This is the UAL Level 3 and 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
This exciting, fast-paced, pre-degree course is aimed at students serious about pursuing a career in art and design. The course will build upon your previous A Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma studies to expand and develop both your theoretical knowledge and practical skills in preparation for Higher Education.
The course consists of three main stages and from the very start, you will be immersed within our extensive specialist Makerspace facilities to explore and gain experience in the following areas:
- Printmaking
- Textiles
- 3D Design
- Digital Photography and Editing
- Darkroom Processes
- Ceramics
- Life Drawing
The Exploratory stage of the course, combined with our extremely supportive approach, will guide you through the UCAS process and help you to identify an Art and Design pathway to specialise in. On the pathway, you will continue to build and refine your portfolio for university interviews and gain further subject specific skills and knowledge.
The Specialist pathway stage will not only provide you with a solid foundation for degree-level study, but will also prepare you for our final and most exciting stage of the course: the Final Major Project. On that project, you will write your very own project brief to explore and investigate, culminating in our annual, public, end-of-year exhibition.
Whether you already know which art and design specialism you would like to pursue, or whether you are completely unsure, this course will provide you with all the skills you need to flourish at degree level, whilst studying alongside like-minded individuals in our creative community.
Learning activities throughout the course include: project briefings, class discussions, critiques, one to ones, practical workshops, presentations, exhibitions, live briefs, independent study, and field trips. Recent trips have included Brighton and London.
What you'll learn
The UAL Awarding Body Level 3 and 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design gives you experience of Level 4 work in your specialist area of study during the final project, which is assessed at Level 4. You will gain a portfolio and improve your knowledge and confidence, too.
Topics covered include: visual studies; 2D and 3D design studies; print/textiles; fashion; graphics; fine art; jewellery; product design; lens-based media; information technology; art history and contextual studies.
The majority of students progress to higher education and succeed in securing places at universities and art colleges throughout the country. There is a vast range of art and design subjects available in higher education.
How you'll learn and be assessed
Studio activities are supported by a series of lectures and seminars and you will be assigned a personal tutor.
Working closely with your tutors, you will identify your creative strengths and produce a final project which is part of the exhibition at the end of the course. You will learn in our excellent facilities and studios, doing practical assignment-based learning, supported by reflection and evaluation.
As well as regular visits to museums and galleries, the course may include an overseas trip. Recent trips have included visits to New York, Berlin and Prague.
Written work forms part of the course assessment.
UAL Awarding Body believes in transformative education. They design and award creative qualifications that empower and inspire educators to help students reach their potential.
UAL Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual, Qualifications Wales and CCEA Regulation and currently offers qualifications in Art and Design, Fashion Business and Retail, Creative Media Production and Technology, Music Performance and Production and Performing and Production Arts. They are also the UK’s leading provider of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Their qualifications have high retention and achievement rates because they are flexible, responsive and relevant to industry needs, and facilitate student progression.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of 2 A Levels, GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and maths plus an art portfolio
