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OCN NI Vocational Art and Design

Explore your units, one topic at a time.

Ofqual Regulated: 600/9001/7

Official Regulatory Specification

Regulated by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) in England

View on Ofqual Register

Qualification Number (QN): 600/9001/7
Awarding Organisation: Open College Network Northern Ireland
Regulatory Type: Vocationally-Related Qualification
National Level & Units: Vocational • 8 units

Sector Subject Area: Crafts, creative arts and design

This qualification is officially accredited under the national framework. Credits and certified outcomes are recognised by employers, further education colleges, and training providers throughout the UK.

Qualification Units

8 units

How this qualification is graded

Assessment follows the awarding organisation’s published requirements. Check the exact unit methods and grading rules with your provider.

Creating Plans and Elevations

This subtopic focuses on the practical skills required to produce accurate interior design plans and elevations to scale. Learners will understand the conventions of technical drawing, including the use of symbols, line weights, and scale, and apply these to communicate design ideas effectively. Mastery of these skills is essential for professional practice, enabling designers to convey spatial layouts and vertical features clearly to clients and contractors.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

3 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Preparation for Employment in the Creative and Cultural Industries

This element prepares learners for employment in the creative and cultural industries by developing their ability to recognise job opportunities, assess their own strengths and weaknesses, and identify future goals. It emphasises the practical value of CVs and portfolios as essential tools for personal and career development, enabling learners to present themselves effectively to employers and progress in their chosen creative field.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Design Ideas and Trends

This subtopic explores the breadth of interior design ideas and the dynamic nature of current industry trends. Learners will investigate a variety of design styles, sources of inspiration, and the factors that influence contemporary trends, enabling them to apply this knowledge to create relevant and informed design schemes.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

5 learning outcomes8 guidance points

Historical Developments of Interior Design

This unit covers the concept of interior design, significant historical developments, and the influence of socio-economic and technological factors. Learners will understand how interior design has evolved over time.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Understand Lighting Products and Plans

Understanding lighting products and plans involves recognizing different types of lighting and their effects. Learners learn terminology and how to develop lighting schemes for interior spaces.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Scale and Spatial Planning

This subtopic delves into the essential skills of accurately measuring and representing interior spaces using scale rulers, and the critical role of traffic flow in creating functional and comfortable environments. Learners explore how scaled drawings translate real-world dimensions into a manageable format and how thoughtful circulation planning directly responds to client needs, enhancing both the practical and aesthetic success of interior design projects.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

6 learning outcomes10 guidance points

Design Project

This topic covers the interior design project process, from research and planning to completion and reflection. Learners will develop time management, material selection, and health and safety awareness.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

Approaches to Colour Theory and Design

This unit explores colour terminology, the colour spectrum, historical colour relevance, psychological associations, and spatial impact. Learners apply these concepts to interior design.

OCN NI Level 2 Award in Interior Design

1 learning outcomes6 guidance points

About this course

About Open College Network Northern Ireland Vocational Art and Design

The Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) Vocationally-Related Qualification (VRQ) in Art and Design is a practical, portfolio-based course designed for students who want to develop their creative skills and understanding of the visual arts within a vocational context. Available at Levels 1, 2 and 3, this qualification allows you to explore a wide range of artistic disciplines, from traditional fine art techniques like drawing, painting and sculpture to contemporary digital media, graphic design and photography. The specification is structured around a series of mandatory and optional units, enabling you to tailor your learning journey to your personal interests and career aspirations.

Throughout the course, you will build a comprehensive portfolio of work that demonstrates not only your technical abilities but also your creative thinking, research skills and critical understanding of art historical and contemporary practice. Emphasis is placed on the creative process from initial concept development to final realisation, encouraging you to experiment, take risks and reflect on your own work. The qualification is equivalent in size and level to GCSE, AS or A Level programmes, making it an ideal pathway for progression to further study or employment in the creative industries.

OCN NI’s VRQ in Art and Design is recognised across the UK and provides a strong foundation for higher education courses such as foundation diplomas, HNDs or degrees in art-related subjects. The flexible structure allows centres to offer a broad curriculum that can adapt to local resources and student needs, while rigorous internal assessment and external moderation ensure the qualification maintains high standards. Whether you envision a career as a fine artist, illustrator, designer or arts professional, this qualification will help you cultivate the practical skills, creative confidence and professional awareness needed to succeed.

