What is an Art Foundation Diploma? What makes the Art Foundation Diploma course appealing? Dates and instructions for applying for the Art Foundation Diploma Art Foundation Diploma deadlines and how to apply What sources of funding are available? Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art Details Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art Details

What is an Art Foundation Diploma?

An arts foundation diploma is a credential that supports the growth of your creative practise and opens the door to degree-level study of art and design. You will gain specialised knowledge and skills that are not taught at the secondary level during this one-year intensive course.   The UAL Foundation in Art and Design, which is available at Levels 3 and 4, is a crucial qualification that facilitates the transition from general education to specialist art and design education.   The qualification has been created to promote experimentation, risk-taking, and exploration, which will increase learners' critical independence and allow them to demonstrate a thorough comprehension of the pertinent standards needed to advance to higher education.   The qualification is an ideal choice for those who have completed A levels or a Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma in Art and Design, or related subjects.   The programme builds on students’ prior experience, linking skills already acquired with ideas and challenges, which will expand their critical independence and enable them to demonstrate a full understanding of the relevant standards necessary to progress to Higher Education or to a career of their choice.   The qualification is characterised by academic rigour and student-centred learning culture, encompassing: analytical principles; exploratory and investigative practices; contextual research; material experiences and risk taking. These are delivered through a coherent and integrated sequence of learning activities which will enable students to identify and capitalise on their strengths and affinities.   This programme is characterised by experiential, experimental and integrated learning, relying upon the application and transfer of manual skills. Students should value the accidental and disruptive results that can occur, and recognise common principles and distinctive characteristics of subject disciplines within the field of art and design. The qualification is generally delivered over one year but could also be delivered as a part time option over two years.   There are no age restrictions for this qualification, however, most of the students taking thisqualification are expected to be 18+. The qualification is also suitable for adult learners.   The UAL Level 3 and Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is not currently available as part of an apprenticeship.

What makes the Art Foundation Diploma course so appealing?

It will give you the opportunity explore a variety of specialties in the arts, including drawing, painting, fashion, textiles, installation art, printmaking, graphic design, and fine art, by enrolling in an art foundation course. You can decide what you might study at the degree level after building up a portfolio of work to present at interviews. Before applying for a degree, many universities prefer that you complete an art foundation diploma. Open up the art box!

Where can I enrol in an Art Foundation Diploma programme? Dates and instructions for applying for the Art Foundation Diploma

Numerous UK colleges of further education (FE) and universities offer courses leading to the Art Foundation Diploma. The UK's largest provider of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design degree is currently UAL Awarding Body.   You can take it as a standalone course or as a requirement for an undergraduate art degree if you are a student in England or Wales. In Scotland, the Arts Foundation Diploma is typically included in a four-year degree if you study art and design.

Which is better for me, a university or a FE college?

Consider what you want from the experience and your budget. All Art Foundation Diplomas are equal, and both pathways have benefits and drawbacks.

FE college plus points

You're more likely to reside close to a college for continuing education, allowing you to live at home and save money on living expenses.

FE college drawbacks

You put off attending college by a year, possibly missing the opportunity to do so with your friends.   There isn't a way to apply for a combined course; instead, you must use the UCAS application process while pursuing the diploma if you want to go on to complete a full undergraduate degree.

University plus points

You gain the benefit of living away from home while attending art college.   You can apply for a course with an integrated foundation year, which means you only need to complete the UCAS application process once. After successfully completing the foundation year, this virtually guarantees progression to a full undergraduate course.   If you're under 19, the majority of universities offer a fee waiver for the diploma year.

University downsides

You might need to relocate, which would result in higher living expenses.   You'll probably have to pay the full tuition fee if you're older than 19   If you apply for a course that includes an integrated foundation year, switching your degree course may be more challenging if you decide to change your specialism during the foundation year.

Dates and instructions for applying for the Art Foundation Diploma - where do I find entry requirements?

You will typically need an A Level or AS in art design or a BTEC National Diploma in fine art, along with a portfolio of your work, wherever you decide to study. Good GCSEs at grade 4 will also help give you the opportunity to start the course.

FE college

The application procedure is comparatively simple if you want to study at a FE college. By visiting the college website of your choice, you can learn how to apply directly to the institution. The application deadline is typically in the fall.

University and Art School applications

  The application deadline for those choosing to go the university route is in the middle of January. Depending on whether you will be studying in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, or England, the application process will vary.  

England

  In England, you apply directly to the university if you want to take a one-year Art Foundation Diploma course. Although the UCAS application service is not used in this process, universities typically require similar materials like a personal statement and supporting references. On the course details pages of each university's website are more details, including application forms.   Northern Ireland   An Art Foundation Diploma is only offered by Ulster University in Northern Ireland. UCAS is how you apply for the course.   Scotland   In Scotland, art foundation diplomas are uncommon because the first year of a typical four-year degree programme fulfils the same function. For specifics, check the individual course page at one of the few universities that only offer the diploma.   Wales   In Wales, there is no set procedure for submitting an application for an art foundation course. Some institutions accept direct applications, while others use UCAS. For more information, visit the application section on the course information pages on university websites.

What sources of funding are available? What are the tuition fees?

The decision to pay tuition or not will depend on a number of factors, including your age and the school you plan to attend.   As a stand-alone course, the Arts Foundation Diploma   You probably won't have to pay tuition if you are enrolled in the one-year course diploma as a stand-alone course and are under the age of 19.   There will be a fee for students aged 19 or older, but you might be qualified for a grant or loan. You can apply for the Welsh Government Learning Grant in Wales and the Advanced Learner Loan in England.   As a requirement for an undergraduate degree, arts foundation   Universities that offer foundation-year courses for degrees in art and design can charge for the foundation-year component in one of three ways:  

• Free (but not art materials!)
• Charged, but at a lower price than the years of study after that
• Charged at the same rate as the following academic years

  It is worth checking individual university websites for information because some universities that charge for the foundation year offer fee-waivers and bursaries for this portion of the course.   Funding is available for foundation courses that prepare you to undertake degree-level study in Scotland, where taking a foundation year at the start of a degree course is customary. If you fulfil the requirements listed below, you may be eligible for funding:   You enrol for the entire programme, not just the first year.   The foundation year is seen by your college or university as a crucial component of the degree programme.   Your foundation year tuition fees are paid directly to your college or university by the Scottish Government.

UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course Details

Units - 3 TQT Hours - 1,200 Typical course duration - 1 year FT, 2 years PT Typical progression - Higher education, vocational courses, employment, apprenticeships

UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Qualification

Units - 3

TQT Hours - 1,200 Typical course duration - 1 year FT, 2 years PT Typical progression - Higher education, vocational courses, employment, apprenticeships

 

Working with art tutors at IB or A level is a route many students opt for to ensure that they make the progression to higher education across a wide range of art and design disciplines directly from secondary school, and so avoid having to go the foundation degree route to university. An a level art tutor will work with practising artists and designers, including for 3d design, and direct their works towards the relevant standards required to achieve progression to higher education. They offer support and guidance and suggestions for a timetable for art and design students. The one year course gives the opportunity to take part an exhibition and your tutor can help you plan.

 

Online art tuition is delivered by art tutors who guarantee the finest support for your studies. Your a level art tutor will be a graduate of the art and design crafts, and will have studied art and design at degree level. They will prepare a personalised course for students and part of the course will focus on giving the support to help those creative juices flow. An online tutor can also help you to make an informed decision about an application to university, or progression via a foundation diploma in art and design - which may be the better option for many contemporary artists and designers that want to progress and go on to study at a prestigious art school.