Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design

• Subject area: Art & Design
• Course type: Full time

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Course description

This is an intensive, fast moving one year programme of practical study introducing you to the broad field of art and design. The primary purpose of the course is to enable you to identify your strengths and aptitudes so that you can select and gain acceptance on to a specialist degree course suited to your needs and career plans. You will explore a whole range of approaches to art and design with specialist tutors in the large purpose-built Arts Building.

The course starts broadly and becomes more specialised as the year progresses. In the first term you explore a wide range of materials and processes through rapid introductory projects. In the second term you will begin to consolidate your growing sense of direction through the selection of three specialist options in areas such as Graphics/Illustration, Fine Art, Fashion/Textiles, Photography, etc. In the third term you will devote your time entirely to an in-depth six week project which will become part of a public exhibition. There is a programme of drawing that runs one day a week, throughout the first two terms.

The course includes a series of weekly lectures which seek to challenge and inform you about contemporary and historical issues and help you to locate your own practical work within a broad cultural context. There will also be trips to galleries and visits by artists/designers and recent former students. Two study trips are integrated into the year: an initial four day visit in September followed by a week long stay in February. Recent destinations have been Zagreb, Beijing, Berlin, Istanbul and Marrakesh.

The Foundation year provides a crucial link between A Level and specialist degree courses. At the same time it is a year of exciting challenges and new pathways which we believe you will find both refreshing and rewarding.

Final award

Edexcel (BTEC) Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design.

Entry requirements

The minimum age for this course is 18 years by December of the year of entry. You should have obtained a minimum of one A Level supported by a minimum of four GCSE’s at grade A to C or equivalent – although in fact the majority of students admitted to the course will have passed two or more A Levels. You also need a portfolio of recent work, sketchbooks and a personal statement to bring to your interview. (National Diploma Art and Design is an alternative acceptable qualification).

Applications from mature students (over the age of 21) without formal qualifications but able to demonstrate ability, are also welcome.

This course is also offered part-time through two days attendance per week over two years.

Contact details

Telephone Abingdon Campus on 01235 555585, or Witney Campus on 01993 703464 or Email enquiry@abingdon-witney.ac.uk

Additional information

*Students aged 16-18 will not be required to pay the full course fee, in most cases your fee will not exceed £150. Please contact us if you need more information regarding fees for full-time courses.