Here at The Northern School of Art we offer a variety of ways to study with us!
We offer students the opportunity to study in ways which are complementary to their learning style. If you prefer to be assessed through coursework, we have a range of BTEC diplomas. If you prefer a study route which involves examinations, we offer the A-Level route for students. We also allow you to keep your options open as you can study a mixture of art and non-art subjects.
The table below shows our various study routes:
| Study route | Equivalent of | Grades needed |
| 4 A-Levels | 4 A-Levels | 5 GCSEs A*-B including (Maths and English minimum C) |
| 1 BTEC Ext. Diploma + 1 A-Level | 4 A-Levels | 5 GCSEs A*-B including (Maths and English minimum C) |
| 1 BTEC Ext. Diploma | 3 A-Levels | 4 GCSEs A*-C including Maths and English minimum D |
| 1 BTEC Diploma Level 2 | 4 GCSEs (A*-C) | 2 GCSEs E or above in Maths and English |
| 1 BTEC Diploma Level 1 | 2 GCSEs (D-F) | No formal entry criteria |
Our A-Level choices mean that you can study a mixture of four subjects from:
- English Language
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- History of Art
- Photography
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Textiles with Fashion
Our study options at BTEC Extended Diploma and the optional A-Level studies alongside the BTECs are:
| BTEC Extended Diploma in: | Options if you wish to study an A-Level alongside the BTEC |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Art & Design | Textiles or English Language* or Psychology* |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Interior, Architecture & Product (3D Design) | Graphics or English Language* or Psychology* |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Costume, Jewellery & Interior Accessories (Design Crafts) | Textiles or English Language* or Psychology* |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Fashion & Textiles | Photography or English Language* or Psychology* |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Fine Art | Photography or English Language* or Psychology* |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Graphic Design & Illustration | Photography or English Language* or Psychology* |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Interactive Media | Graphics or English Language* or Psychology* |
| BTEC Extended Diploma in Photography | Graphics or English Language* or Psychology* |
| *English Language and Psychology availability is subject to course timetable |
*English Language and Psychology availability is subject to course timetable. Please see BTEC Extended Diploma + 1 A-Level entry criteria for eligibility.