Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

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. 

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.

5 x GCSE’s at grade C/4 or above including English Language, and Maths.

For STEM subjects can be more specific e.g. Engineering – 4 x GCSE’s at grade C/4 or above including English Language, Maths and science. Science and/or maths must be grade 5.

Alternatively, a BTEC Level 2 in Engineering (overall Grade Merit) with Merits in the Mathematics and Science units, and GCSE grade C/4 in both English Language and Mathematics.

We will invite you to a course information meeting event where you will receive information, advice, and guidance about the course you have applied for. This will be an opportunity for you to gain valuable information about the course and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

You will need to provide a copy of your last school report and / or a reference from an employer or relevant professional, this will include attendance. This is to ensure we can support you to be able to achieve well on the course.

Applicants with 85% or below attendance will have been deemed not to have met this criteria. All applicants are given an opportunity to discuss any evidence- based mitigating circumstances that may have affected the reference / school report.

We are firmly committed to finding the right course for you to ensure that you can flourish.

Talk to us today if you have any concerns about the application process, we are here to help take you to the next level.

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.

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. 

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.