The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design enables you to explore your creative practice and support your progression onto art and design undergraduate study or employment.

The qualification builds on student’s prior experience, linking skills already acquired with ideas and challenges, which extend the students critical independence and enable them to demonstrate a full understanding of the nature of art and design.

For many students it offers the ideal bridge from a compulsory education to the demands of specialist undergraduate study in the creative arts.

The course is recognised as the primary entry route to the best courses at the most competitive universities, with some progressing into employment or apprenticeships.

Entry Criteria

Minimum 32 UCAS points, GCSE English (A*-C/4-9). In special cases these qualifications may be waived. International or mature students without the required formal qualifications are welcome to apply. You will also be required to provide a portfolio of work.

For students aged 19+ this course is non-funded and requires an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fees. Find out more about Advance Learner Loans here. If you have any questions about course fees then please contact our admissions team on 01923 812345
What will I study?

This one year course emphasises a broad, experimental approach and covers drawing and painting, digital imaging, sculpture and 3D design, photography, moving image and animation, fashion, illustration and graphic design.

You’ll study the following units:

Part one – learning skills and context
• Art and design research methods
• Art and design ideas development
• Art and design materials and methods
• Art and design evaluation and reflection

Part two – development and progression
• Integrated art and design research ideas and methods
• Preparation for progression in art and design

Having agreed your specialism, a written proposal will form the basis of your final project.

Part three – proposal and realisation
• Project proposal and realisation in art and design

You’ll also benefit from trips to galleries and museums to feed your creative insight.
Future Prospects

You’ll be all set to continue your studies further on an Honours programme at university. Career options include the fields of design, fine art, fashion, applied arts, art education, graphic design, 3D design, games design, fashion illustration and animation.

To find out more visit the National Careers Service.