Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Image: Emily Gore - 3D (Art, Craft and Design) Pathway
IS THIS THE RIGHT COURSE FOR ME?
This course gives you an excellent transition between A-Level and more specialised degree courses by allowing you to explore a wide range of disciplines.
Giving you time to learn and experiment in a specialist environment, the course allows you to make an informed decision about which course to pursue at Higher Education level. The course gives you a broad foundation across a wide range of disciplines in art, design and media, before you explore an area that interests you in much greater detail.
The course is geared towards the preparation of a portfolio of work to support your application to an advanced course - or in gaining employment. Throughout the course your practical studio work will be supported by a programme of studies in the history of art and design. This course demands a high degree of discipline and self-motivation.
COURSE STRUCTURE, PATHWAYS AND CAREERS
The course covers seven areas that give you an insight into what it will be like to study within a specialist arts programme. They are:
– Graphic Design
– 3D (Art, Craft, Design)
– Costume, Fashion & Textiles
– Photography
– Fine Art
– Film Art & Production
– Animation & Illustration
During the first term you’ll explore broad concepts and assignments, giving you an insight into the range of options available. During this stage there’ll be presentations from people working in the industry and course tutors; these will give you further information about your options following completion of the course and enable you to make an informed choice about which specialist course to pursue.
After this, an increasing level of independence and self-discovery is encouraged as you pursue your pathway choice. The final stage involves a self-initiated project before final assessment.
Image: Hannah Nicholson, Animation and Illustration Pathway
HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
Assessment is based on presentation of project work and takes place on completion of each stage of the course. Assessments are used to provide guidance on your progress and potential in areas of specialist study. The final major project is graded as pass, merit or distinction.
PORTFOLIO/INTERVIEW GUIDLINES
If you meet the standard entry requirements you will be invited to attend an interview. We suggest that you find out as much as possible about the course and requirements for entry by attending one of our Open Days – these are scheduled throughout the year (see details on the Open Days section of this website).
Your interview will last around 20 minutes and will be your opportunity to present your portfolio and to discuss your ideas, interests and aspirations with a course tutor. We will talk about your influences in arts, design media and performance, your portfolio and other cultural interests such as cinema, theatre or literature. Discussion will largely revolve around your portfolio of creative work. It is important that you bring a broad range of work so that we can assess your potential. We would advise that you seek guidance about the content of your portfolio from your art, design and media teacher(s).
If you require any special requirements, eg. slide projector, video player or computer monitor (Mac or pc), please notify us in advance.
STANDARD ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Five GCSE passes at grade C or above (which must include Art/Design/Media subjects plus Maths and English), plus two GCE A-Level passes at grade C or above, or the equivalent vocational A-Level. (One of which must be in a relevant subject)
Normal entry to a Foundation Diploma follows two years of sixth form study or equivalent. Work for your portfolio could be selected from the following subject areas:
Design Technology, Graphic Products, Product Design, Ceramics, Craft, Graphic Design, Textile Design, Fashion, Costume, Theatre, Art & Design, Fine Art, Media Studies, Film Studies or Photography.
If you are studying more than one creative subject area (for example Art and Photography) then you should bring work from both areas.
WE NEED TO SEE:
– Drawing: a range of work including drawing from direct observation; drawing as problem solving; and drawing to develop and present ideas.
– Idea/Design Development: showing how you develop your ideas and designs. We would like to see sketchbooks and worksheets which show your development, experimentation with media and work in progress.
– Formal Elements: work which demonstrates your understanding of the key principles of line, tone, perspective, colour, composition, form and space.
– Self-initiated Work: we would like to see examples of creative work which you have done outside of formal study.
– Contextual Understanding: work which demonstrates your interests and understanding of arts, design and media practice such as illustrated essays, artist or design research and evidence of exhibitions you may have visited.
– A Range of Media Use: Your portfolio might include examples of Painting, Graphics, Illustration, Mixed Media, Photography, Film, Storyboards, Animation, Video, Textiles, Fashion, Crafts, Modelmaking, Ceramics, Jewelry, Furniture, Product Design and Sculpture.
After this, an increasing level of independence and self-discovery is encouraged as you pursue your pathway choice. The final stage involves a self-initiated project before final assessment.
ADDITIONAL DRAWING QUALIFICATION
A range of creative industries and higher education courses has identified the need for greater drawing skills in those entering employment and degree-level study. Alongside the Foundation Diploma, students on this course will study the (level 3) UAL Certificate in Drawing; offering an exciting opportunity to develop essential drawing skills, enhancing their studies and critical skills to support creative activity. In Stage 1 of the course you will undertake core-drawing units; Stage 2 of the course will follow more pathway specific units tailored to specialist delivery.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS COURSE
More student work, together with a look at our studios, recent projects, exhibitions, industry links and details of our course staff, can all be viewed in the ‘Showcase’ for this course.
CONTACT
Admissions
Tel: 01202 363228/363225
Email: admissions@aucb.ac.uk
Design: Nina Luminati - Costume, Fashion and Textiles
Pathway
- Mode of Study:
Full-time/Part-time - Course Duration:
1 year full-time
2 years part-time
- Online Application and Interview information
- Portfolio Guidelines
- Fees
- Open Days
- View Student Work
- Foundation Diploma Showcase
