a range of art and design materials and techniques. And, you will learn the skills involved in planning, producing and presenting art and design work. You will also find out how artists and designers work, and how factors like their environment and culture have an impact on their work.

The course has two compulsory units, plus an added value unit that assesses your practical skills.  

Art and Design: Expressive Activity (9 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• develop an understanding of the factors that influence and inspire artists’ work
• consider how artists use art materials, techniques and/or technology in your work
• research and develop your personal thoughts and ideas in 2D and/or 3D formats in response to given stimuli
• produce observational drawings and studies and develop your expressive ideas and compositions
• experiment with and use art materials, techniques and/or technology in creative and expressive ways.

Art and Design: Design Activity (9 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will:

• plan, research and develop creative design ideas in response to a given brief
• develop your creativity and problem-solving skills as you consider the design opportunities, issues and constraints of the brief
• develop your understanding of designers’ working practices and the factors that inspire and influence your work
• experiment with and develop media handling skills when producing their design ideas in 2D and/or 3D formats.

Added Value Unit: Art and Design Practical Activity (6 SCQF credit points)

In this unit you will produce a:

• piece of expressive art
• piece of design work. 

Note: Both of these units may be taken with a Scottish Context option, which contributes towards the Scottish Studies Award.

How will I be assessed?

Your work will be assessed by your teacher on an ongoing basis throughout the course. Items of work might include:

• practical work - such as drawings, posters, ceramics or sculptures
• written work - research assignments, reports and case studies
• projects
• class-based exams.

You must pass all the units including the practical unit to gain the course qualification.

What can I go on to next?

If you complete the course successfully, it may lead to:

• National 5 Art and Design

Further study, training or employment in:

• Art and Design
• Communications and Media
• Computing and ICT
• Construction
• Hairdressing, Beauty and Wellbeing
• Manufacturing Industries

Which jobs are related to this subject?

• Art and Design - Related Careers

Where can my parents find out more?

Your school will give your parents an Options or Choices information booklet, which has detailed information on the curriculum and the individual subjects or courses you can study. It will also invite them along to a Parents’ Information Evening.

They can also read the information leaflet(s):

Nationals in a Nutshell - Art and Design (National 4)