Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design

Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design
Course Level
Level 3

Course Description
The Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design is an exciting and intensive one year (post Level 3) pre-degree course. It is designed to give you the opportunity to experiment with a broad range of art and design disciplines. After the first term you decide in which particular discipline you wish to specialise and prepare for further study at Higher Education.
While the Art and Design Foundation course is a highly respected qualification in its own right, the main aim of the course is to secure you a place on a Higher Education course in a related subject area. You will attend college four days a week as well as working in your own time.

Awarding Body
Course Content
The qualification encourages independence and will aid you in developing your concepts and linking these to practical skills within specialised aspects of art and design. Experimentation plays a big part; you will be encouraged to explore, think and evaluate to help you gain an intellectual curiosity and a critical awareness of the contemporary visual world. It should challenge you with innovative and inspiring delivery, from experienced and successful professionals.
The qualification is structured to comprise three main stages: exploratory, pathway and confirmatory.
This will take you through a journey of experimentation, skills building and creative research, then move towards specialism in a particular area, and end in a major project in your chosen specialism that demonstrates ability and independence.

Course Structure
The course is divided into 3 stages:

The Exploratory Stage
During this stage you will learn about and experiment in a wide range of art and design disciplines including:
Fine Art, Graphic Design, 3D Design, Fashion and Textiles, Photography, Printmaking, Video and Digital Animation

The Pathway Stage
- This stage allows you to specialise in your chosen area and explore the development of ideas

Drawing as well as Historical and Contextual Studies are taught throughout the Exploratory and Pathway Stages

The Confirmatory Stage
- Final Major Project. You will write your own project brief, which culminates in the exhibition of your work in the End of Year Show in June
- Research and Write a Dissertation

Supported Learning
Depending on your needs it is possible for you to have access to support for your studies, this could be additional help in an actual practical session or a one to one tutorial support session to focus on your specific area of need.

Additional Qualifications n/a

Career Progression
The majority of learners move on into higher education, usually in the form of a BA(hons) degree course. If you achieve an overall pass grade or better you will earn enough UCAS points for university application. Many universities require applicants to have successfully completed a Foundation Course before entry into art and design based courses.
Other possible progression options
BSC, Foundation Degree, HNC/D or employment within the creative disciplines.
With further training or study, you could go into careers including:
Advertising, Marketing, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Photography, Illustration, Architecture, Animation, 3D Design, Product Design and Fine Art.

Campus Work Experience
n/a

Assessment
Method of Assessment
You will be assessed through course work and written essays. Assessments are carried out continuously through out the year and you must pass each stage in order the progress to the next. The confirmatory stage is assessed as an exhibition at the end of year show.

Attendance Course Length and Study Pattern
1 year, full-time


Entry Requirement

At least one of the following:
- One A Level (in a related subject) plus 4 GCSEs at Grade C or above, including English
- BTEC National Diploma/Certificate (or equivalent) in an Art related subject
You will have to attend an interview with a portfolio of work in which you must demonstrate the ability and commitment to complete the course.
Students without the necessary qualifications but with relevant work experience (and a good portfolio) are encouraged to apply.