UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Study Mode: Full Time | Course Level: Level 3/4
UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Where will this course lead?
Studying the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design can open the door to a wide range of higher education and career opportunities within the creative industries. The course allows students to explore different specialist areas such as fine art, graphic design, fashion, textiles, photography, illustration, animation, and 3D design before choosing a pathway that best suits their interests and strengths. Through experimentation, research, and portfolio development, students gain the confidence, technical skills, and creative thinking needed for progression to university-level study or specialist creative courses. The qualification can lead to careers in areas such as design, advertising, visual arts, media, fashion, architecture, and digital content creation, providing a strong foundation for a successful and rewarding future in the creative sector.
What will I study?
On the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, you will explore a broad range of creative disciplines to help you discover and develop your specialist interests before progressing to higher education or employment. You will study areas such as fine art, graphic design, illustration, photography, fashion and textiles, 3D design, concept/gaming art, animation, and digital media through a series of practical projects and workshops. The course encourages experimentation, research, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving, allowing you to refine your technical skills and develop your own artistic identity. As you progress, you will specialise in an area of interest and produce a substantial portfolio of work that demonstrates your creativity, technical ability, and readiness for further study within the creative industries.
How will this course be delivered?
The?UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design?is delivered across one year and designed to bridge the gap between A Levels (or equivalent Level 3 study) and university-level art and design.
The first part of the course introduces a wide range of creative disciplines so that students can explore different areas before specialising. This often includes:
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Fine Art thinking and approaches
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Graphic Design
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Drawing
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Photography
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Fashion and Textiles
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Printmaking
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Visual Communication
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Digital software and editing
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Moving image
Students work through workshops, short projects, experimentation with materials, and portfolio-building.?
After exploring different disciplines, students choose a pathway or area of interest and begin more focused projects. At this stage, work becomes increasingly self-directed and is often tailored toward university applications and creative development
The final stage is a project where students develop and pitch a personal theme to develop into their own brief for the purpose of exhibiting. This must be underpinned by an extensive project of research, experimentation, refinement and reflection.
This One-year programme involves up to 20 hours of study per week over a maximum of four days. Alongside taught sessions, you will be expected to undertake independent study to support your practical projects, research, and reflective practice. Teaching typically takes place between 9:00am and 4:15pm; however, schedules may vary depending on the programme.
What qualifications will I get?
You will achieve a UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at pass, merit or distinction.
How will I be assessed?
You are assessed on your understanding and ability of working through the creative process. You will complete 3 units over the course of the year. The course is completely assessed on coursework with no external exams.
Each unit is delivered in an approximate 10-week block.
Units 1 and 2 are assessed on a pass-only basis, while Unit 3 is graded and allows learners to achieve a Pass, Merit, or Distinction.
You will receive feedback after each assessment and will learn what grade you are working at and how to challenge and improve your work.
All work is assessed internally by a portfolio of practical and written/verbal evidence and are subject to UAL Awarding body's external quality assurance.
How do I get a place on the course?
This course is for learners age 18+.
You must complete an application form. Once your application has been registered you will be invited to attend an interview to determine your suitability for the subject and level.
Places on the course are offered following a successful interview where you must present a portfolio of your work and produce a positive reference.
Portfolios can be physical or digital sketchbooks, presentations or work photographed on your phone, but we are unable to offer places without a valid portfolio.
What are the entry requirements?
To apply for Foundation Diploma in Art and Design you must have a strong portfolio of work and a creative and flexible approach to your work.?A previous qualification in an art-based subject and English language is preferred but not always essential.
You must be aged 18+ at enrolment to study on this course. (We also offer a range of art courses for those under 18).
What else do I need to know?
On the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, you will explore a broad range of creative disciplines to help you discover and develop your specialist interests before progressing to higher education or employment. You will study areas such as fine art, graphic design, illustration, photography, fashion and textiles, 3D design, concept/gaming art, animation, and digital media through a series of practical projects and workshops. The course encourages experimentation, research, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving, allowing you to refine your technical skills and develop your own artistic identity. As you progress, you will specialise in an area of interest and produce a substantial portfolio of work that demonstrates your creativity, technical ability, and readiness for further study within the creative industries.
What can I do after this course?
The UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design - Foundation Studies is a pivotal qualification, which provides a transition from general education to specialist art and design education. This one-year course?is?designed to bridge the gap between college and university. This enables?Foundation Art and Design students to make an informed decision when applying to Higher Education or seeking employment within a related industry.?The programme therefore builds on students' prior experience, linking skills already acquired with new ideas and challenges, which will expand their critical independence and enable them to demonstrate a full understanding of the relevant standards necessary to progress to Higher Education or to a career of their choice.
