Course overview
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design City of Bristol CollegeThe Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a 1 year full-time programme designed to support you in developing and refining your creative skills and identifying your area of specialism.
We provide a supportive and encouraging environment to enable you to take creative risks, explore diverse techniques and processes and help you make the best decisions in order to progress on to a creative degree or employment.
The course is diagnostic, and you will explore a range of creative approaches to thinking and making, including Drawing, Painting, Fashion and Textiles, Graphics and illustration, Architecture and Spatial Design, Printmaking and Photography; all underpinned by critical and contextual analysis.
During your time with us, you will have a designated work space which is yours for the duration of the course and access to a wide range of digital and practical workshop facilities supported by tutors and technicians.
The course is based at our College Green Centre, which is located in the centre of Bristol, with easy access to transport links, galleries and museums.
Delve into the world of Creative Arts & Media at City of Bristol College
You can view some wonderfully innovative work from our students here
Dates and applications
Please hover over the ‘i’ button to find out more about course fees and applications.
| Course Code | Dates | Duration | Days | Hours per week | Start Time | Location | Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LGF1191C01-1 | 08/09/2025 - 24/06/2026 | 1 years | Date/Day(s) Being Finalised | 18.00 | 09:15 | College Green Centre |
This course is still in its planning phase; course details - including fee information - are subject to change. In June, course details will be finalised and enrolment will open.
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Additional information
Who is this course for?
This course is for adults aged 18 and over who have completed a Level 3 qualification but are looking to undertake a new challenge to develop or strengthen a portfolio of work for Higher Education.
What you'll learn
During this course you will develop your personal presentation, communication and organisational skills as you study a number of units across the year.
You will complete units in researching, recording and responding in Art and Design, media experimentation, interpretation and personal experimental studies before completing a Final Major Project.
Course entry requirements
Applicants should have passed GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4/C or above, plus at least 1 A Level or Level 3 equivalent in a creative subject.
Applicants will be invited to a course information event and a short interview with course tutors. We will also require a strong portfolio demonstrating your suitability for the course showing visual and written research, ideas development and experimentation with a range of materials and techniques.
We also welcome applications from mature students who are able to demonstrate the necessary skills through a portfolio of creative work.
How is the course delivered and assessed?
This course is part of a wider study programme, which includes a tutorial and personal development element, work experience opportunities through outside set projects and design challenges, development of English and maths skills through embedded activities.
Your work will be assessed through written and practical means. You will present the work in sketchbooks, digital blogs and in different practical formats and you will be assessed on your research, development and experimentation and final outcomes.
You will have access to a full record of feedback and marks for you to monitor your progress, self assess and reflect on your own practice.
Future career and study opportunities
After completing this course, you can progress from the Art Foundation to Higher Education. As the course is the equivalent of three A Levels, it will generate the same UCAS points in total.
Students can apply for any Foundation Degree or BA Hons at any university or may wish to internally progress onto one of our specialist foundation degrees which include: Graphic Design, Interactive Multimedia and Photography.
Some students may choose to find employment or set themselves up as freelancing or commissioned practitioners within the Art and Design industry.
Additional costs
The course is free to students age 18 on 1st September, with a course fee of £5421.00 for students 19+. Advanced Learner Loans are available to help with funding for students 19+.
You may need to buy materials or pay for educational trips. If you are on a limited income, you may be eligible to receive help with these costs from our Learner Support Funding Bursary.
