Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is an intensive one-year course which students complete after their A level or L3 Vocational studies and before progressing onto a degree. Foundation is effectively a 3rd year at 6th form. It is primarily designed to bridge the gap between Sixth Form and University studies, supporting progression to a subject specialist art and design programme at Art College, or to an Honours Degree at University.

Awarded by: UAL Awarding Body

  • Course Information
    • Course Code
      LVD3FAD
    • Learner Aim Reference
      50079281
    • Price
      FREE if under 19 when enrolling. £5421 if over 19.
    • Attendance Pattern
      Daytime
    • Study Mode
      Full Time
    • Course Location
      Langdale Road, Leyland
    • Age Group
      School Leavers (16-18)
    • Course Duration
      1 year
    Download course information Apply today
  • Overview

    Visual Arts

    Runshaw College is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.

    The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is designed to enable you to produce a substantial portfolio of work.

    There are three units to the course.

    Unit 1 Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice

    In this unit, students will undertake a diagnostic investigation into visual language and creative practices. This exploratory investigation allows students to become familiar with and experiment within a wide range of (art, design, craft and media) creative disciplines as part of their journey to, or reinforcement of, specialism in Unit 2.

    Unit 2: Developing Specialist Practice

    This unit will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices they have developed in Unit 1 of the qualification, and to define their creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and position their creative endeavour within their chosen specialist practice.

    Unit 3: Consolidating Practice

    This unit aims to provide you with an opportunity to take control of your own learning and demonstrate your achievement by independently initiating, researching, completing and evaluating a project proposal and realisation within your chosen professional context. Unit 4 is the culmination of the course and an opportunity to further refine and demonstrate specialist skills.

    Course Highlights:

    Visits to Art Galleries, outdoor locations, exhibitions and museums

    Follow us online:
    Pinterest: FAD portfolio

    Instagram X

  • Equipment Required

    As this is a high-level course building on previous experience, it is assumed that you will already have a range of drawing and painting equipment. You will need to build your own set of materials.

  • Entry Requirements

    Students must be aged 18+. The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Runshaw College has a reputation for excellence. In order to maintain and develop these high standards, to apply for the course you must have achieved good A Level grades (A*-C) or good National Diploma grades (Merit, Merit, Pass or higher) with at least a Grade C or a Merit grade in an art subject.

    You must also have achieved GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above in an Art based A Level, or MMP in Vocational Level 3 creative subject, M or above in UAL L3 creative subject is also required. Special consideration will be given for students from a non-art background.

    Advice and guidance on obtaining a relevant English and/or maths qualification can be provided at interview. Exceptionally gifted candidates without these qualifications will also be considered. All prospective applicants will be interviewed and must show enthusiasm, commitment and creative ability through a portfolio of artwork.

    All prospective applicants will be interviewed and must show enthusiasm, commitment and creative ability through a portfolio of artwork.

  • How will I be assessed?

    On the course you will be introduced to a variety of art and design disciplines and will experiment with a range of media, materials and working methods to enhance your creative talents, identify your strengths and build a substantial art portfolio. Our students use their Foundation year to develop a creative maturity and to define an increasingly independent and individual approach to their creative practice. Wide ranging research and a willingness to experiment and explore are an important part of the course.

    Constant evaluation with group critiques will help develop an understanding of your progress. There are assessment reviews at the end of all stages with a final exhibition at the end of Stage 3. On successful completion of the course, you will be awarded a Pass, Merit or Distinction. Stages 1 and 2 are assessed at Level 3. Stage 3 is assessed at Level 4.

    In the final part of the course you will specialise to complete a personal Final Major project – the grade achieved for this project forms the whole qualification grade. Project work includes practical artwork and written evaluation/annotation/research.

  • Progression Pathway

    Our students progress to a wide range of degrees at prestigious institutions throughout the UK.
    A range of exciting career opportunities are available in the creative industries including:

    • Animator
    • Art Therapist
    • Arts Administrator
    • Ceramics Designer
    • Community Arts Worker
    • Digital Arts
    • Fashion Designer
    • Fine Artist
    • Furniture Designer/Restorer
    • Tattoo Artist
    • Graphic Designer
    • Illustrator
    • Interior & Spatial Designer
    • Jewellery Designer
    • Museum Curator/Exhibitions Officer
    • Photographer
    • Printmaker
    • Production Designer
    • Theatre/TV/Film
    • Sculptor
    • Teacher/Lecturer
    • Textile Designer
    • Web Designer
    • 3D Designer
  • Health, Safety & Well-Being

    Runshaw College is committed to ensuring you have a happy, successful and productive time with us – ensuring your health, safety and well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

    We proactively encourage the disclosure of any disabilities or issues which may impact on your learning experience – this can be at interview, enrolment, or at any other stage during your studies. Any information you disclose will be held in strict confidence and will be used to assess your in-class support needs and inform a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEP) to ensure your safe evacuation from the College in the event of an emergency. If you would like further information, please contact Course Enquiries on 01772 642040.

  • Safeguarding

    Runshaw College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

  • National Careers Service

    For guidance about what careers subjects can lead on to please follow this link to the National Careers Service.