Art and Design Level 3 Foundation Diploma

This intensive one-year, broad-based Level 3 course encourages you to further explore and build on your skills, passion and strengths in art and design so that you can make the right creative career and Higher Education choice.

The course is practical and gives you wonderful opportunities for experimenting with a wide range of materials, processes and techniques before opting for a specialism, developing your individuality, initiative and confidence.

In an inspiring and supportive environment, we provide specialist, balanced and structured teaching to help stimulate your interest in art and design which includes portfolio building, drawing, painting, photography, illustration, printmaking, 3D, sculpture, computer aided design, graphic design, contextual studies and UCAS application support and guidance.

You will take part in challenging assignments, exhibitions and live assignments which will shape your personal independence in developing ideas and assist you in gaining new skills, materials and techniques, while building a substantial and ‘next stage ready’ portfolio of work.

Assessment is project-based, with your work presented through sketchbooks and a portfolio that will be showcased in an end-of-year exhibition.

You will receive regular feedback and support throughout the course through tutorials, reviews and formative assessment. At the end of each of the three stages, your work will be assessed and awarded a grade of Pass, Merit or Distinction.

You need to have completed an extended diploma or at least one A Level in Art, Photography, Textiles or Graphics and have four GCSEs at grades 9 to 4, ideally including maths and English, plus a sketchbook or portfolio of varied artwork.

If you have been out of education for a while and have no formal qualifications but wish to progress to university, you will be required to present a portfolio of accomplished art, design, photography and/or textiles work at interview.

After completing this course, you can progress to higher education by studying a Foundation Degree in Professional Photographic Practice, Fashion and Textiles, or Visual Effects and Post Production, or a BA in Visual Art through the University of Suffolk at East Coast College. You may also choose to continue your studies at another university.

Alternatively, you can progress into an apprenticeship or employment within the creative industries, with career opportunities in areas such as architecture, graphic and web design, illustration, photography, and fashion design."