Foundation Art & Design Level 4
Course Overview
This fast-paced, one-year programme is ideal for students who have completed their A Level or Level 3 Applied studies, and are looking to refine their creative practice before progressing to university, an apprenticeship or employment. It delivers a broad range of creative skills and techniques while fostering critical thinking and reflective practice. The course aims to help students build a strong portfolio to support progression into higher education or the creative industry.
Students benefit from local, national, and international excursions, as well as workshops and talks from visiting industry professionals, providing valuable insights into creative career opportunities. A dedicated team of teaching staff, all with professional experience in the arts and creative industries, support students throughout the course. The programme builds on prior experience, integrating existing skills with new techniques and processes, contextualised through research and reflective practice. This fosters independence and ensures a strong understanding of the standards required for higher education or alternative career paths.
Module Titles
- Diagnostic Investigation: develops creative understanding through experimentation with materials, techniques, and processes. Tutorials, studio projects, guest speakers, and museum/gallery visits introduce a broad range of art and design disciplines.
- Developing Specialist Practice: allows you to choose a specialism and complete projects relevant to your chosen progression route. Support with university applications (UCAS) and career planning is provided.
- Consolidating Practice: requires you to complete a final major project, producing a body of work for final assessment and an end-of-year exhibition. Previous shows have taken place at venues such as the Fitzwilliam Museum, Kettle’s Yard, and the Museum of Technology.
Key Info
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants should meet the following entry qualifications:
- Grade 4 in GCSE English and GCSE Maths.
- Successful completion of a full study programme of three A Level courses (or equivalent).
- A creative A Level with a minimum Grade B, or a Level 3 Applied Qualification in Art, Graphic Design, or Photography at Grade:
- Extended Certificate: M
- Diploma: MM
- Extended Diploma: DMM
- A portfolio of work must be submitted prior to the interview, demonstrating a standard that will allow you to benefit from the course.
Assessment
- 100% Coursework
- Exam Board: UAL
Why choose this course?
This course is perfect for dedicated and creative students eager to expand their skills and develop a specialist portfolio. The learning experience is enriched through critiques, tutorials, and peer feedback, fostering critical engagement and professional development.
Recent study trips have included New York, where students visited exhibitions at the Climate Control Museum and showcased their work in a pop-up gallery. A London-based residential trip further supported students in gathering primary research to inform their creative practice, learning industry skills, and enhancing professionalism. Industry specialists also provided valuable talks and tuition.
Skills you'll gain
This course equips students with both traditional and contemporary creative skills. While some may be familiar, many will be new, allowing for exciting experimentation with materials, processes, and techniques. Skills covered include:
Drawing, painting, screen printing, lino printing, laser cutting, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere, mould making, 3D workshops, photographic studio and darkroom techniques, felt making, draping, sewing, ceramics, bookbinding, architectural model making, and more.
After Long Road
Many graduates secure exciting opportunities, including London-based internships connected to the course. Others gain places at top universities such as UAL, Goldsmiths, Glasgow, Nottingham Trent, Brighton, and overseas institutions, furthering their creative education.
The Level 4 Foundation in Art and Design has been inspirational. It’s an excellent bridge for developing skills and supported independence, helping me progress.
