Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Course information:
Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Course content:
This is an intensive course which is designed to help students discover for themselves the area of specialism in art and design in which they want to make their mark.

The course has three main aims:

• to introduce students to a wide range of study skill
• to help them extend their creative abilities
• to enable them to define the specialist area of study which will promote their individual development.

The initial part of the course is diagnostic. Through a well structured programme of drawing and visual studies students develop practical skills in two and three dimensions exploring a variety of issues. Progressively, students experience and experiment across areas of:-

• fine art
• graphic design
• lens based media
• three dimensional design
• textile/fashion design.

With tutorial guidance students select the area of specialism they wish to pursue in the later part of the course and in their future course/career. This is consolidated in the final stage of the course where students are guided through the application process for further study.

Assessment procedure:
Assessment is continuous and encompasses both practical and written work in both the diagnostic and specialist stages of the course.

Entry requirements:
The Foundation course is recommended for post Level 3 students and is also suitable for mature students with limited art and design experience who can demonstrate their interest, aptitude and commitment to the subject through a recent portfolio of work.

Qualifications achieved:
Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design)

Progression opportunities:
This programme is designed to prepare students for a degree course in one of the wide variety of subjects covered in Art & Design. Most reputable degree courses expect students to have successfully completed the Diploma in Foundation Studies programme.
The course is very successful in placing students on prestigious Higher Education courses both regionally and nationally. Study options after foundation have included:

• graphic design
• fine art
• 3D Design
• fashion and textile design
• electronic media
• animation
• film
• photography

Student success â€" a case study featuring the career of a former student.

Free study and financial support:
For more information about student loans and grants visit Student Finance England or contact your local education authority.