Level 3 - Foundation Studies - Art and Design

Art, Design and Media

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Commonly referred to as 'BTEC Foundation' the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is designed to develop skills, personal creativity, and independent thought. The course is intended for those students who want to progress to degree level study at art college or university. Students undertaking the course can expect to develop an extensive portfolio of work in a wide range of media.

The course is divided into three stages and culminates in a specialist outcome, or personal project. The emphasis throughout is on visual research, drawing and sketchbook development aimed at generating expressive art and design ideas. Historical and contemporary studies form an integral part of this course, and students will have the opportunity to try a number of specialist options. The online UK diploma art and design provides the opportunity for students to work with all media types.

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is widely recognized as the standard entry qualification for degree level study at art colleges and universities throughout the United Kingdom. Leading universities such as the London College of Fashion recommend this course as the best preparation for a degree and it is the recommended preparation for a wide range of fine art and design subjects

UCAS Tariff points:
The Foundation Diploma is on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) and is also included in the UCAS Tariff for entry to higher education. The tariff points awarded for the Foundation Diploma are:

• Distinction 285
• Merit 225
• Pass 165

Course structure:
The Foundation Diploma consists of three stages - the Exploratory, Pathway and Confirmatory stages. During the Exploratory stage students experiment with a wide range of media and materials, and explore different subjects and techniques.


During the Pathways Stage students choose to work in two specialist subject areas; exploring these in greater depth. They can chose from a range of subjects including Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion, Textiles, Photography, Interactive Media, Sculpture and Drawing and Painting.


During the Confirmatory stage students work on a Final Major Project in a single chosen specialism. This stage is subject to external assessment, and the level of a student's award is based on the assessment of this stage.

Certification:
ABC Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies is approved on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This course leads to the award of the Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) from ABC Awards. This award is the equivalent qualification to the BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design.

ABC Awards is one of the largest vocational awarding bodies in the United Kingdom and is recognised by the regulatory bodies as an awarding body whose qualifications meet the criteria applied by QCA (Qualifications Curriculum Authority). For more information about ABC Awards, visit the ABC website