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UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
If you are keen to develop your creative skills, explore a wide range of specialist areas, learn new techniques and challenge your imagination to discover where your creative talents lie, the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is for you. The course provides a year of practical study, enabling you to make informed decisions about your prospects as an artist or designer, as well as possible applications to degree courses.
Why Choose This Course?
Successful creative practitioners often have a broad range of technical skills, an ability to think laterally and a desire to evolve their practice. These are all important factors of the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design. The course will break down the boundaries between disciplines to highlight the importance of using a wide range of media and processes.
The course is multi-disciplinary, starting with a series of workshops that embrace a wide range of materials, processes and techniques. As the year progresses, you will aim to specialise in a particular discipline of your choice. The emphasis throughout will be on research experimentation and creative exploration.
Through lectures, you will study the work of other artists and designers relevant to your own studio practice. This will be supported by an (optional) study trip abroad to visit museums and contemporary galleries. Life drawing and printmaking are taught on a weekly basis in order to develop your observational skills and knowledge of various materials.
You will be fully supported through the degree application process with preparation for specialist presentations and the development of portfolios of work.
Apply for this course
Start date: 15/09/2025
Top Course Highlights
Small Classes
Experienced Tutors
Industry-standard facilities
Fully equipped studios
Learn From Practitioners
All lecturers are creative practitioners from across art and design fields and you will be able to learn and share in their knowledge and experience.
Excellent Campus
Work at our Tregye campus, set in stunning mature gardens and a specialist Art and Design building with photo studio, darkroom, print workshop, 3D workshop and computer suites.
Develop a portfolio
Work with lecturers to develop a coherent body of work that reflects your creative preferences and specialist skills.
What Will I Learn?
The course is delivered over three units:
Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice: You will be introduced to a range of practitioners, concepts and specialist techniques. The lecturers will guide you through individual workshops covering a wide range of areas, these include experimental / alternative photography, printmaking, life drawing, illustration, painting, textiles, graphic design, sculpture, 3D design (including CAD), animation and film. You will develop a toolkit of skills that you’ll be able to draw upon for the remainder of the course and into your continuing practice afterwards.
Developing Specialist Practice: This will involve exploring and developing skills within your chosen specialist area, referring to other artists’ and designers’ work in relation to your own and identifying a strong personal direction. Whilst projects will be initially directed, the work will be led by you, with tutors taking on a more advisory role. During this stage of the course, you will also be given guidance in producing an essay exploring your own preferences.
Consolidating Practice:Â You will plan and execute a personal project to create and exhibit a coherent body of work.
Where Will It Take Me?
Progression: Most learners progress on to a degree or similar higher education course after completing the Foundation Art course.
Careers: Upon successful completion of this course, you may choose to find internships or work in the creative industries. Your tutor will help you explore the options available.
Assessment Arrangements
Each of the three units is assessed internally. Consolidating Practice (the final unit) determines the grade overall; this will be a pass, merit or distinction. This unit is assessed and verified internally and moderated externally by UAL. There are no exams.
Entry Requirements
You must have a L3 qualification. If you are 18 years old when starting the course, you must also have English and Maths GCSEs at Grade 4, otherwise these will need to be studied alongside.
Information & Support
Working within the Student Services area, the Student Support team will see you on a one-to-one basis and offer advice and guidance on financial, personal and emotional issues. A professional team of staff work together with your personal tutor to support you so that you can successfully complete your course and recognise pathways to progression after leaving College.
Awarding Body: University of the Arts London
Meet the staff, tour the campus and find out about life as a student at one of the best colleges in the country.
What you could earn
Potential Salary
£65,345
Entry Level Salary
£13,107
Average Salary
£34,943
Annual openings in Cornwall
4
Potential Salary
£55,042
Entry Level Salary
£8,481
Average Salary
£25,107
Annual openings in Cornwall
28
Potential Salary
£43,681
Entry Level Salary
£16,749
Average Salary
£28,372
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£36,347
Entry Level Salary
£15,289
Average Salary
£24,488
Annual openings in Cornwall
6
Potential Salary
£61,180
Entry Level Salary
£18,656
Average Salary
£33,638
Annual openings in Cornwall
9
Potential Salary
£75,470
Entry Level Salary
£26,130
Average Salary
£41,495
Annual openings in Cornwall
4
Potential Salary
£52,651
Entry Level Salary
£14,461
Average Salary
£34,198
Annual openings in Cornwall
7
Potential Salary
£42,466
Entry Level Salary
£11,664
Average Salary
£27,583
Annual openings in Cornwall
