Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and Media Practice

Course overview

Unsure which creative degree is right for you? The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a one year pre-degree programme which gives you the opportunity to experience a range of specialist subject areas and build a comprehensive portfolio of creative work. The emphasis of the course is geared towards exploration of ideas, materials and concepts which can then be directed through a selected specialist pathway of study. This highly recognised course will prepare you for application to higher education establishments across the country.

Exploratory Stage - In the first term you will explore and experience key areas within the field of Art and Design providing you with an understanding of 2D and 3D design processes, observational drawing techniques, research methods and contextual studies.
At the end of this exploratory stage you will be able to identify your strengths and make an informed decision regards how you would like to develop your work through a more specialist area of study, for example; Graphic Design, Photography, Fine Art, Illustration, Textiles, Fashion, 3D Design, Ceramics, Visual and Contextual Studies.
Pathway Stage - In stage two, you will explore your practice in a more focused manner. The emphasis is very much on experimentation with materials, techniques and processes and developing ideas and concepts towards resolved outcomes. The Exploratory and Pathway stages will form the content of your portfolio that you will take to your interview for your progression to H.E.
Confirmatory Stage -The self-initiated Final Major Project is a confirmation of your choice of specialism and your achievements are celebrated with a final diploma exhibition.

What else do I need to know?

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is the only post A Level Art & Design course that will give you the opportunity to fully explore all aspects of art and design before committing to costly higher education options and career paths; and if you are under 19 years of age, there are no fees. Progression and achievement rates for this course are outstanding with many students receiving offers from three or more universities. In advance of starting the course you will need to equip yourself with a range of basic materials including a variety of drawing materials, portfolio and camera. You will then build on this through the requirements of your specialism.

Trips and enrichment are embedded throughout the duration of the course, providing informative sources to support project development. Live work and collaborative arts opportunities enable students to learn how to develop and apply their practice in a variety of contexts.