Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

This accredited course prepares you for the study of art and design at degree level. You’ll gain an understanding of visual communication, three-dimensional design, fashion and fine art. You’ll explore a range of art forms and techniques, and begin to develop your own creative style.

You’ll be taught by a broad range of tutors who all work within the creative industry. These will engage you in a critical investigation of your work, progression aims and ambitions. You’ll take part in regular research and drawing trips; studio, gallery and museum visits to London also form part of the course.

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course focuses on four main areas:

Visual communication – graphic design, advertising, packaging, bookbinding, art direction, social design, film, illustration, animation, model making, curation
Three-dimensional design – architecture, landscape architecture, interior, product, furniture, prop and set design
Fashion and fabrication – menswear, womenswear, costume, fashion journalism, fashion photography and constructed textiles
Fine art – painting, mixed media, printmaking, installation, sculpture, performance and photography

Please note
Places are limited and the number of applicants is extremely high. We expect applicants to have attended one of our open days. You’ll hear more about the course, meet staff, visit the ground-breaking workshops and studio spaces at our Knights Park campus, where many art and design courses are based, and receive guidelines about how to apply and what to include in your portfolio.

Entry requirements

Typical offer 2020
A-level or AS Level or BTEC Diploma in an art and design subject. International Baccalaureate Diploma/Certificate at a minimum grade of 24. Five GCSEs at a minimum of grade C or 4, including English Language and Mathematics.

Teaching includes studio-based projects, one-to-one tutorials, lectures, seminars, practical field trips, skills workshops and demonstrations. You will work in small groups of approximately 25 students, led by subject-specific tutors.

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design award is based on passing all three parts of the course, and on completion of 120 credits.