UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Applications Open - Monday 2nd November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply – Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Canterbury College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Do you want to prepare for a degree in fine art, photography, graphic design, illustration or a related specialism? The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design will prepare you to go on to study a practice-based undergraduate course, giving you the time, space and support to develop your ideas, strengthen your portfolio and take your creativity to the next level. Explore a wide range of art and design disciplines before focusing on a chosen specialism, and build the skills, confidence and independent thinking expected at degree level. By the end of this one-year course, you’ll have a strong, personal portfolio and a clear creative direction, ready to progress onto university and begin your journey into the creative industries.

Challenge your preconceptions of what art, design, and visual communication can be as you learn through a series of dynamic, hands-on projects. We aim to stretch your creativity, helping you to discover your strengths as an artist or designer. During the course, you will: • Experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques and creative processes • Explore new ways of thinking and develop your approach to creative problem solving • Build skills across different disciplines before choosing your specialism • Develop your own visual style and creative voice • Create a high-quality portfolio tailored to your chosen progression route This one-year programme is designed to be focused and fast-paced, helping you build confidence in your artistic style and vision, so you feel fully prepared to take your next step into higher education. The course is split into three key phases: PHASE ONE: EXPLORATION Try new ideas, take creative risks and discover different disciplines through short, experimental projects. During this experimental phase you will also choose your specialist pathway, from: • Fine Art • Graphic Design and Illustration • Photography • Fashion and Textiles PHASE TWO: SPECIALISM Focus on your chosen pathway, developing your understanding and building an impressive portfolio of work. PHASE THREE: FINAL PROJECT Take full creative control with a self-directed project that showcases your skills. This will determine your final grade.

You’ll build a strong and diverse portfolio, developing your work through practical projects, experimentation and independent study. Each project gives you the chance to experiment, refine your skills and create art that pushes boundaries and challenges creativity, whilst receiving regular feedback to help you refine your ideas and push your work further. Your final grade is based on your self-directed Final Major Project. This is your opportunity to take creative control, develop a project you’re passionate about and produce a standout piece of work that showcases your skills and prepares you for your next step to university.

To study this course, you will need to have achieved a Level 3 qualification (including A Levels or T Level) in an art and design subject. You must also present a strong portfolio that shows your creativity, skills and potential. We’re looking for students who are motivated, curious and ready to develop their work to a higher level.

By the end of your course, you’ll be ready to move on to higher education or begin your journey in the creative industries. This course is designed as a key stepping stone into degrees and careers across art and design, including: • Fine Art • Graphic Design and Illustration • Photography • Fashion and Textiles • Visual Communication • Creative Direction Many students progress to university or specialist art schools, using the portfolio they’ve developed to secure places on competitive degree courses. With a clearer creative direction, a strong portfolio and experience working independently, you’ll be ready to take the next step into the creative world with confidence.