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Art & Design Foundation Diploma

Course Overview

Our Foundation Diploma (Pathways to HE) gives you the chance to experience a wide range of art and design disciplines, while helping you build a portfolio for your application to an undergraduate course. It is the perfect preparation for higher education or a more responsible role in the industry, providing you with a nationally recognised qualification. It is popular with applicants who have studied A Levels and also mature students returning to education.

By encouraging you to adopt an experimental approach to your learning, we help you to develop your individual skills and determine your future direction as an artist or designer. This is a gradual process, over three terms, during which you will have a chance to specialise in areas such as Creative Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, Creative Digital Graphic Design, Photography and Media Make-up.

During your course, there may be opportunities for residential trips in the UK and abroad as well as a variety of day trips. Previous cohorts have taken opportunities to embark on study visits to London, New York, Los Angeles, Berlin and Paris among others.

Course Overview

Course Overview

Our Foundation Diploma (Pathways to HE) gives you the chance to experience a wide range of art and design disciplines, while helping you build a portfolio for your application to an undergraduate course. It is the perfect preparation for higher education or a more responsible role in the industry, providing you with a nationally recognised qualification. It is popular with applicants who have studied A Levels and also mature students returning to education.

By encouraging you to adopt an experimental approach to your learning, we help you to develop your individual skills and determine your future direction as an artist or designer. This is a gradual process, over three terms, during which you will have a chance to specialise in areas such as Creative Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, Creative Digital Graphic Design, Photography and Media Make-up.

During your course, there may be opportunities for residential trips in the UK and abroad as well as a variety of day trips. Previous cohorts have taken opportunities to embark on study visits to London, New York, Los Angeles, Berlin and Paris among others.

Student Spotlight

Thomas, Art & Design Foundation Diploma

The entry requirements for the degree I want to do at UAL asked for an Art & Design Foundation Diploma, so I decided to do this at UCS so I could stay at home and save money. I have learnt many transferable skills and I now feel ready to go onto a degree.

Assessment

Teaching Methods

Our specialist lecturers work closely with you throughout the year. The course is studio-based and involves continuous assessment and external moderation. Your progress is monitored by tutorials and group critiques.

The curriculum is delivered through a blend of projects and specialist workshops, designed to help you develop the skills that most interest you, in an environment that is professional and focused on achieving success. You will have your own workspace and will be encouraged to work independently on campus and at home, with input and support from our specialist staff. You will also be expected to take part in a work placement. 

Progression Opportunities

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design carries UCAS points, meaning you can count it towards entry on to a degree-level programme. Added to the high-quality portfolio of work you’ll have developed during your time with us, you should be perfectly placed to progress to a degree course, either at UCS or further afield, or into employment. It is a great stepping stone into Higher Education for mature students too. Whatever pathway you choose, we’ll give you all the help you need to pursue your ambitions.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Typically entrants will possess:

  • One A Level pass or equivalent Level 3 qualification, preferably in a creative subject
  • A minimum of five GCSEs at grades 9-4 (A*-C), including English language, maths and a creative subject
  • Access to HE students are encouraged to contact us to discuss individual qualifications
  • You will be asked to present a portfolio of work at interview. The portfolio must demonstrate your creative skills, subject knowledge and enthusiasm for study through 10 to 15 pieces of recent work and two sketchbooks.

Fees

The course fee is £5,421*. 

This course is FREE to learners who are under 19 years of age at the start of the course. 

For more information regarding course fees, please read our 'Fees and Funding' page.

*Fees are subject to review annually. 

Policies and Regulations

1st January 1970