Foundation diploma in art and design: stage 1

This course is validated by the University of the Arts London Awarding Body, and leads to the internationally recognised Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. This award is the ideal preparation for study in higher education at either undergraduate or post-graduate level*. The course will equip you with core skills, contextual knowledge and creative methods for employment or to begin to establish yourself professionally as a practising artist, designer or maker. Through exploring a range of ideas, methods, techniques and specialist practices you will build a body of personal creative work and identify and further your own creative interests and ideas with specialist tutor support.

Over the four terms of the course, you will be taught a wide range of subject specialist disciplines including: drawing and painting, sculpture and 3D, printmaking, digital art and film-making, graphic design and illustration, ceramics, fashion, costume and creative textiles. These specialist workshops will be combined with core workshops in drawing, basic photography, colour theory, creative research and experimentation, ideas development, studio practice and critical studies that will help you develop your individual creative direction and project work. In the final stage you will choose two specialist areas to focus your creative learning and skills, and work towards a professional public exhibition in an external gallery.

* progression is not guaranteed, and will depend on your previous qualifications and experience, your creative development over the course, and the standard and quality of your creative work upon completion of the diploma.