Foundation Art and Design

Course Information

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design Level 3 at Coleg y Cymoedd, Nantgarw Campus is a full-time, one-year course, awarded by the WJEC.

This pre-degree course helps students define their individual practice and prepares them for further specialist studies in art and design. The following UCAS points will be allocated to learners who have fulfilled the requirements of this qualification: Distinction 112, Merit 96, Pass 80.

All students need to be over 18 to apply.

Overview

This intensive one year course is long established and nationally respected.

The course core values are: to be professional, inspiring, responsive, and creative.

Students develop skills and portfolios required to undertake degree programmes in art and design. The projects studied allow students to experience a range of materials, processes, creative ideas, and technologies, enabling them to successfully identify and explore degree choices.

With a diagnostic starting point leading towards a chosen specialist study of Fine Art, 3D, Graphic Communication, Illustration, Fashion/Textiles, Animation or 3d. All students have access to personal and specialist studio space plus workshops facilities in areas such as ceramic, 3d, photography and print making.

What will I study?

Designed around three distinct stages of development, this dynamic art and design course begins with broad ‘taster’ of studies allowing students to experience a variety of art & design specialism. Accumulation of skills and knowledge acquired lead to a final major project and end of year publically viewed exhibition.

Students will be encouraged to develop a rich visual language and emphasis is on analysis, creativity and experimentation. The art and design foundation course also aims to develop your practical and critical awareness of the contemporary visual world and related contexts. The Diploma in Art and Design, is taught through a variety of lectures, tutorials, workshops, demonstrations and guest speakers. Students will also have the opportunity to travel overseas on a city visit, and make regular trips to museums and galleries in the UK. The course culminates with an end-of-year student exhibition that is open to representatives from art and design industries, schools and the public.

Stage One (Exploratory Stage) An exploratory stage introducing core elements of art and design. These include Media Techniques and Processes, Diagnostic Drawing Projects, Research Techniques, Photography, Design Studies, Digital Media and Making and Construction.

Stage 2 (Developing Specialist Practice) The second stage introduces a wide range of different types of art & design. Students are challenged to think creatively as they are encouraged to intergrate and incorporate different aspects of art and design to produce innovative work. Options include: 3D, Graphic Communication, Illustration, Animation, Fine Art, Fashion and Textiles.

Stage 3 (Confirmatory Stage) In the final stage, students will continue to focus on a specialist area as they work towards a final year exhibition. This extended period of self-directed work will require the use of skills, knowledge and experiences developed throughout the course. Students will complete a Final Project and produce an End of Year Exhibition.

All students need to be over 18 years by the 1st of September on the yea of entry to apply.

The following UCAS points will be allocated to learners who have fulfilled the requirements of this qualification: Distinction 112, Merit 96, Pass 80.

Qualification: WJEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Progression

By the end of this course you will be equipped with an impressive set of qualities that are highly sought after by employers. The course will help you demonstrate a number of competencies and transferable skills including the ability to work independently, organisation and planning, self-motivation and self-management, and visual presentation (to name but a few). Students who successfully complete all parts of the course will be awarded a WJEC Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. Whilst this is a valuable qualification in its own right and will provide you with excellent employment prospects, you can also apply for a HND or BA (Hons) degree course at university or a teacher training course. Due to the progressive nature of the course many ex-learners have continued onto prestigious undergraduate art and design degrees. Many also opt to undertake teacher training courses and continue to share their good practice and enthusiasm for art and design.

Entry Requirements

5 GCSEs A* – C including English Language or Maths AND 1 x A Level OR BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or NVQ Level 3. Relevant experience during employment. You will be required to provide a portfolio of work during your interview. You must be 18+ years of age. Mature learner applications are welcome.

How do I apply?

Apply direct

Apply now

Fees and Funding

No tuition fees

Registration Fee Payable on Enrolment: £30.00

Studio Fees: £65.00

Staff Information

Jessica Moss – Course Leader Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

01443 663 015
Block D, NDG05A, Nantgarw Campus

jessica.moss@cymoedd.ac.uk

Facilities

Six base studios for fine art, illustration, graphics, 3D, animation, fashion and textiles
Specialist 3D workshops
Large Photographic Studio
Large Darkroom
Apple Mac Suite (Adobe Creative Cloud)
PC Suite (Adobe Creative Cloud)

What our students say

Lauren Morgan

“The best opportunity for anybody interested in the creative industry. Helped me to build confidence, develop a portfolio and discover areas of art and design that I never thought I would enjoy. A massive thank you to the brilliant tutors who are really passionate about what they do and this has a great impact on the course. I know I’ll always look back on my time on foundation and think of how much I achieved during a year. Best year of my education!”

Rhodri Morris-Stiff

“Studying the Foundation Art course this past year has allowed me to reconnect with my artistic side, to rediscover the passions I had before getting drawn into the sciences. The FAD at Coleg y Cymoedd has creative, enthusiastic lecturers, fantastic and diverse equipment, and a bright environment in which creative work is encouraged. I would recommend the Foundation Art and Design course to absolutely everyone, but it is a necessity for those wishing to explore the arts.”