Art and Design Foundation Diploma Level 3/ Level 4

This exciting and intensive one-year, full time course prepares you for studying Art and Design at Higher Education. The course is diagnostic in its first stage, during which you will develop your research and visual recording skills into a broad range of both two- and three-dimensional media and materials. You will be required to attend an interview for this course.

You will be advised to buy your own sketchbooks and portfolios and specialist materials for your final major project. You will be required to pay for trips and life drawing sessions.

You will develop prior understanding of a range of AA disciplines such as Fine Art, Fashion, Textiles, Photography, Printmaking, Sculpture, Graphic Design, Digital Media, and Contextual Studies. Your own work will be enhanced with visits to relevant galleries and exhibitions. You will be taught by practicing designers and artists who will support and help you to develop your portfolio in your chosen specialist pathway in preparation for HE application or related employment.

Stage 1: Exploration

Through a structured diagnostic programme you will identify and extend your existing skills, strengths and interests. You will also develop both practical and critical thinking abilities, helping you to make an informed choice for your specialist study.

Stage 2: Development and Progression

You choose to specialise in one pathway from Fine Art, Fashion/Textiles, Digital Media/Photography.

Stage 3: Proposal and Realisation

You bring together your skills, knowledge and understanding in art and design to carry out a major project, resulting in an exhibition.

There will be regular, focused and individualised tutorials and assessments throughout the year and you will take part in group critiques.

A National Extended Diploma in an Art and Design related subject or a combination of A Levels including an Art and Design related subject plus a portfolio of your work.

The Foundation course leads onto a range of art related degree courses.