Blossomfield Campus
Sept-2026
Various
TBC
N/A For 16 to 18 Year Olds
CABAH092BCF0
Full Time
Architect
Architects plan and design the construction and development of buildings and land areas with regard to functional and aesthetic requirements.
What’s Involved?
An Architect liaises with client and other professionals to establish building type, style, cost limitations and landscaping requirements. They study conditions and characteristics of site, taking into account drainage, topsoil, trees, rock formations, etc. They analyse site survey and advise clients on development and construction details and ensure that proposed design blends in with the surrounding area. They prepare detailed scale drawings and specifications for design and construction and submits these for planning approval. They also monitor construction work in progress to ensure compliance with specifications.Youth and Community Worker
Youth and community workers provide support to individuals or groups of individuals through a range of activities or services that aim to encourage participation in social and community life and promote personal and social development.
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Youth and Community Workers organise social, recreational and educational activities in local community and youth groups. They undertake the day-to-day running of community centres and supervise the activities of part-time and voluntary workers. They liaise and support voluntary workers running groups in village halls, churches, mosques and other places of worship. They advise individuals with particular needs or problems through informal discussion, individual counselling or formal group discussion. They also help set up credit unions, encourage parents to establish playgroups, work with other groups to find solutions to shared concerns or problems.Visual Merchandiser
Merchandisers and window dressers replenish stocks of goods in stores, advise retailers on the optimum display of merchandise and create displays of merchandise in shop windows.
What’s Involved?
Visual Merchandisers monitor stock movements, consider customer requirements and assist customers in completing orders. They supply information about the product to the retailer and sales staff and deal with customer enquiries. They consult with advertising and sales staff and advise retailers on the optimal display of a product and of any promotions. They also implement plans from display designers or display managers or develop ideas and plan for merchandise display or window dressing. They prepare area for new display, construct or assemble displays from a variety of materials, and dismantle existing displays and return merchandise to relevant departments. They provide feedback about displays to senior managers.Museum/Gallery Assistant
Archivists and curators collect, appraise and preserve collections of recorded and other material of historical interest.
What’s Involved?
Museum/Gallery Assistants examine, appraise and advise on the acquisition of exhibits, historic records, government papers and other material. They classify material and arrange for its safe keeping and preservation. They maintain indexes, bibliographies and descriptive details of archive material and arrange for reproductions of items where necessary. They examine objects to identify any damage and carry out necessary restoration whilst preserving original characteristics. They also make sure that storage and display conditions protect objects from deterioration and damage. They allow access to original material or material not on display for researchers. They also develop and promote ideas for exhibitions and displays. They negotiate loans of material for specialist displays. They liaise with schools and other groups or individuals, publicise exhibits and arrange special displays for general, specialised or educational interest. They also answer verbal or written enquiries and give advice on exhibits or other material.Artist
Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.
What’s Involved?
Independant Artists conceive and develop ideas and ways of working for artistic composition. They select appropriate materials, medium and method. They prepare sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes. They also build up compositions into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc. They approach managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed. They use artistic skills to restore damaged artworks. They liaise with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations. They also market and sell finished work directly to customers. They produce work on commission basis for clients.Further Education Teacher
Further education teaching professionals supervise and teach trade, technical, commercial, adult education, secondary and post-secondary courses to students beyond minimum school leaving age.
What’s Involved?
Further Education Teachers prepare, deliver and direct lectures, seminars and tutorials. They prepare, administer and mark examinations, essays and other assignments. They advise students on academic matters and encourage independent research. They also provide pastoral care or guidance to students. They participate in decision making processes regarding curriculum, budgetary, departmental and other matters. They direct the work of postgraduate students. They also undertake research, write articles and books and attend conferences and other meetings.Secondary School Teacher
Secondary education teaching professionals plan, organise and provide instruction in one or more subjects within a prescribed curriculum in a secondary school.
What’s Involved?
Secondary School Teachers prepare and deliver courses and lessons in accordance with curriculum requirements and teach a range of subjects. They prepare, assign and correct exercises and examinations to record and evaluate students' progress. They prepare students for external examinations and administer and invigilate these examinations. They also maintain records of students' progress and development. They supervise students and maintain classroom discipline. They undertake pastoral duties. They supervise teaching assistants and trainees. They also discuss progress with students, parents and/or other education professionals. They assist with or plan and develop curriculum.Art Valuer
Estimators, valuers and assessors plan and undertake the calculation of probable costs of civil, mechanical, electrical, electronic and other projects, estimate the value of property and chattels, and investigate insurance claims to assess their validity and to assign liability.
What’s Involved?
