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 3D design
• Textiles, photography, costume, and constructed textiles
• 3D Design (product, architecture, interior, spatialand ceramics)
• 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 include practical workshops, studio work, seminars, essays and assignments.

The units you will study are:

Core Units:

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

All units are subject to change and may be withdrawn.

This course is ideal if you have an interest in Art and Design, achieved at level 3 in art and design (A' Level/Extended Diploma) but wish to expand your knowledge and skills before progressing 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 course team and moderated by the examination board at the end of the course with a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.

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 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.

Respect and Inclusivity: Foster a culture of respect for all individuals, embracing diversity and promoting an inclusive community.

Responsibility: Take ownership of your learning and actions, demonstrating reliability in attendance, participation, and submission of work.

Engagement: Actively participate in lessons and college activities, showing enthusiasm and commitment to your studies.

Collaboration: Work effectively with peers, valuing teamwork and contributing positively to group projects and discussions.

Perseverance: Show resilience in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive attitude and striving for continuous improvement.

Professionalism: Exhibit a professional demeanor, including appropriate communication and behavior, which prepares you for future employment.

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.

Students from households with a low income may be eligible to apply for financial support from the college bursary fund. The bursary applications open from mid August on the college website under the section: Support for Students, Bursaries & Finance.

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, Costume Design, Stage Set 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 an area of art and design. This can include course 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.