Art and Design Foundation Studies Foundation studies

What you'll study

Art and Design Foundation Studies is structured by stages, during each stage you will need to complete a set number of units. Please note that the structure below applies to the 2016/17 academic year and may be subject to change.

The information below reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. Updates may be made on an annual basis and revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year. Please see Terms and Conditions of Study for more information.

• Year 1

Year 1

Stage 1 : Exploratory

Stage 1 : Exploratory

Unit 1: Researching, Recording and Responding in Art and Design
Unit 2: Media Experimentation in Art and Design

This first stage provides the basis for development of work later in the programme. It includes:

• A broad based approach to Art and Design across a number of contexts through short projects.
• The language and skills necessary to explore all study areas, an awareness of a range of specialist areas available.
• This stage combines awareness of the importance of drawing in the creative process with the need to experiment with a variety of media. The units are characterised by breadth of research, recording and observation of information, and focus on the building of skills and personal response.
• All students will do the same activities in rotation in order to introduce all students the specialist subject areas.

This will include:

• Colour
• Drawing
• 2D Design
• 3D Design
• Critical and Historical Studies
• Introductions to a range of workshops

During this stage you will also have specialist projects in:

• Textile/Fashion
• Fine Art
• Visual Communication
• 3D Design

During week 9 staff will be assessing every student in addition to looking at your progress. Staff will advise you on your preferred area of study (Visual Communication, Textile/Fashion, Fine Art, and 3D Design) in order for you to make a decision for the following two stages of the programme.

Stage 2: Pathway

Stage 2: Pathway

Unit 3: Preparation and Progression in Art and Design
Unit 4: Information and Interpretation in Art and Design
Unit 5: Personal Experimental Studies in Art and Design
Unit 6: Extended Media Development in Art and

Building on the knowledge gained, you will explore and develop skills within a more focused context with greater emphasis upon experimentation, analysis and evaluation. The programme is flexible and allows an increasing move towards your chosen specialist direction. Projects at this stage may be longer and encourage a greater development of ideas and individuality.
The evolution of a portfolio of artwork is an essential feature of this stage, along with informed and professional preparation for higher education, application and interviews.

During Stage 2 you will opt to work in specialist subject areas:

• Fine Art
• Visual Communication
• Textile/Fashion
• 3D Design

There will also be a number of optional workshops. At the end of Stage 2 all second stage studio work will be assessed by staff.

Stage 3: Confirmatory

Stage 3: Confirmatory

Unit 10 Final Major Project in Art and Design

At this stage you will need to integrate research and ideas into your own practice. You will be expected to take full responsibility for the direction of your work and be required to produce a power point presentation of contemporary Art/Design practice and a final and substantial body of practical work supported by a statement detailing ideas, research, processes, and outcomes. It is important that your work is supported by continuous reflective comment and evaluation in your sketchbooks/journals. You will have the opportunity to test your skills and experience by means of an open exhibition.

Your final project will be individually assessed and graded by Foundation staff. This will be confirmed by a visiting Edexcel external examiner.