University Level
18+ Foundation Diploma in Art & Design UAL
This course is made up of three stages.
The exploratory phase provides you with the opportunity to explore a number of art based disciplines and experiences such as fine art, surface pattern and textiles, illustration, fashion, print-making, photography, applied arts product, sculpture, product and spatial design. You will develop your sketchbook skills with a blog journal of your work in progress to support your electronic portfolio.
During the pathway stage you will be focused within a specialist area. Here you will build on your skills and understanding and develop advanced skills. At this stage you will build up a specialist portfolio in preparation for interviews for Higher Education and employment.
In the confirmation studies stage you will become increasingly independent as you prepare for an externally assessed final major project and an exhibition of your work.
Each stage introduces different specialist knowledge, skills and opportunities to experiment with a wide range of media and techniques so that you can develop your own creative process. Over the term your personal studies will be supported with weekly group tutorials and one to one tutorials. Course enrichment activities include observational and life drawing as well as trips to galleries and museums around the UK. Residential visits to London and European cities take place in January/February.
About the course
Fine Art
Surface Pattern & Textiles
Illustration
Fashion
Print-making
Photography
Applied Arts
Sculpture
Product & Spatial Design
5 GCSEs grades A* - C (or acceptable alternatives) including English Language AND A-Level or BTEC National /Extended Diploma equivalent in Art and Design.
Students must be aged 18 or over on 1st September of the year of entry.
All applicants will be invited to attend an interview with a portfolio of work.
Assessment is continual and takes place at the end of each stage. Units for the Exploratory and Pathway stage are graded at a pass. The Confirmatory stage is graded at a pass, merit or distinction grade.
To achieve the whole qualification, a student must achieve a pass for all 120 credits taken. The final unit which is worth 40 of the 120 credits will be based around a final project where students will exhibit and promote their own work at the end of year exhibition. This part of the course is also graded as pass, merit or distinction and will constitute the final qualification grade and provide extra UCAS points. The final unit is at a Level 4 indicating that students are working at a level equivalent to the start of the first year at Higher Education.
The Foundation Diploma supports an informed and mature choice for Higher Education and employment. It is often required by competitive course at Higher Education nationally and internationally.
Previous students have gone on to study at the London School of Fashion, Goldsmiths, Brighton, Manchester Met and Nottingham Trent Universities.
Will this course suit me?
An ideal student for this course is one who is imaginative, creative and wants to have a future career in the creative arts!
Students are required to provide their own basic equipment as well as pay a studio fee of approximately £50 towards the cost of materials kit provided by the college.
Students are also expected to contribute towards the cost of trips and visits. You may be entitled to help with these costs and anything else you need to buy for your course from the college’s Student Support Fund.
12,270
Employed in 2026 across Sheffield
12,164
Graduate jobs predicted in Sheffield, during 2027
£30,981
Average salary
Similar Courses
Click here to apply now
Key Information
Course Code
P00223
Subject Area
Design and Visual Arts
Campus
Hillsborough Campus