Art and Design helps learners understand the visual world in which we live. It also helps learners to critically evaluate their personal appreciation of the society in which they live, locally, nationally and internationally.
NPA Art and Design (SCQF Level 5)
Explore your creativity through hands-on projects in Mixed Media, Printmaking, and Illustration. This National Progression Award develops practical art and design skills while introducing you to professional techniques and creative thinking.
Assessment: You’ll complete three mandatory units (18 SCQF credit points) assessed through practical tasks under open-book conditions. There is no external exam.
Progression: Perfect for building a varied portfolio and progressing to NC or Higher-level courses in Art & Design.
National 4 Art and Design
This course builds confidence in creative expression and design. You’ll complete Expressive Activity, Design Activity and an Added Value Practical Unit, producing one expressive piece and one design solution.
Assessment: Assessment is internal and focuses on planning, developing, and presenting work while understanding social and cultural influences on artists and designers. There is no external exam for National 4.
Progression: A great stepping stone to National 5 Art & Design.
National 5 Art and Design
Develop your creativity and critical understanding through Expressive and Design portfolios and an external written exam. You’ll research artists and designers, produce investigative studies and create final outcomes in response to themes and briefs.
Assessment: Expressive Portfolio (100 marks), Design Portfolio (100 marks) and Question Paper (50 marks).
Progression: This SCQF Level 5 course (24 credit points) is ideal preparation for Higher Art & Design and creative careers.
Higher Art and Design
Push your creative boundaries with this SCQF Level 6 course (24 credit points).
You’ll produce Expressive and Design portfolios and sit a written exam, demonstrating advanced skills in research, development, and critical analysis.
Assessment: Question Paper (60 marks), Expressive Portfolio (100 marks), Design Portfolio (100 marks).
Progression: Perfect for learners aiming for Advanced Higher, art-related careers or looking for some balance in their timetable.
Advanced Higher Art and Design
Your Ultimate Creative Challenge!
Take your creativity to the next level with Advanced Higher Art & Design, a SCQF Level 7 course worth 32 credit points. Designed for learners who have achieved Higher Art & Design or equivalent experience, this course gives you the freedom to develop an ambitious, personal portfolio in either Expressive or Design focus. Over approximately 160 hours, you’ll research, experiment, and refine ideas while exploring contemporary and historical influences.
Assessment: The single assessment component—a portfolio—carries 100 marks and is externally assessed by SQA. You’ll demonstrate autonomy, critical thinking, and professional presentation skills—perfect preparation for art, design, architecture, and creative industries. There is no external exam for Advanced Higher Art.
