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Going to College

Routes to Art and Design courses in Higher Education.

Do you want to go to university to follow an Art and Design course?

The choice of courses is immense!

How are you going to choose?

The most established route is to take an Art and Design Foundation Diploma

This is a one-year pre-degree course which prepares you for progression to Higher Education courses in Art and Design – related subjects. It follows on normally from : A Level, applied A-level, BTEC National and AVCE.

On an Art and Design Foundation Diploma you will explore a range of 2D, 3D and 4D (media) : practical and theoretical activities in art, design and media which will be a valuable preparation in making choices for progression to the next stage.  You will also receive support in the process of subsequent UCAS applications.

An Art & Design Foundation Diploma is not to be confused with:

  • Year 0 (“year zero”) which is the first year of a four-year BA Honours course.  This usually leads to students continuing in the same institution.
  • A Foundation Year, which is a term used in several degree courses, often in science, where students need additional study to reach the level required for a honours degree course.
  • A Foundation Degree, which is a vocational degree programme offered in a wide range of vocational sectors, including, but not necessarily in Art and Design.  A Foundation Degree can be a full-time, 2-year course, but is often followed on a part-time basis while continuing in related employment.
  • Finally the term “foundation” is not exclusively applied to Art and Design courses.  It is used on the National Qualifications Framework to denote a level 1 course, (see diagram on this site) and there are other uses.

Are Art and Design Foundation Diploma courses all the same?

There is a common framework and assessment process, but there are differences in content and delivery.

How do I find out more?

The map links to the institutions in Hampshire, Portsmouth and Southampton. The following offer Foundation Diplomas in Art and Design:  Alton College, Basingstoke College of Technology, Cricklade College, Eastleigh College, Fareham College, Portsmouth University, Southampton City, Totton College. Check on the institution name for a link to its site where you will find more details about course content and entry criteria.

Applications for Art and Design Foundation Diploma courses are made directly to the Institution, not through UCAS.  Applications for year 0 are made through UCAS.

There are open days where you can visit institutions to find out more about the course and the application process.

Funding : there are differences in approach, some depending on age, and changes are planned nationally in fees structures.  Look on individual web sites for further info.