Aimed at post A-Level students as well as mature students with relevant experience or qualifications, this course is a required prerequisite for most university level creative subject areas. You will study a very broad range that includes painting and drawing as well as workshops in 3D, traditional and non-traditional skills. There is a focus on materials, processes and methods as you develop your own considered approach. You will need to be self-motivated as you will be set challenging work. The Foundation Diploma programme at Reigate School of Art has a reputation for ensuring individual care and attention to its students.
The Art & Design Foundation Diploma provides an excellent grounding for application to higher-level courses. This course is a prerequisite for progression to BA and specialist courses in art and design. The FAD programme enables students to make a decision about their personal pathway in art and design through support, guidance and studio practice. This programme deals with the development of an individual’s personal creative intentions and provides rigorous preparation for application to higher-level courses in all areas of art and design. You will receive individual support with all aspects of application to university, writing personal statements, making digital portfolios,portfolio construction, designing a website, photography/film recording, interview techniques, etc.
The course will include a variety of research trips to art galleries, museums, and places of special interest that will support your studio work, and if possible, a residential research trip. You will enjoy the chance to use well-resourced specialist Art and Design workshop facilities, and have a series of life drawing workshops, which will enhance your portfolio of work. You will also get a number of opportunities to exhibit and work in our large, unique, purpose-built gallery as part of your Foundation Diploma experience.
On this course you have the opportunity to specialise in:
- Fine Art - Painting, Drawing, Printmaking, Sculpture; Time-Based Art; Installation; Performance.
- Graphic Design, Visual Communications and Illustration; Game Design and Concept Art; Animation.
- Fashion, Promotion, Styling, Forecasting, Textiles, Costume Design and Interior Decoration; Digital Design.
- Three-Dimensional Design, Crafts, Metalwork, Jewellery, Furniture Design.
- Model Making and Special Effects; Theatre Design, Props and Screen Arts; TV Film and Theatre Arts.
- Product Design, Industrial Design and Automotive Design.
- Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Interior Architecture and Interior Design.
- Photography, Web Design, Digital Arts and Film
- Art History, Design History and Contextual Studies.
- Academic study for non-Art courses at university.
- Personal development of a marketing strategy to sell/promote your own work online.
UCAS application is given a high significance; students will be coached through the process to support their application through digital portfolio, website presentation, and building an effective portfolio for interview. This course prides itself on very high success and progression rates into top universities, as well as a strong enrichment program, including a number of research trips, UCAS Create Your Future in London, and trips to national museums and art galleries. It also is one of the highest graded UAL Foundation Diplomas in the country and is a UAL Centre of Excellence for Foundation Diploma and digital portfolios.
UNITS/TOPICS COVERED:
The UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma Specifications
Stage 1 - Unit 1: Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice Level 3 - 29 Credits: This Stage will give you opportunity to experiment and discover your specialist interest in Art and Design through short energetic projects.
Stage 2 - Unit 3: Developing Specialist Practice Level 4 - 46 Credits: This stage will be an opportunity to explore in-depth your specialist subject with a small number of 6-week projects using the workshops, the Gallery and the studios.
Stage 3 - Unit 4: Consolidating Practice Level 4 - 45 Credits: This stage is your Final major Project which is a subject of your choice and a project of your design, hopefully culminating in a public exhibition of your work in the Gallery.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
This information will be available from the curriculum staff at interview.
One A Level in an Art or Design subject, or an Extended Diploma in Art or Design, plus a recent portfolio of artwork as evidence of ability, and a minimum of 5 GCSE’s grade 4-9. This course also acts as a comprehensive progression route into university for students with an Extended Diploma qualification. Mature students who do not have formal qualifications are encouraged to apply and bring a portfolio to their interview. All students regardless of grades will be considered for this course if they can demonstrate their appropriateness for this subject field.
Careers guidance and portfolio preparation is an important feature of the course along with support with your UCAS application. The Foundation course has a very high reputation for placing students on exceptional undergraduate degree programmes across the country, both within London, further afield and internationally.
On-going formative assessment takes place throughout the academic year, including individualised developmental 1 to1 tutorials, and formal assessment at specific points on the academic calendar. A UAL Assessor also externally moderates the course at the end of the year.
Students aged 16 to 18, or those aged 16 to 24 who have a valid EHCP and are studying a full-time course, do not have to pay a course fee.
Students aged 19+ (without an EHCP) may have to pay tuition fees. Please contact Client Services for more information.
For more information about financial support, please click here.
Please note:
There may be additional costs for equipment and educational visits.
This information will be given at your interview and will be payable at enrolment.
