Art & Design | UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design | (Post A-Level)
Why this course?
The Foundation Diploma is an exciting and fast-paced course which will enable you to build on your prior knowledge and skills, and to explore your creativity at a deeper level. We will develop your creative independence and encourage experimentation in a dynamic and safe creative environment.
Throughout the course you will experience a wide range of processes and contemporary approaches to creativity which will allow you to define your individual creative practice.
- Specialist art studios and workshops
- Opportunities to gain valuable work experience with external clients
- Industry relevant and residential trips
- Outstanding progression rates to university or employment
Start dates
| Start | |
|---|---|
| September 2023 | Apply |
Entry requirements
To join this course you need at least one A-Level at grade C or higher (or equivalent Level 3 qualification) in a creative subject. Plus five GCSEs grades 9–4 (A–C) to include English and maths, and a portfolio of your creative work.
Entry to the course includes a 1-1 in person interview. This will be with one of the Tutors, Curriculum Manager or Head of Creative Industries.
During the interview you will be able to discuss and present your portfolio of work and ask questions. This will be an opportunity for us to talk to you about your work and interests.
What we are looking for?
- Evidence of good drawing skills and a sound understanding of the formal elements; line, tone, colour, texture, pattern composition
- Ability to handle different media, techniques and processes
- Inventiveness and experimentation
- Ability to generate ideas and develop ideas from concept through to realisation
- Evidence of work that has involved students in design decisions and problem solving e.g. fashion, jewellery, textiles, costume, stage sets, prints, 3D design
- Sketchbooks and notebooks demonstrating a students ability to research, experiment and explore ideas through both visual and written approaches
- An interest in historical and contemporary aspects of art, design and general cultural issues
- Energy, self motivation, commitment and a genuine enthusiasm for the subject
- Students that are accepted onto the foundation course are sent a project brief over the summer holiday period to undertake prior to the start of the course in September
Pre-entry preparation
You should familiarise yourself with a range of contemporary and historical aspects of art and design.
Below are some of the commonly read texts which should be available in your local library. These are useful starting points, you are not expected to have read them all:
The Story of Modern Art Norbert Lynton
Ways of Seeing John Berger
The Shock of the New Robert Hughes
Blimey and It Hurts Matthew Collings
Design Thomas Hauffe
Design in Context Penny Sparke
Objects of Desire Adrian Forty
Design for the Real World Victor Papenek
The Elements of Colour Johannes Itten
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Betty Edwards
Experimental Drawing Robert Kaupelis
You also should familiarise yourself with and read magazines such as Freize, ArtForum, Crafts, Blueprint, Domus, Creative review, IconEye, International Textiles and Vogue to explore future career directions.
About this course
Throughout the course you will experience a wide range of processes and contemporary approaches to creativity which will allow you to define your individual creative practice. For example, you can explore 3-D design, fashion and textiles, fine art, illustration and graphic design.
The course has a long association with many prestigious universities and guided by the professional lecturing team, you will create an impressive portfolio to assist your progression to university or for seeking employment in the creative industries.
This course is based around project assignments exploring various disciplines and a final major project. You will undertake independent work, study historical and contextual theory and develop your portfolio.
Exploratory stage: Learning skills and context
This stage includes short project assignments and workshops. At the end of this stage all your work will be assessed by your tutor to decide which specialist pathway best suits you. The five pathways of study are:
- Fine art
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Fashion and textiles
- 3D design
Pathway stage: Development and progression
Having selected a specialist art and design pathway you will begin to develop your skills and understanding of your chosen specialist pathway in greater depth. You will build a portfolio that will enable you to both fulfil your pathway units and apply for university. An increasing level of independence and maturity of approach is expected at this stage of the course.
Final Major Project (FMP): Proposal and realisation
You will consolidate the experiences of the previous two stages. You will undertake a self-initiated final major project which culminates in an exhibition at the end of the course. The FMP is assessed at level 4 and graded; Pass, Merit or Distinction.
- Brighton MET's Visual Arts department is extensive and has excellent art and design facilities
- Your own studio space, Mac computing suite and facilities for 3D crafts, printmaking, fashion, laser cutting
- A big arts community at the College from Level 1 through to Foundation Degree level
- Access to the MET’s student services, including career advice and additional learning support
- Cafés and coffee bars with a wide range of reasonably priced meals, snacks and drinks
Why the MET?
You will have the opportunity to work on real live projects commissioned by internal and external clients, and participate in contemporary fine art competitions and exhibitions, including the highly regarded annual UAL Origins Exhibition.
The department has a wide range of full-time and sessional staff who are all practising artists and designers involved in Brighton’s buzzing art and design scene.
Whether you’re a school leaver or mature student, if you want to work in the creative industries but need guidance in finding your direction, there are staff here who will help you to focus and realise your potential.
Without a doubt, one of the reasons we know you will love studying at Brighton MET is the location of our Central Campus.
Right in the heart of Brighton’s world-famous North Laine, the College is within walking distance of all the city’s main amenities – the award-winning city library, the independent shops and eateries and the beach.
Facilities
- Brighton MET's Visual Arts department is extensive and has excellent art and design facilities
- Your own studio space, Mac computing suite and facilities for 3D crafts, printmaking, fashion, laser cutting
- A big arts community at the College
- Access to the MET’s student services, including career advice and additional learning support
- Cafés and coffee bars with a wide range of reasonably priced meals, snacks and drinks
Assessment
The course is divided into three stages of which you are required to pass each stage before progressing to the next.
The final stage, stage three, is graded at pass, merit or distinction.
Project work for assessment will take the form of sketchbooks, design sheets and planners and should include your reflections and final outcomes.
After this course
Further study
This course is the preferred progression route to higher education art and design specialised study and the majority of students use this course as a stepping stone into higher education.
We have an excellent track record of placing students at prestigious universities and art colleges throughout the UK.
Degrees level courses at Northbrook College include Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Digital Design, Fashion, Textile Design or Theatre/Set Design.
UCAS tariffs for Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
- Pass 80
- Merit 96
- Distinction 112
The Foundation Diploma is a contemporary, innovative and challenging course that allows you to explore a wide range of disciplines including:
- Fine art, fashion and textiles
- Photography and film
- Animation and sound
- Graphic art and design
- Illustration and 3D crafts
Future careers
Employment in the art and design industry normally requires applicants to have studied at degree level.
- Fashion, textiles, jewellery and accessory design
- Graphic design
- Illustration
- Product design
- Interior design
- Concept art
- Art education
- Furniture design
- Architecture
- Exhibition and museum curatorship
- Printmaking
- Theatre design
- Set design
- Prop making
- SFX design
Course fees
This course is free (you do not have to pay fees) if:
- You are a UK citizen, hold EU Settlement Status or have a visa which could qualify you for home status.
- AND you are under 19 on 31 August in the year you are studying.
More information about fees for college courses and financial support for 16-19 year olds can be found here. Please speak to our Admissions team if you have any further queries: admissions@gbmc.ac.uk | 01273 667704
If you are an overseas student, please contact the international team at international@gbmc.ac.uk
Additional costs
You will be required to purchase drawing materials. A portable hard drive (500GB minimum) will also be beneficial to support your learning.
There may be some trips planned in the year which may incur incidental costs.
You may wish to purchase resources appropriate to the presentation of your work especially for the final major project and final show such as presentation materials, structures or props.
Other courses you may be interested in …
This contemporary, innovative and challenging course allows you to explore a wide range of disciplines including fine art, photography, film, animation and sound, graphic art and design,illustration, fashion, textiles and 3D crafts,