Diploma Level 4 - Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice

What students have said about this course

"I started Foundation Art not really knowing what my choices were or what route I wanted to go down. It really opens your eyes to all types and styles there are to explore, the tutors were so great and helpful"

"Studying Foundation Art Level 4 opened my eyes to all medias of art, allowing me to experiment with new styles and learn new techniques that I previously would never had the confidence to try – I am so thankful that Foundation pushed me to constantly try new media making me discover how much I enjoyed areas such as textiles that 2 years ago I never would ever attempted, and I'm going to be studying Textiles Print at London College of Fashion – even I didn't see that coming!"

"The Foundation course allowed me to gain more confidence in myself as well as skills in the subjects I love!  I was able to explore new techniques and learn how to grow as an artist.  I would love to relive the experience again!

"It was a fantastic year of trying new things and allowing me to choose with confidence the future path I wanted to take"

"The course is perfect for those who want to learn about art in depth.  You study such a wide variety of things and as someone who previously focussed on being a portrait artist I enjoyed that."

 

 

 

WHAT DOES THE COURSE INVOLVE?

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is a one year intensive course designed to maximize your opportunities to learn through discovery, experimentation and exploration. This is transitional and we will expect you to be receptive to new ideas, media and ways of learning. Its overarching aim is to prepare you to the highest level possible for progression to BA Hons or Foundation Degree or, occasionally to an employment opportunity. This is achieved by the study of specialist pathways which reflect the opportunities available at Degree level both locally and nationally. With our expert guidance and support you will be able to develop your subject specific portfolio in preparation for your UCAS application.

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course has three stages and students will move through a dynamic, broad diagnostic phase across creative workshops into one of the following pathways:

• Fine Art and Visual Arts
• Fashion and Textiles
• Photography & Graphic Design
• Architecture and Interiors

The final stage is a project proposed by students themselves and should be a culmination of their creative skills developed over the previous stages. This unit indicates the level of achievement at pass, merit or distinction.

Critical and Contextual Studies is integrated within the course and ensures that you will develop a thorough knowledge of both the historical and contemporary Art and Design, this will help you critically review your own practice and development.

Life drawing is also seen as a key developmental skill and you will follow a practical programme to enhance your portfolio.

Stage 1 Exploratory Stage

• Researching, Recording and Responding in Art & Design
• Media Experimentation in Art & Design

Stage 2 Pathway Stage

• Preparation and Progression in Art & Design
• Information and Interpretation in Art & Design
• Personal Experimental Studies in Art & Design
• Extended Media Development in Art & Design

Stage 3 Confirmatory Stage

• Final Major Project in Art & Design

This course is the ideal route into a wide range of design-related degrees or Foundation degrees at university or Art College in subjects such as: Fashion and Textiles; Graphic Design; Fine Art; Illustration; New Media or Photography. Students, who wish to enter employment directly, could work in a design-related industry, such as Fashion, Graphic Design or 3D Design.

For further course information please click here

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO JOIN THE COURSE?

A minimum of three A Levels which must include Art and Design Grade C or a BTEC Extended Diploma in Art and Design or Media Production at Merit level. You will also show a portfolio of work.

CAN I TAKE ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS?

Suitably qualified applicants will be able to complete A Level qualifications alongside the Diploma in order to acquire additional UCAS points. These may include Photography, Art History or Critical & Contextual Studies. Alternatively there will the option to study towards the Extended Project Qualification.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

Throughout the one year programme, students will complete a range of projects and assignments which will be assessed via portfolios of work. An overall grade is awarded at the end of the course following the assessment of a final major project.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

There are no charges to study on any of our courses. However you will be asked to contribute to the cost of resources and colour printing.

Art packs to provide sufficient sketchbooks, canvases and MDF boards for the year will be available at the cost of £66.

Students should budget for trips to galleries and museums in order to gain maximum benefit from this course. These will take place once or twice a term and we aim to keep costs below £15 for each trip.

WHAT IS THE DURATION?

This is a one year course. 

HOW DO I APPLY?

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