Course description
The UAL Level 3 and 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design acts as a stepping-stone.It helps you to find a pathway that reflects your interests and then gain relevant experience in professional arts practice. This programme is exciting, practical, and industry-focused.
This fast-paced, pre-degree course is aimed at students aged 17+ and older students serious about pursuing a career in art and design and/or wanting to develop a strong portfolio of artwork. The course will build upon your experience in art practice and/or previous A Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma studies to expand and develop both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in preparation for Higher Education.
The course consists of three main stages and from the very start, you will be immersed in our extensive specialist Makerspace facilities. You'll be taught by industry-trained, expert practitioners as you explore and gain experience in the following areas:
- Printmaking
- Textiles
- 3D Design
- Digital Photography and Editing
- Darkroom Processes
- Ceramics
- Painting and Drawing
- Graphics
The Exploratory stage of the course, combined with our extremely supportive approach, will guide you through the UCAS process and help you to identify an Art and Design pathway to specialise in. On the pathway, you will continue to build and refine your portfolio for university interviews and gain further subject-specific skills and knowledge.
The Specialist pathway stage will not only provide you with a solid foundation for degree-level study but will also prepare you for our final and most exciting stage of the course: the Final Major Project. On that project, you will write your very own project brief to explore and investigate, culminating in our annual, public, end-of-year exhibition.
Whether you already know which art and design specialism you would like to pursue, or you are completely unsure, this course will provide you with allthe skills you need to flourish at degree level, whilst studying alongside like-minded individuals in our creative community.
Learning activities throughout the course include project briefings, class discussions, critiques, one-to-ones, practical workshops, presentations, exhibitions, live briefs, independent study, and field trips. Recent trips have included Brighton and London.
The qualification is accredited by the highly regarded UAL Awarding Body. Among the benefits, students have the opportunity to have their work shortlisted to appear at the annual UAL Awarding Body exhibition at Chelsea College of Art.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Applicants for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design must be 17 years old or above, and have 2 A-levels or equivalent (e.g. an Extended Diploma in one of the arts).
You will need to share a portfolio of work, including sketchbooks and any other creative artwork you have. You will need GCSE maths and English grades 4 and above.
Considerations as to qualifications against experience will be considered for mature learners.
All students will have their literacy and numeracy needs supported within the programme.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
Successful completion of this course will lead to progression to further study at university or possible employment/freelancing.
Training Course Content
The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design gives you the experience of Level 3 work in your specialist area of study during the final project, which is assessed at Level 3.
You will gain a portfolio and improve your knowledge and confidence, too.
Topics covered include:
- visual studies
- 2D and 3D design studies
- print/textiles
- fashion
- graphics
- fine art
- jewellery
- product design
- lens-based media
- information technology
- art history and contextual studies
The majority of students progress to higher education and succeed in securing places at universities and art colleges throughout the country. A vast range of art and design subjects is available in higher education.
Course delivery details
Studio activities are supported by a series of lectures and seminars and you will be assigned a personal tutor. Working closely with your tutors, you will identify your creative strengths and produce a final project which is part of the exhibition at the end of the course.
You will learn in our excellent facilities and studios, completing practical assignment-based learning, supported by reflection and evaluation. Written work forms part of the course assessment.
UAL Awarding Body believes in transformative education. They design and award creative qualifications that empower and inspire educators to help students reach their potential.
UAL Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation and currently offers qualifications in Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media Production and Technology, Music Performance and Production and Performing and Production Arts. They are also the UK's leading provider of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Their qualifications have high retention and achievement rates because they are flexible, responsive and relevant to industry needs, and facilitate student progression.
Expenses
As well as regular visits to museums and galleries, the course may include an overseas trip. Previous trips have included visits to New York, Venice, and Barcelona.
Activate Learning
Activate Learning is a forward-thinking education group that aims for far-reaching, progressive change and impact through learning. We work with learners as individuals, helping them make the choice of course and career pathway that’s right for them. Our mission is to provide work-ready talent for business, and...