EDEXCEL Level 5 BTEC Higher National Certificate in Fine Arts
Qualification summary
BTEC Higher Nationals are designed to provide a specialist vocational programme, linked to
professional body requirements and National Occupational Standards where appropriate, with a
strong work related emphasis. The qualifications provide a thorough grounding in the key
concepts and practical skills required in their sector and their national recognition by employers
allows progression direct into employment. BTEC Higher Nationals offer a strong emphasis on
practical skills development alongside the development of requisite knowledge and
understanding in their sector. Learners are attracted to this strong vocational programme of
study that meets their individual progression needs whether this is into employment or to further
study on degree or professional courses.
Qualification details
5 (Current NQF Level)
4 (Original NQF Level)
Accreditation start date:
Operational start date in centres:
A key progression path for BTEC Higher National Certificate and Diploma learners is to the
second or third year of a degree or honours degree programme, depending on the match of the
BTEC Higher National units to the degree programme in question.
BTEC Higher Nationals in Fine Arts have been developed to focus on:
• providing education and training for a range of careers in fine art
• providing opportunities for full-time learners to gain a nationally recognised vocationally
specific qualification to enter employment in fine art or progress to higher education
vocational qualifications such as a full-time degree in fine art or a related area
• developing the knowledge, understanding and skills of learners in the field of fine art
• providing opportunities for learners to focus on the development of higher level skills in a
fine art context
• providing opportunities for learners to develop a range of skills and techniques and
attributes essential for successful performance in working life
• developing learners’ ability to manage themselves
• developing learners’ critical awareness and their ability to research and synthesise complex
information
• developing learners’ skills in communication and presentation
• developing learners’ ability to handle information.
No specific job occupation
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09 Arts, Media and Publishing
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09.2
Crafts, Creative Arts and Design
The assessment of these BTEC qualifications is criterion-referenced and centres will be required to assess the learners' evidence against published learning outcomes and assessment criteria. This gives transparency to the assessment process and provides for the establishment of national standards for each qualification.
It is recognised that learners present with varying experiences of education and training and/or work and centres are encouraged to take an open approach to the choice of assessment methods in the general guidance from Edexcel and other support material such as Tutor Support Material. In particular Edexcel has always supported a learner-centred approach to learning and the associated assessment so that maximum use is made of learner’s environment and experience.
A range of assessment methods are available to centres that include open-book projects or assignments, practical tests, closed or open short answer questions, essays, performance or artefacts. Centres are expected to use assessment methods that are fit-for-purpose in relation to the size and subject content of each qualification and the nature of the learners so that there are maximum opportunities to present evidence that will meet the requirements of the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. For part time learners who principally study for the BTEC Higher National Certificate Edexcel encourages centres to make maximum use of the learner’s current and/or past work and other experience. For the full time learners on the BTEC Higher National Diploma programmes, while full use should be made of any work experience, it is likely that realistic case studies and research into companies and organisations will offer a more appropriate assessment approach.
The guidance section of the specifications and the Information for Tutors section of the units will provide guidance about suitable assessment strategies.
The BTEC Higher National Certificate in Fine Arts is a 10-unit qualification of which seven are
core units.
The BTEC Higher National Certificate programme must contain a minimum of five units
designated at H2 level.
Candidates must complete all units from Group A plus three units from Group B
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A -
Mandatory units
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B -
Optional units