Diploma Art & Design - Foundation Studies

We aim to guide students in the development of their intellectual, observational and media skills in order to form a reliable diagnosis of an area of specialism in line with their interests and abilities. You will begin with an 'exploratory' stage in which you will be exposed to a range of skills. You will then move onto the second 'Pathway' stage in which you will being to specialise and develop, until in the final 'Confirmatory' stage which will see you complete a project and exhibit your work.

The 'Exploratory' stage one is diagnostic. You will be introduced to a wide range of art and design specialisms, workshop introductions and media experiences, whilst constantly developing, questioning and resolving your own work. One-to-one and group tutorials play a continuing role throughout the Foundation course.

The 'Pathway' stage two will allow you to select specialist and media areas in order to consolidate your skills, develop and reinforce your specialism, deepen your experience and build up a portfolio for your higher education application.

Specialisms include:

• Fine Art - painting, sculpture, drawing, photography, time based media, and performance
• Textiles, Fashion and Costume - fashion design, photography, costume, makeup for stage and theatre, and constructed textiles
• 3D Design (product, architecture, interior, furniture, ceramics and jewellery
• Graphics and Illustration (graphic design, advertising, illustration, animation, games art, and photography)

You will be encouraged to develop your own path and find your way of doing things. The final stage of the course uses and develops the skills you have gained throughout the foundation year. This 'Confirmatory' stage three is a period of sustained study centred around a personal final major project, which will be written by you (with guidance) with a clear orientation towards your specialist degree choice. The course culminates in an end of year public exhibition which is hung/installed by you with full technical support. The exhibition is an opportunity to showcase the work you have been producing and to begin to experience the world of professional art and design, promoting your own work and making links with the public.

Methods of learning Practical workshops, studio work, seminars, essays and assignments.

The units you will study are likely to include:

Core Units:

1. Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practise
2. Developing Specialist Practise
3. Consolidating Practise

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

This course is ideal if you have an interest in Art and Design, wish to progress to university and wish to gain a Level 3/4 qualification in Art and Design.

Through ongoing coursework and a final major project which is graded by the art team and moderated exam board at the end of the course as pass, Merit or Distinction.

If you are aged 16-18, you will join a Study Programme. We will make sure you are working at the right level on your core qualification and are challenged to achieve the highest level of qualification you can. All students will continue to improve their maths and English and if you don't have a grade 4 (C) at GCSE, we will work with you towards achieving that goal (subject to specific entry requirements for particular courses). Work experience will be part of your study programme and complement your college study and prepare you for employment. You will also get involved in activities to help you develop life skills and to build your confidence so you can make progress in your career. Weekly timetables will include tutorial support which may comprise of full group activities or one to one sessions to discuss individual progress or support needs.

• A range of different artists, crafts and designers both from current art practise and in art history and other cultures

• The creative industries relevant to a specific chosen area of focused interest

• Sustainable practise in the creative industries and how this can be applied to student's own studio practise.

• develop specialist skills in a range of art and design materials, techniques and processes relevant to The chosen course of study
• develop skills in applying design ideas, problem solving and to be able to Apply them to specific design project briefs
• develop skills in presenting art Work in a portfolio of Work, both digital and practical to Prepare for progression to employment or university.

• To be able to plan and organise your own work to meet industry standards and expectations in the creative industries and to meet specific timescales

• To be able to work as a reflective practitioner, evaluating and analysing work practise and action plan to make changes and improvements to own work practise

• To be able to take responsibility for your own work through project management and development, responding to feedback from potential clients or stakeholders.

All Level 3 students at Booth Lane are advised to purchase a starter kit of essential media and materials at a cost of approximately of £90.

There will also be a studio fee of approximately £200 to cover the costs of specialist materials and equipment.

The foundation course provides a wide range of opportunities to progress onto higher education courses. Here are just a few of the possible courses you could apply for.

Fashion, Fine Art, Fine Art Painting and Drawing, Games Art, Graphic Communication, Illustration, Interior Design, Architectural design, surface Pattern design, Sculpture, Ceramic and glass design, Photography, Product Design, Textile design.

Pass at Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design (or 3 A Levels) plus GCSE grade 4 in English and maths & a portfolio showing your skills & particular interest in art. This can include BTEC artwork & personal work produced at home. The level of course you enrol on will be based on the quality of your artwork.

We recommend that you attend one of our exciting open events so that you can look around the department, the college and meet the tutors. You are welcome to do this before or after you apply. These events have proved very successful in ensuring students and their families see the best of what the college has to offer such as our inspirational teaching areas, teachers, library facilities and places to eat.
Once you have applied our experienced Enrolment Team will consider your application carefully and will let you know, by email, if the College would like to make you a conditional offer based on you meeting the specified entry requirements. If your predicted grades or career aims suggest that an alternative subject area or course level would be more appropriate for you at this stage, we will contact you either by telephone, email or text. If you have told us that you have some additional support needs we will contact you to find out more so that we can help you.