UAL Level 3 and 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Art & Design)

The aims of this qualification are to enable students to:

• Demonstrate awareness of the different perspectives, approaches and ethics within diverse creative practice.
• Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information as part of creative practice.
• Understand, adapt and safely use appropriate practical methods and skills for creative practice and production.
• Explore solutions to complex problems through the application of practical, theoretical and technical understanding.
• Use critically evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for own learning, development and decision making.
• Take responsibility for research, planning and time management, to access and action progression opportunities.
• Effectively communicate and present ideas and creative practice to appropriate audiences.

The qualification contains the following units:

• Unit 1 Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice: In this unit, students will undertake a diagnostic investigation into visual language and creative practices. This exploratory investigation allows students to become familiar with, and experiment within, a wide range of (art, design and media) creative disciplines as part of their journey to, or reinforcement of, specialism in Unit 2 or Unit 3.
• Unit 2 Developing Specialist Practice: This unit will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices they have developed in Unit 1 of the qualification. Students should define their creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and position their creative endeavour within their chosen specialist practice.
• Unit 4 Consolidating Practice: This unit aims to provide students with an opportunity to take control of their own learning, and demonstrate their achievement by independently initiating, researching, completing and evaluating a project proposal in realisation of their chosen professional context.

To start the course you will need:

• 4 GCSEs grades 9-4 OR similar qualification at Level 2.
• Entry is subject to a successful interview where you will be asked to display a portfolio of your existing work.

A range of teaching methods are used, including lectures, visits, field courses and studio-based teaching. You will be assessed throughout the course, with assessment feedback at each stage of the programme and at the final stage grade.

Up to 84 UCAS Points available.

On successful completion you could progress on to one of our higher education courses in a range of art and design disciplines or go on to an art and design related degree at university.

You will be able to participate in field trips and visits to museums and exhibitions in this country and abroad (for an additional cost), and you will have the opportunity to showcase your work to the public at the College’s end of year Art Exhibition. We are also fortunate enough to have renowned artists coming into the College to give talks.

If you are aged 16-18, tuition fees, exam fees and College membership are free. However, there are additional costs associated with some courses. For example, you may be required to purchase specialist uniforms, equipment or books. There is also an additional cost of £50 to cover a minimum of 2 trips to relevant exhibitions e.g. Tate, V&A.

Recent trips include visits to Berlin and Amsterdam