Btec Level 3 Games Design Specification

Edexcel BTEC Level 3 Nationals specification in Art and Design

– Issue 1 – January 2010 © Edexcel Limited 2009 1

Unit 10: Personal and Professional

Development in Art and

Design

Unit code: D/600/0116

QCF Level 3: BTEC National

Credit value: 10

Guided learning hours: 60

Aim and purpose

This unit aims to develop learners' skills and knowledge in their personal and professional development

in art and design. Practitioners in this field need to present their work to a range of audiences such as team

members, clients, potential employers and interview panels. They will set personal goals and compile a

professional portfolio to support their progression.

Unit introduction

Personal and professional development is a key area within the highly competitive fields of art, craft and design.

Artists, craftspeople and designers need to possess the necessary skills to ensure themselves and their work

are presented effectively. These skills are also needed for progression through career pathways.

Artists, craftspeople and designers need to gather information from a wide range of sources and apply it to areas

such as prospective employment or exhibition opportunities, commercial briefs and freelance work. They also

need to be able to select and use the information to ensure they have the best progression opportunities. This

unit aims to develop learners' skills in sourcing and selecting from relevant information. They can then apply this

knowledge to the important task of organising their personal progression, through career pathways or higher

education, and use the research to make informed choices.

A fundamental component of any artist's, craftsperson's or designer's presentation will be their portfolio. In

this unit learners will develop skills that are essential to producing a strong and balanced portfolio. They will

be taught how to select work and be shown examples of different presentation techniques and methods.

These will include techniques such as mounting 2D work, labelling or presenting work in digital formats.

Issues such as identifying the purpose of the portfolio and the intended audience will also be considered.

Learners will be encouraged to identify strengths in their own work.

Artists, craftspeople and designers need to communicate effectively. This is achieved through using verbal

and written communication skills. In this unit learners will develop communication through discussions based

on their portfolio and working practices. Learners will also consider how written statements are used to inform

audiences about the purpose, content or meaning of art, craft or design work. The ability to present work

effectively is a fundamental aspect of professional working practice, and underpins much of the creative activity

of practitioners.