UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a one-year, Level 3 programme for students aged 16 to 18. It is normally taken as a third year of further education, following the completion of A Levels, an Extended Diploma, the International Baccalaureate or another suitable Level 3 qualification.

The course is designed to help you explore a broad range of creative disciplines, develop a more individual and confident approach to your work, and prepare for progression to university, higher education or employment in the creative industries.

You will gain experience across a wide range of disciplines, including painting, printmaking, 3D making, fashion, textiles, architecture, photography, film, illustration, graphic design and drawing.

On this course you will:

• Explore new ways of working in your studio practice, supported by critical and contextual study
• Visit regional, national and international galleries and exhibitions
• Build a strong and individual portfolio for the next stage of your education or career
• Exhibit your work in the annual Summer Show
• Receive individual guidance with progression choices, portfolios and UCAS applications

Your studies will include:

• Student-centred projects that increase both the depth and breadth of your creative practice
• Opportunities to work with unfamiliar and thought-provoking ideas and approaches
• The introduction of new materials, processes and ways of working
• Experimentation, investigation, analysis and reflection
• Support in identifying a future specialism and making informed progression choices

Personal expression and the development of each individual student are at the heart

This course is ideal if you have enjoyed your A Levels/Extended Diploma/IB and want to refine your skills and establish your own artistic style.

Next Steps: Many of our students go on to study at some of the UK’s leading arts universities.

You will need eight GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths. Also, you should normally have a minimum of five subjects at GCSE or above and will have completed an A Level/IB programme or Extend Diploma in Art and Design. You may be interviewed for this course and have to present a portfolio of work that demonstrates an interest in, and a curiosity about, the visual world and a desire to communicate this to a wider audience.

Age requirements: This course is aimed at learners aged 17 to 18 at the start date. If you are aged 18 or under at the start of the course, you can study this programme for free.

Mitigating circumstances; we will consider applications from students who are aged 19 at the start of the programme and already hold a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the course fee. Important: This programme is not available to learners aged 20 or older. To begin your application, click the Apply button above

You will have access to all the College facilities, including a student restaurant, full media suite, gym and fully equipped Learning Resource Centre (LRC).

The CCI building boasts a range of specialist learning environments which accommodate equipment and technical support for working with a wide variety of materials. This includes wood, metal and ceramics. As well as this there will be access to an onsite shop for basic materials and computer suites equipped with the latest Adobe Creative Suite software.

The Art and Design Department has eighteen art studios, a Print workshop, a Ceramics workshop, a 3D workshop, Photographic darkrooms, Photoshop and PremierPro software on PCs.

Additional costs include a £30 caution, an exam fee and a studio fee (TBC).
N.B. Entrants who are 16-18 years old on 31st August will pay studio fee (TBC) and £30 caution only.