Art and Design BTEC Level 3/4 Foundation Diploma (pre-degree)

This course is a one year, nationally-recognised bridging qualification between A2 and Higher Education. It is fast-paced but helps you prepare for higher education. It also helps you to explore different subject areas making your HE choice more suited to your creative strengths.

The course covers three distinct stages: exploratory, pathway and the final confirmatory stage. Whilst studying you will have access to excellent facilities including: a Digital Media Centre, photography studios and darkroom, ceramics, metal, wood and screen print workshops.

The level at which the Diploma is awarded will depend on your level of engagement with the option units. The grading Pass Merit or Distinction that you achieve is decided by the final major project.

This course is a one year, nationally-recognised bridging qualification between A2 and Higher Education. It is fast-paced but helps you prepare for higher education. It also helps you to explore different subject areas making your HE choice more suited to your creative strengths.

The course covers three distinct stages: exploratory, pathway and the final confirmatory stage. Whilst studying you will have access to excellent facilities including: a Digital Media Centre, photography studios and darkroom, ceramics, metal, wood and screen print workshops.

The level at which the Diploma is awarded will depend on your level of engagement with the option units. The grading Pass Merit or Distinction that you achieve is decided by the final major project.

Successful completion of the course will give you a nationally recognised qualification which is a bridging qualification between A2 and higher education, a well-organised and professionally presented portfolio, help and guidance with your progression on to higher education, highly skilled and industry experienced teaching staff who will help you to become a more independent learner.

Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including an art-related subject, English Language and preferably maths, or a BTEC Level 2 Diploma with a Merit profile or a higher diploma and supporting functional skills. All applicants will be interviewed and should bring along a portfolio of recent art work, including drawing, painting and design work. Details of suggested portfolio content is included at the bottom of this page. A satisfactory reference or school report is required.

Once the course is underway you can consider your future plans and will receive careers advice. Most students progress into higher education. An important part of your successful progression will be a strong portfolio.

UCAS information sessions will be organised for you and you will receive advice and guidance on preparing your UCAS form from the Foundation Course tutors, who have a good knowledge of art and design courses and colleges. Staff from other universities will be invited to visit to discuss their courses and see your work. National and international study visits are designed to give you the opportunity to engage in cultural diversity and familiarise yourself with all aspects of contemporary practices in all areas of art and design. The work seen is often new and challenging requiring staff and student discussion to help you understand the broad contextual and contemporary issues being raised. Many of your tutors are practising artists and designers bringing current industry practice to the classroom. What you can expect from the team is enthusiasm and commitment, individual guidance to help you progress and achieve, help with working on your individual strengths, extensive guidance for application to higher level courses and help with building a varied portfolio of work.