Assessment Structure

The qualification is entirely coursework-based, assessed through a portfolio of evidence produced across the various units. There are no timed written examinations. Each unit is internally marked by your teacher or tutor against specified learning outcomes and assessment criteria, then externally quality assured by OCN NI moderators. The overall grade — typically Pass, Merit or Distinction — is determined by the quality of work across all units. The total number of guided learning hours and credit requirements vary depending on the level and size of the qualification (e.g., Award, Certificate, Diploma), with Level 2 Certificates usually requiring around 180–230 guided learning hours and Level 3 Diplomas around 360–480 GLH. To achieve the qualification, you must successfully complete a specified number of mandatory and optional units, accumulating the required credits.

Why Choose Open College Network Northern Ireland?

Flexibility and personalisation: OCN NI’s unit-based structure allows you to choose from a wide range of optional modules, so you can focus on the areas of art and design that genuinely interest you, whether that’s digital art, fine art, fashion or 3D design. This tailored approach is rare in more rigid exam-based specifications.
100% coursework assessment: If you thrive in practical, hands-on learning environments and find the pressure of written exams daunting, this qualification plays to your strengths. Your grade is based solely on your portfolio, giving you the time and space to develop and refine your creative ideas.
Strong local and national recognition: As a Northern Ireland-based awarding body, OCN NI has a deep understanding of the local educational landscape and works closely with schools, colleges and training providers. The qualification carries UCAS points at Level 3 and is widely accepted for entry to art foundation courses and degree programmes, providing a clear route into the creative industries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the OCN NI VRQ in Art and Design equivalent to?

The OCN NI VRQ in Art and Design is available at Levels 1, 2 and 3, broadly equivalent in size and rigour to GCSE, AS Level and A Level qualifications respectively. A Level 2 Certificate is comparable to a GCSE, while a Level 3 Diploma carries UCAS points and is equivalent to an A Level, making it suitable for university applications. The exact equivalency depends on the size (Award, Certificate or Diploma) and the guided learning hours completed.

How is the course assessed?

Assessment is entirely through a portfolio of coursework that you build throughout the programme. Your work is internally assessed by your tutors against unit criteria and then externally moderated by OCN NI. There are no final written exams; however, you may need to produce written research, reflective journals or evaluations as part of your portfolio evidence. Grades of Pass, Merit or Distinction are awarded based on the overall quality and completeness of your work across all units.

What kind of art and design topics can I study?

The qualification includes mandatory core units that cover fundamental skills like observational drawing, visual language and contextual studies. Beyond that, centres offer a range of optional units which can include painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital art, photography, graphic design, fashion illustration, 3D design, ceramics and more. The specific choice depends on your school or college’s resources, so it is worth discussing with them which pathways are available.

Can I go to university with an OCN NI Art and Design qualification?

Yes, absolutely. The Level 3 VRQ in Art and Design carries UCAS points and is accepted by universities and colleges for entry onto art foundation courses, HNDs and BA (Hons) degree programmes in art, design and related subjects. Many students progress directly to higher education with their portfolio developed during the course. It is advisable to check specific entry requirements for the institutions and courses you are interested in, but the qualification is well-recognised across the UK.

Do I need to provide my own art materials or equipment?

Most required materials and equipment are provided by your school or college, especially for core activities like drawing, painting and printmaking. However, you may be encouraged to build up your own personal kit of materials for homework and independent practice. For specialist units like digital photography, institutions typically supply cameras, software and studio facilities; but having your own camera or laptop can be helpful. Specific requirements are confirmed at the start of your course.

Tips and common mistakes

Common Exam Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exams

•Using incorrect scale or failing to indicate the scale on the drawing.
•Omitting symbols or using non-standard symbols without a key.
•Misaligning elevations with the plan, leading to inconsistent dimensions.
•Neglecting to include essential details such as door swings, window openings, or material indications.
•Listing employment opportunities without explaining how to access them or the skills required.
•Confusing strengths with interests, e.g., saying 'I like drawing' instead of 'I am skilled in observational drawing'.
•Setting vague goals such as 'get a job in design' without specifying a role or timeline.
•Treating a CV and portfolio as identical documents, or neglecting to tailor them to specific job applications.

Top Examiner Tips

Expert advice for exam success

•Always check the scale and include a scale bar or written scale on every drawing.
•Practice drawing to scale using graph paper or CAD software to improve accuracy.
•Create a checklist of standard symbols and ensure each is used correctly and consistently.
•When drawing elevations, refer back to the plan to ensure vertical alignment and correct heights.
•Use real job adverts from creative industries to practise identifying key skills and requirements.
•Keep a reflective journal to record achievements, feedback, and skills development for use in CVs and interviews.
•When creating a portfolio, select your best work and annotate each piece to explain your role and the skills demonstrated.
•Practise articulating your strengths and weaknesses in interview-style questions, using the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result).

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