Level 2 Art and Design 2025-26

The Level 2 programme covers a wide range of art and design techniques working across a range of media. Project based teaching and learning gives learners a realistic overview of life in the visual arts industry and a learner-responsive approach allows for adapting to change and responding to opportunity.

The programme is 'Learner Responsive' which means we build projects around you and other learners who have chosen this programme of study!

Projects typically focus around developing skills to produce work for exhibition, work to sell and work set by an external client.

You will be given guidance during the projects, to help you develop practical skills, along with research and reflection.

You will also participate in work experience, have talks with guest artists, and attend trips, visits, and skills workshops.

• Animator
• Art Director
• Costume Designer
• Craft Artist
• Graphic Designer
• Photographer
• Videographer
• Web Designer

... and so much more!

Learners that achieve a merit or distinction for the Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design will be able to progress to the one-year Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design and Communication.

Entry onto the Level 2 Diploma in Art and Design requires 4 GCSEs with grades 3 or above (including Maths and English) and a keen interest in art and design.

Our entry requirements are in place to support our students in achieving the qualifications they have chosen to study. In addition to the entry requirements, all students will be regularly assessed by East Durham College at an early stage in their study programme. This is to ensure that students are enrolled onto courses which suit their abilities – following assessment, there may be occasions when students are transferred to a relevant course at a higher or lower level in order to ensure they are enrolled on to the right course for them to achieve and progress.

Entry onto any course at EDC may have entry requirements in addition to exam results; this includes but is not limited to DBS checks, references, fitness to practice and at times physical requirements to be capable of achieving the practical elements of the course without assistance. Entry onto any course at East Durham College is subject to final approval from the Assistant Principal.

There are 7 formative units delivered in 3 projects, graded as Pass / Fail. You need to achieve a pass in each unit to progress onto the final project, which is graded: 'Pass / Merit / Distinction.

The course is assessed internally, before being both Internally and Externally Verified to check marking is consistent.

September 2025

The Level 2 Diploma is a one year programme, studied across four days each week.

This full time study programme may also be available to study on a part-time basis if you are aged 18 or over on 31st August. Please check with Student Services for more details.