Course Overview

This course is FREE to under 19s.

From September 2020, our Access to HE Art and Design course transfers to the University of the Arts London (UAL) and becomes part of our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Pathways to HE). This allows students a highly dynamic and creative experience with the flexibility to shape their future in a wider array of creative disciplines, so we are looking forward to delivering this exciting new course. Whether you are an adult returning to education or have just completed A Levels/an Extended Diploma, this is the course to build your creative portfolio and be ready for Higher Education.

Our FoundationDiploma in Art and Designgives you the chance to experience a wide range of art and design disciplines, while helping you build a portfolio for your application to an undergraduate course.

The qualification is the perfect preparation for higher study or a more responsible role in the industry, providing you with a nationally recognised qualification.

By encouraging you to adopt an experimental approach to your learning, we help you to develop your individual skills and determine your future direction as an artist or designer. This is a gradual process, over three terms, during which you will have a chance to specialise in areas such as Creative Digital and Graphic Design, Creative Fashion and Textiles, Creative Media, Fine Art, Media Maek-up and 3D Sculptingand Photography.

The curriculum is delivered through a blend of projects and workshops, designed to help you develop the skills that most interest you, in an environment that is professional and focused on achieving success. You will have your own workspace, and will be encouraged to work independently in College and at home, with input and support from our specialist staff. You will also be expected to take part in a work placement.

We offer opportunities for residential trips in the UK and abroad as well as a variety of day trips. Previous cohorts have taken opportunities to embark on study visits to London, New York, Berlin and Paris among others.

This UAL Level 3Foundation Diploma in Art and Designcarries UCAS points, meaning you can count it towards entry on a degree-level programme. Added to the high-quality portfolio of work you will have developed during your time with us, you will be perfectly placed to progress to a degree course, either at the College or further afield, or try to find employment. Either way, we will give you all the help you need to pursue your ambitions.

Assessment Methods

Our specialist lecturers work closely with you throughout the year. The course is studio-based and involves continuous assessment and external moderation, and your progress is monitored by tutorials and group critiques. The curriculum is delivered through a blend of projects and specialist workshops, designed to help you develop the skills that most interest you, in an environment that is professional and focused on achieving success. You will have your own workspace, and will be encouraged to work independently in College and at home, with input and support from our specialist staff. You will also be expected to take part in a work placement.

Progression Options

This course is designed to increase your chances of securing a place on your chosen degree course. The majority of our students progress to study a degree and many choose to stay on at the College in order to make continued use of our newly refurbished, first-rate facilities.