Creative: FAQs
Are creative A-Levels considered 'easy'?
- No. Creative A-Levels require a lot of time, independent work, and self-discipline.
- You are assessed through coursework, practicals, and written components. The workload is often underestimated.
Can I mix creative A-Levels with academic ones e.g. Maths or History?
- Yes. Many students take a blend of subjects to keep their options open for university or career paths.
- Just ensure the combination makes sense for your future goals.
How much of the grade is coursework vs. exams?
There is no written exam in A-Level Art, Graphics, or Lens-Based Media (LBM). The assessment is split:
- 60% is based on coursework.
- 40% is based on a practical exam which culminates in 15 hours of supervised study at the end of the course.
How do I manage the workload for creative subjects?
To successfully manage your projects and workload, you should:
- Stick to regular studio/practice hours.
- Back up all digital work regularly.
- Keep a sketchbook or journal updated weekly.
- Do not leave creative projects to the last minute—development takes time.
Are creative A-Levels useful for university applications?
- Yes. They are especially useful if you are applying for creative degrees (e.g., Fine Art, Architecture).
- Even for non-creative courses, universities value the originality, critical thinking, and commitment skills developed in these subjects.
Do I need a portfolio for university?
- Often yes, especially for art, design, architecture, or fashion courses.
- You should start building your portfolio from day one and include sketchbooks, final pieces, development work, and personal projects.
What careers can I go into with creative A-Levels?
Creative A-Levels can lead to a diverse range of careers, including:
- Graphic Designer
- Fine Artist / Illustrator
- Film / TV / Media Producer
- Photographer
- Animator / Game Designer
- Architect (usually requires Art or Design A-Level)
- Creative Director
- Fashion Designer
- Theatre / Performing Arts
- Musician / Composer
Every industry requires a team approach to meeting the development and communication needs and creative talent is key to the team. Studying creative subjects enhances the mind and the hand. It will challenge your fine motor skills, your problem solving and your creativity. The world desperately needs people who can think differently and engage with others.
This pathway will support you to do this. No matter what future career you choose, if you can arrange, present, communicate and display material in a way that is visually stimulating and challenging, you will have an advantage. This programme will support you to progress to further and higher education. It will improve your expression and your understanding of the creative process while building a solid portfolio of work for university interviews. There is unprecedented growth in demand for artists, content creators and designers, linked to our increasing consumption of the internet.
Suitable Subjects
- A-Level Art
- A-level Graphics
- A-level Lens Based Media
- A-Level English Literature
- A-Level History
Enrichment opportunities:
- FACT visits
- Life Drawing
- Professional Installations
- Paris trip
- London trip
University Courses and Apprenticeships
University Courses
- Fine Art (BA, MA)
- Graphic Design (BA, MA)
- Photography (BA, MA)
- Illustration (BA, MA)
- Animation (BA, MA)
- Game Design & Development (BA, BSc, MA, MSc)
- Concept Art (BA, MA)
- Fashion Design (BA, MA)
- Textile Design (BA, MA)
- Film, TV & Media Production (BA, MA)
- Advertising & Marketing (BA, MSc)
- Architecture (BA, BArch, MArch)
- Interior Design (BA, MA)
- Creative Writing (BA, MA, PhD)
- History of Art & Visual Culture (BA, MA, PhD)
- Digital Media & Content Creation (BA, MA)
- Web & UX/UI Design (BA, BSc, MA, MSc)
Apprenticeships
- Graphic Design Apprenticeships
- Digital Content Creator Apprenticeships
- Photography & Media Production Apprenticeships
- Games Design & Animation Apprenticeships
- Advertising & Marketing Apprenticeships
- Fashion & Textiles Apprenticeships
- Film & TV Production Apprenticeships
Careers
- Artist/designer
- Illustration/ graphic designer
- animator
- Concept artist
- Games designer
- photographer
- Advertising and marketing
- architecture
- crafts
- design
- fashion
- Film, TV, video, radio
- IT, software and computer services
Partners
- FACT Liverpool
- Skyhook Games
- Elevator Studios | CERT