Art Valuers examine plans, drawings, specifications, parts lists, etc. and specify the materials and components required. They assess condition, location, desirability and amenities of art to be valued. They assess costs of materials, labour and other factors such as required profit margins, transport costs, tariffs and fare structures, possible hazards, etc. They also prepare comprehensive estimates of time and costs and presents these in report or tender form. They examine insurance documents to assess extent of liability and gathers information about incident from police, medical records, ship's log, etc. and investigates potential fraudulent claims.Product/Clothing Designer
Product, clothing and related designers plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new industrial and commercial products, clothing and related fashion accessories, costumes and wigs, and for building interiors and stage sets.
What’s Involved?
Product/Clothing Designers liaise with clients to determine the purpose, cost, technical specification and potential uses/users of product. They undertake research to determine market trends, production requirements, availability of resources and formulate design concepts. They prepare sketches, designs, patterns or prototypes for textiles, clothing, footwear, jewellery, fashion accessories, set props, wigs, ceramics, plastics, motor vehicles, domestic appliances and engineering products. They also prepare sketches, designs, mock-ups and storyboards for consideration by theatre/film director or client. They submit design to management, sales department or client for approval, communicate design rationale and make any necessary alterations. They also specify materials, production methods and finish for aesthetic or functional effect, and oversee production of sample and/or finished product. They observe and manage intellectual property issues.Graphic Designer
Graphic designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects and animations for computer games, film, interactive and other media.
What’s Involved?
Graphic Designers liaise with clients to clarify aims of project brief, discuss media, software and technology to be used, establish timetable for project and define budgetary constraints; They undertake research into project, consider previous related projects and compare costs of using different processes; They prepare sketches, scale drawings, models, colour schemes and other mock-ups to show clients and discuss any required alterations; They also prepare specifications and instructions for realisation of the project; They liaise with other parts of the production team to ensure graphic design fits with other elements, processes and timescales; They produce or oversee creation of the final product.Web Designer
Jobholders in this unit group design, develop and maintain websites to meet a client's specified requirements.
What’s Involved?
Web Designers liaise with internal/external client in order to define the requirements for the website. They present design options to the client. They design web pages including graphics, animation and functionality to maximise visual effectiveness and facilitate appropriate access. They also develop the website and applications. They design and develop web interfaces for relational database systems. They establish methods to ensure appropriate website security and recovery. They write and publish content for the website. They also test website interaction and performance prior to going 'live', and monitor and maintain functionality of the website. They activate the 'live' website.Journalist
Jobholders in this unit group investigate and write up stories and features for broadcasting and for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, evaluate and manage their style and content and oversee the editorial direction of these types of output and publication.
What’s Involved?
Journalists determine subject matter and undertake research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc. They write articles and features and submit draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor. They select material for broadcast or publication, check style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arrange for any necessary revisions. They also liaise with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing.Higher Education Teacher
Higher education teaching professionals deliver lectures and teach students to at least first degree level, undertake research and write journal articles and books in their chosen field of study.
What’s Involved?
prepares, delivers and directs lectures, seminars and tutorials; prepares, administers and marks examinations, essays and other assignments; advises students on academic matters and encourages independent research; provides pastoral care or guidance to students; participates in decision making processes regarding curricula, budgetary, departmental and other matters; directs the work of postgraduate students; undertakes research, writes articles and books and attends conferences and other meetings.Ceramics Designer
Glass and ceramics workers, form, shape, decorate, smooth and polish glassware, earthenware, refractory goods, clay bricks and other ceramic goods.
What’s Involved?
They use hand tools and operate machinery to heat, bend, shape, press, drill and cut glass. They make artificial eyes, laminated glass sheets or blocks, glass fibre tissue, wool, filament and matting, marks optical lenses and assembles rimless spectacles. They also make models and moulds from moulding clay and plaster for use in the making and casting of pottery and other ceramic goods. They throw, cast and press clay by hand or machine to form pottery, stoneware or refractory goods such as bricks, crucibles, ornaments, sanitary furnishings, saggars, cups, saucers, plates and roofing tiles. They cut and join unfired stoneware pipes to form junctions and gullies, mould sealing bands on clay pipes, prepare and join porcelain or earthenware components and assist crucible makers and stone workers with their tasks. They also apply decorative designs and finish to glassware, optical glass and ceramic goods by grinding, smoothing, polishing, cutting, etching, dipping, painting or transferring patterns or labels.CAD Technician/Draughtsperson
CAD Technicians or Draughtspersons prepare technical drawings, plans, maps, charts and similar items.
What’s Involved?
A CAD Technician examines design specification to determine general requirements. They consider the suitability of different materials with regard to the dimensions and weight and calculate the likely fatigue, stresses, tolerances, bonds and threads. They prepare design drawings, plans or sketches and checks feasibility of construction and compliance with safety regulations. They prepare detailed drawings, plans, charts or maps that include natural features, desired surface finish, elevations, electrical circuitry and other details as required. They arrange for completed drawings to be reproduced for use as working drawings.
