Foundation Art & Design Level 3

The long-established tradition of the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is given a new lease of life by UAL Awarding Body to provide a fresh, flexible and challenging approach to this pivotal qualification. The units have been designed with open assessment criteria to encourage exploration, experimentation and risk taking. Learning through projects, practical investigation, presentations and group critiques will enable students to develop strong communication skills and support the transition from general to specialist art and design education

There are three key parts to this qualification which is awarded by University of the Arts London Awarding Body (UALab). • Unit 1 Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice (Level 3) • Unit 2 Developing Specialist Practice (Level 3) • Unit 4 Consolidating Practice (Level 4)

Delivering the qualification through University of the Arts London provides prestige, excellent connections and professional development for our staff and students. Most importantly, we deliver this programme holistically so that students develop strong critical awareness and transferable skills. This course runs across four days with an additional independent study day to make up a five day week. Most students have part-time jobs alongside this course, but we recommend no more than nine hours per week to be able to cope with the intensity of the programme.

There will be regular trips to galleries and museums and visits by artists, and you will also visit the UCAS Design Your Future Excel Centre. Two residential trips are usually integrated into the year. Recent destinations have included Berlin, Venice and Lisbon. You will have the opportunity to be selected to exhibit their final project at a prestigious venue in London during the summer, providing a fantastic platform to meet industry professionals and grow in confidence. You will also undertake 35 hours of work experience in relation to your creative

Students will usually go on to study an Art and Design based subject at undergraduate level. Past students have gone on to study at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London, Central Saint Martins and Edinburgh College of Art, and many more.

This course is preparation for entry to BA and Foundation Degrees in Art, Design and Media. Most degree courses require students to have completed a Foundation Course.

This course provides UCAS points and coupled with your previous UCAS points and an exciting portfolio of work, will help you get into your first choice University.

5 GCSEs at Grade 4 including a creative subject and English & Maths, and 2 A-Levels at a grade C or above.

Materials - Kit: £0, Studio materials: £80, Colour print credits: £20 (Total £100 payable at enrolment. You may be eligible for a bursary for up to 75% of this amount)

Day trips - approx. £50 (paid separately on request)

Students may find they want to purchase their own specific materials when working on individual projects.

Tuition fee is free for eligible students aged 18.

19+ tuition is £5,421 and you may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan. Please enquire for more information.

As part of your course we may organise trips to assist you with your learning. Trips are optional, and you will not be penalised if you choose not to participate.

There are bursaries available to help you with other course costs. Call 01235 216 212 for more information.

The rules on fee reduction are complicated and we would encourage you to talk to our Admissions staff on 01235 555 585 to discuss your options. You can find more information on our Fees and Bursaries page - search "Fees and Bursaries" at the top of the page.

UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

UCAS Points: Pass = 80Merit = 96Distinction = 112

There are no formal exams on this course; however, a project proposal for the final project realisation is submitted to the exam board and assessed alongside the final exhibited project. The end of year show is externally moderated by UAL Awarding Body. The final grade is based on Unit 4 alone where you will achieve a Pass, Merit or Distinction. You need to pass both prior units before you can embark on the final project, although these are not graded to give you space to to take risks, experiment and explore specialisms new to you.

Feedback is given regularly and supports your learning and there are formal assessments where you evaluate all of your work at the end of each half-term. This feedback will support you in making a decision about your next steps and you will focus on producing a portfolio for University interviews.

Coursework is assessed in relation to seven key areas: • Context • Research • Development of Creative Practice • Problem Solving • Planning, Progress & Production • Evaluation & Reflection • Communicating and Presenting a Creative Practice

There is an extended essay that forms the basis of your research in Unit 4 and this will prepare you for the academic rigour expected in Higher Education.

You will develop a broad range of techniques and processes and be encouraged to transfer those skills across specialisms in order to be experimental. You will develop your critical thinking skills and self-awareness in order to make informed decisions about your specialist area. Academic and research skills will also be emphasised alongside the practical work, in order to prepare you for Higher Education.