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HNDPearson BTEC Higher National Diploma

Fine Art

A Fine Art student wearing the Prime Institute logo, at work
Fine ArtHND

You'll study fine art practice, critical theory and professional development. A Pearson BTEC Higher National Diploma: Level 5, 240 credits. That is the HNC year plus 120 credits at Level 5.

Full title: Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Fine Art

Level
Level 5Higher National Diploma
Size
240credits
Units
11 mandatoryplus 4 optional listed
For
School leavers and adults

01What you'll study

Three areas of study.

  1. Fine art practice

  2. Critical theory

  3. Professional development

A student in a Prime Institute polo shirt hangs a painting while his lecturer, in a bordeaux polo, checks the position
On the courseHND

Where you learn

In Lisbon, or wherever you are.

The same Pearson qualification, whichever way you study.

02The units

What's on the course.

Mandatory units, plus optional units. Your final set of optional units is confirmed with your academic team.

Mandatory
11
Optional listed
4
PSA units
2
  1. Unit 1 Visual Communication in Art & Design 15 Credits Mandatory
  2. Unit 2 Materials, Techniques & Processes in Art & Design 15 Credits Mandatory
  3. Unit 3 Contextual Studies 15 Credits Mandatory
  4. Unit 4 Individual ProjectPSA 15 Credits Mandatory
  5. Unit 5 Professional Development 15 Credits Mandatory
  6. Unit 6 Applied Practice: Collaborative Project 15 Credits Mandatory
  7. Unit 7 Advanced Creative PracticePSA 15 Credits Mandatory
  8. Unit 8 Professional Practice in Art & Design 15 Credits Mandatory
  9. Unit 9 Critical & Contextual Studies 15 Credits Mandatory
  10. Unit 10 Material Selection & Specification 15 Credits Mandatory
  11. Unit 11 Exhibition & Curation 15 Credits Mandatory
  12. Unit 12 Advanced Painting Techniques 15 Credits Optional
  13. Unit 13 Sculpture & Installation 15 Credits Optional
  14. Unit 14 Digital Art & New Media 15 Credits Optional
  15. Unit 15 Art History & Theory 15 Credits Optional

PSA Pearson Set Assignment: a unit assessed through an assignment that Pearson sets.

03How you're assessed

Assessed through assignments.

Assignment-based, with a Pearson-set assignment unit at each level.

Assessment at a glance

  • PSA units use Pearson briefs with external verification standards.

The qualification

  • Pearson BTEC Level 5 Higher National Diploma in Fine Art.
  • Level 5, 240 credits: the HNC year plus 120 credits at Level 5.
  • 11 mandatory units and 4 optional units listed, including 2 Pearson Set Assignment units.

04Where it leads

Every level opens the next.

HND graduates can apply to top up to a bachelor's degree, usually entering the final year, at universities that accept HNDs. Entry is subject to each university's own requirements.

After the HND Degree top-up

05Good to know

Questions, answered.

Something else on your mind? Ask us directly.

What is the difference between an HNC and an HND?

An HNC is a Level 4 qualification worth 120 credits. An HND is a Level 5 qualification worth 240 credits: the HNC year plus 120 credits at Level 5.

How is it assessed?

Through assignments (coursework). Higher Nationals include a Pearson-set assignment unit at each level.

Can an HND lead to a degree?

HND graduates can apply to top up to a bachelor's degree, usually entering the final year, at universities that accept HNDs. Entry is subject to each university's own requirements.

What does it cost?

Fees are set by level, with and without boarding. The HND (Level 5) figures are on the fees page. See the fees.

How do I apply?

Send us an enquiry with the subject and level you are interested in. We'll get back to you to talk through your options and the next steps.

06Start here

Where will you start?

Tell us about yourself, what you'd like to study and whether you'd rather join us in Lisbon or online. We'll suggest a starting level and talk you through your options.