A-Level Courses in London

Hampstead Fine Arts College is an independent sixth form college in Hampstead, North London, offering more than 20 A Level subjects. Students can study creative subjects such as Fine Art, Photography and Music alongside academic subjects such as Mathematics, Psychology and History – in combinations that suit their strengths and university plans. 

Most students take the standard two-year course. For those ready for a faster pace, we also run intensive one-year A Level courses in London. Whichever route you choose, you will be taught in small groups by experienced tutors, with a personal tutor guiding you all the way to university or art school. 

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A Level Programme and Course Options 

Most students follow a two-year course of three or four subjects. Some specialise by grouping related creative subjects – for example, Performing Arts through Dance, Drama and Music, or Art and Design through Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography and Fashion & Textiles. Others mix creative and academic subjects to keep their options open. 

There are no restrictions on subject combinations, provided choices are made before the timetable is completed in May of the year before you start. Applying early gives you the widest choice. 

Choose Your A Level Subjects: Creative and Academic Pathways 

Our curriculum is built for students who do not want to choose between the arts and the sciences. You might pair Fine Art with Mathematics, History of Art with Chemistry, or Psychology with Photography. Each subject page explains the course content, assessment and where it can lead. 

Subject availability can change from year to year. Please check your choices with Admissions when you apply. 

Teaching Approach, Personal Support and the EPQ 

Small classes mean students are known, heard and stretched. Our tutors are experienced subject specialists who can run courses at a demanding pace while still giving each student individual attention and professional guidance. Lessons are discussion-led, so students learn to question, argue and think for themselves. 

Every student has a personal tutor. Personal tutors keep track of academic progress, help students manage their workload and act as a first point of contact for families. They also advise on subject choices, higher-education options and applications. 

All students can take the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) alongside their A Levels. The EPQ lets students research a topic of their choice in depth and produce an extended piece of independent work. It builds the research, planning and writing skills that university study demands, and it carries UCAS points. 

Find out more about life outside lessons on our student life page. 

One-Year A Level Courses in London 

Our specialist, fast-track one-year A Level courses are designed for students who can meet a demanding academic challenge. Teaching moves at a brisk pace, so these courses suit motivated students who are ready to work independently. 

One-year courses are especially suitable for: 

• students who have already studied other A Levels, the Pre-U, the IB or similar qualifications 

• international students who have completed high school abroad and need A Levels for UK or US university entry 

One-year A Level courses in London are a different route from resitting a subject, and not every subject can be studied intensively. Speak to our admissions team about your previous qualifications, the subjects you are considering and whether a one-year course is right for you. 

University Preparation, Careers and How to Join 

University guidance starts early. Personal tutors help students choose subject combinations with university entry requirements in mind, and our Director of Careers leads a team of university and art-school specialists who support every application – from course research to personal statements and interviews. 

Support continues after results day in August. If a student narrowly misses a conditional offer, our team helps them contact the university or college to discuss their options. 

To join our sixth form, applicants have an interview with the Principal and Head and need satisfactory GCSE results and a satisfactory reference from their previous school. Interviews take place throughout the year, but we recommend applying early to secure a place and the widest choice of subjects. 

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