Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and art foundation courses

CONTENTS

1. What are art foundation courses?

2. Why take an art foundation course?

3. Where can you study a foundation diploma in art?

4. Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – how and when to apply

5. What financial support is there?

What are art foundation courses?

Known by various names – such as foundation studies in art and design and foundation art courses – these programmes provide a one-year intensive qualification. They teach specialist knowledge and skills beyond those you’ll learn at school, often led by practising artists and designers.

Foundation studies in art and design enable you to experience different creative arts disciplines and develop your creative practice. They bridge the gap between secondary and degree-level study, helping you to determine the area in which to focus.

One of the best-known is the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, which runs at many educational providers across the UK.

Why take an art foundation course?

A Foundation Diploma in Art and Design or art foundation year allows you to explore a range of specialisms:

• Fine art skills such as drawing, painting, sculpture and printmaking.
• Design skills, including graphic design, illustration, fashion and 3D design.

It can be pivotal in helping you make an informed decision about what to study at degree level.

As well as this, you’ll build a portfolio of art to show at interview. Many universities prefer you to complete an art foundation diploma before applying for a degree.

Where can you study a foundation diploma in art?

Art foundation courses are offered at many universities and further education (FE) colleges in the UK. You may be able to study a foundation in art and design as a separate course or as part of an undergraduate art degree.

FE college or university – which is best for me?

All art foundation diplomas are considered equal, so whether you study at college or university routes comes down to preference and your budget or funding.

If you’re looking for a foundation diploma in art and design near you, in most cases it will be at a further education college unless you live near a university. Many FE colleges offer the UAL foundation course.

Studying an art foundation at a further education college

Pros:

• You’re more likely to live near a further education college, meaning you can live at home and save on living costs.

Cons:

• You delay the university experience by one year, potentially missing out on going at the same time as your friends.
• If you want to study for a full undergraduate degree afterwards, you must go through the UCAS application process while studying for the diploma. However, your lecturers will be very familiar with the process and able to offer support.

Studying an art foundation at university

Pros:

• You get the university experience of living away from home.
• You also get to use university-level facilities, which are likely to be better than those available at an FE college.
• You can apply for a course with an integrated foundation year, so you can apply while still at school. It means you’ll continue onto a degree after successfully completing your foundation year.

Cons:

• Applications may be more competitive, as universities attract students from a wider area.
• You may have to move away from home, which means increased living costs.
• If you apply for a course with an integrated foundation year, you may need to switch degree courses if you change your specialism during the foundation year.

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design – how and when to apply

Whether you choose to study a foundation diploma or a foundation year as part of a degree course, you will need to present a strong portfolio of your work.

You usually need an A Level or equivalent in an art or design subject, although some FE colleges will accept you with five GCSEs at grade C or above. You might need a pass in GCSE English and maths. Mature learners may be assessed on their portfolio alone, along with an interview.

Applying for FE college foundation art courses 

If you want to study at an FE college, the application process is fairly straightforward. You’ll apply directly to the institution – find out how by checking the website of the college you’re interested in. Some colleges may only accept you if you are below the age of 19 when you start the course, so that your tuition fees are funded.

Applying for university foundation art courses

The process of applying may differ, depending on whether you’re studying in England, Wales, Northern Ireland or Scotland. The deadline for applying is often mid-January.

England

If you’re applying for a one-year art foundation diploma course, some providers require you to apply directly to the university while others use UCAS. Either way, universities are likely to want a personal statement and a supporting reference. More details can be found on the course details pages of individual university websites.

Northern Ireland

Ulster University is the only university in Northern Ireland that offers an art foundation diploma. You apply for the course through UCAS.

Scotland

Art foundation courses are less common in Scotland, as the first year of a standard four-year degree course serves the same purpose. You’ll need to check the individual course page of the small number of universities that do just offer the diploma for details.

Wales

There's no standard method of applying for an art foundation course in Wales. Some institutions use UCAS, and others accept direct applications. Check the application section on course details pages on university websites for more information.

What financial support is there?

Funding for an art foundation course varies if you are from the UK. Several factors determine whether you pay tuition fees or not – including your age, the level of qualification, and where you want to study.

All international students will have to self-fund their studies.

Art foundation diploma as a stand-alone course

• If you are under 19 and taking the diploma as a separate course, you’re unlikely to have to pay a tuition fee.
• If you are 19 or over, there is likely to be a fee, but you may be eligible for a grant or loan – the circumstances of each course differ, so it is best to check with your college.
• In England, if your course is at Level 4 and approved for funding, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan or the Lifelong Learning Entitlement loan from 2027.

Art foundation as part of an undergraduate degree

Universities offering an art and design foundation as part of a degree can price the year as follows:

• Charged at a lower cost than in the following years of study.
• Charged at the same cost as the following years of study.

Your funding is likely to be the same as for students on a degree programme. But do check, as it can vary. For example, if you study in England and the foundation year is classed as a further education/level 3 course, there may be a fee waiver for students aged under 19. But if you are over the age of 19, you may need to pay the fees yourself.

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