BTEC Diploma Foundation Studies in Art and Design Level 3

Foundation Studies in Art and Design is a high profile, nationally-recognised qualification which continues to provide the necessary conduit between school/sixth form and higher education. The course aims to build on students' prior knowledge while introducing them to a much broader range of art and design possibilities than they may have previously experienced. The course focuses on developing conceptual thinking alongside practical skills. Pre-conceptions are challenged and ideas are introduced which are intended to extend the students' critical knowledge, understanding and independence in readiness for higher education level studies.

A range of historical and contemporary contextual studies is integrated with the studio programme including lectures, seminars and written assignments. There will be opportunities to attend presentations given by visiting practising professionals and you will be able to participate in various exhibition visits during the course.

Stage 1 - Exploratory stage
Researching, Recording and Responding and Media Experimentation
This stage includes introductory workshops in areas of two and three dimensional design including
specialist areas such as painting, printmaking, sculpture, computer imaging, 3D design, graphic design, textiles and photography. These are supported by analytical and experimental work in drawing.

Stage 2 - Pathway stage
Information and Interpretation, Personal Experimental Studies, Extended Media Development and Preparation and Progression
This stage involves projects which enable you to apply skills developed in the earlier workshops and take greater responsibility for your individual work programme. At this stage, students begin to specialise in their chosen area(s) of art and design.

Stage 3 - Confirmatory stage
Final Major Project
At this stage of the course you will spend your time working in an area in which you wish to specialise at a higher level course or to suit career progression aims. Presenting work in a final exhibition is an important component of this final stage of the course. While the qualification is level 3 overall, the final project is level 4, reflecting the level of demand made on learners by this unit and the preparatory relationships to higher level study.

Find out more about our art and design courses

End Qualification:

BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3)

Entry Requirements:

Interview required

You must be at least 18 years old by the end of the first term at college and should normally have at least one GCE A Level pass, combined with five GCSEs grade C or above including English or Maths. Vocational qualifications in relevant subjects will be accepted as A Level equivalent eg Access or BTEC Level 3 Diploma’s. You will be required to successfully pass an interview with a demonstration of enthusiasm and commitment towards the subject area and bring a portfolio of craft and art work including examples of written work. Individual cases will be considered on their own merits

Assessment:

Assignments and projects are assessed on a continual basis and your overall work and progress is reviewed at major assessment points and during regular tutorials. There are no formal exams although some work will be externally examined. The first six units are graded as pass only with only the final unit graded as pass/merit/distinction.

Progression from this course:

You will have the opportunity to apply for specialist studies in art and design at universities and colleges of higher education at foundation degree or BA degree. There are also opportunities for teacher training. Guidance will be given in preparing for progression to higher education courses, ie building portfolios, preparing for interview.

Locations:

King's Lynn Campus - PE30 2QW, Isle Campus - PE13 2JE

Duration:

1 Year

Start times:

September 2013

How to Apply:

Please apply online using the general college application form

Course Costs:

All students on full-time courses will need to pay a materials / resources fee. Details will be provided before enrolment. If you are under 19 on 31st August in the year you begin your programme, you will not have to pay tuition or registration fees for your course. For students aged 19 or over, there will be a tuition fee (depends on the course) for each year of the course as well as a registration fee (which includes exam fees). However, many students will be eligible for reduced fees and / or financial support towards the costs. Click here for detailed information. Please contact Student Services if you have further queries.

Students will be required to purchase a recommended starter art kit costing approximately £100. Visits are arranged to various exhibitions, as part of the course, which individually cost, a maximum of £15. An optional residential study trip abroad is also planned. Students will also be asked to purchase additional necessary items such as a portfolio and specialist art materials as required.

Additional Information:

If you are aged 19 or over, you may be eligible to apply to the college's learner support fund for financial support with the costs associated with your studies. For more details, please click here or contact student services on 01553 815271 (King's Lynn campus) or 01945 582561 (Isle campus) or 01223 860701 (Cambridge campus)