What A levels for Art/Design courses at college?

[Minitoots]

My son is in the process of making choices on the A levels he will take next year. He's very interested in art and design but at this stage not 100% sure what area of Art/Design he would want to study. He's keen to take A levels in art and Design Technology, but unsure what 2 other AS/A levels to choose. How do we find out what art colleges requirements are, other than a strong portfolio / sketchbook work? He's currently thinking about either Drama, English, History or Physics as his other options. Do most people still do a foundation course first? Any feedback very welcome, thanks!

[mrs f]

if it helps (i did my alevels a wee while ago) I did art, photography, film studies & psychology...

I went on to study a very focused design degree (shoe design!) but started doing a fashion foundation beforehand. I did know I wanted to study some fashion based degree when I chose my A-Levels, but not what exactly.

To be honest I think it doesn't make thet much difference which A-Levels one chooses as long as you have art in there and yes I think foundation courses are not only what people do but actually very valuable time to be able to focus yourself on what exactly you want to study and where to do as there is so much choice out there.

Good luck to him

[intexasatthe moment]

I guess you've looked at these sites ?

http://www.ucas.ac.uk/students/choosingcourses/specificsubjects/artanddesign/foundationcourses/c

http://search.ucas.com/cgi-bin/hsrun/search/search/StateId/QQmz5wjc5KyMaSoSuuYAqRI5TGQZu-42_d/HAHTpage/search.HsKeywordSearch.whereNext?query=47&word=ART

http://www.camberwell.arts.ac.uk/courses/ug.htm

[dutchestatefamily]

Hi

Most art and design degree courses will require a foundation course for entry. When I did my A levels I did Art, French and Theatre studies. For me, the foundation was a place to experience a wide range of art and design disciplines (far more than possible at A level) and it helped students to decide on which area to study at degree level. I had to show my portfolio at my interview for my foundation and the offer was only to achieve one A level (can't remember the grade needed).

Your son's art teachers should be able to advise him on foundation and degree courses and portfolio preparation. They will be art/ design graduates themselves.

Hope this helps and good luck to your son!

[Minitoots]

All helpful info, thanks!

[ABH]

have pm'd you

[sophiesofa]

I think art, dt and any other two is fine for a-level. I did art, maths, physics at a-level then art foundation then 4 year design degree. Do talk to his teachers though (but beware them trying to push their own subjects too much!).