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Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Course overview

Do you want to prepare for a degree in fine art, photography, graphic design, illustration or a related specialism? The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design will prepare you to go on to study a practice-based undergraduate course, giving you the time, space and support to develop your ideas, strengthen your portfolio and take your creativity to the next level.

Explore a wide range of art and design disciplines before focusing on a chosen specialism, and build the skills, confidence and independent thinking expected at degree level.

By the end of this one-year course, you’ll have a strong, personal portfolio and a clear creative direction, ready to progress onto university and begin your journey into the creative industries.

Course information

Challenge your preconceptions of what art, design, and visual communication can be as you learn through a series of dynamic, hands-on projects. We aim to stretch your creativity, helping you to discover your strengths as an artist or designer.

During the course, you will:
• Experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques and creative processes
• Explore new ways of thinking and develop your approach to creative problem solving
• Build skills across different disciplines before choosing your specialism
• Develop your own visual style and creative voice
• Create a high-quality portfolio tailored to your chosen progression route

This one-year programme is designed to be focused and fast-paced, helping you build confidence in your artistic style and vision, so you feel fully prepared to take your next step into higher education. The course is split into three key phases:


PHASE ONE: EXPLORATION
Try new ideas, take creative risks and discover different disciplines through short, experimental projects.

During this experimental phase you will also choose your specialist pathway, from:
• Fine Art
• Graphic Design and Illustration
• Photography
• Fashion and Textiles


PHASE TWO: SPECIALISM
Focus on your chosen pathway, developing your understanding and building an impressive portfolio of work.


PHASE THREE: FINAL PROJECT
Take full creative control with a self-directed project that showcases your skills. This will determine your final grade.