You must be at least 18. Minimum of one A Level or Level 3 BTEC, an art or design content is preferable, however we also consider non arts-based qualifications. You will need to show a portfolio of your work at interview.
Art and Design – Foundation Diploma
If you are visually innovative and take risks with your creativity, then FAD could be for you. It may be to extend and develop skills in order to get the creative career you want, or to spend a year exploring and appreciating the visual arts and learning new skills.
You need to be flexible, self-motivated, and independent, disciplined and enjoy creative challenges. You will have your own personal studio space from the onset of the course. Pre-Degree Foundation in Art & Design is a post level 3 course, which can act as a bridge to University study. The course is extremely fast paced, so engagement both in and out of the studio is essential.
The first stage of the course introduces you to several practical workshops. Exploring 3 key areas; 2D drawing, painting and printmaking, 3D design, product, architecture, set, sculpture, fashion and textiles Media photography, film making, animation and graphic design. This stage is characterised by exploration of practical and conceptual ideas, fuelled initially through several experimental drawing workshops.
Stage 2 enables you to question where you would like to take your work. Progression workshops feature heavily with a view to future opportunities. You will select and specialise in your chosen area and produce a portfolio of experimental specialist work. You will also learn how to create a digital showcase for your practical work.
The final stage is a group public exhibition. You will propose and manage a personal project which is then included in the end of year show. Ambition, challenge, innovation and academic rigour are crucial to the success of this work.
Stage One and Two are internally assessed and verified. Stage Three is internally assessed and externally moderated.
The course could lead to several creative industries or apprenticeships.
It is also the ideal bridge between college and university study, to study courses such as; BA Animation, BA Architecture, BA Concept Art, BA Set & Theatre Design, BA Graphic Design, BA Costume Design, BA Fashion Design, BA Textile Design, BA Fine Art, BA Illustration, BA Fashion Communication, BA Photography, BA Film Making, BA Art History, BA Product Design, BA Automotive Design, BA Games Design, BA Interior & Spatial Design
A studio fee and kit list is set in August of each year for each course. They can be purchased from the College via the online College shop. There may be print costs throughout the year depending on projects. The College has support funds available for those students who have difficulty meeting the costs.
You will take part in a group visit used to generate practical project work. There are also several gallery visits timetabled throughout the year. We run an active guest speaker programme to support progression.
Personal Studio Space, access to the following creative studios; Filmmaking and animation, digital and darkroom photography, graphics, 3D, 2D and printmaking, fashion and textiles.