BTEC National Foundation Diploma - Art and Design

This one year course is ideal if students are interested in pursuing a career in art and design at a professional level. The course is predominantly practical enabling students to explore fresh and inventive ideas to develop an individual voice and style through experimenting in a range of art and design disciplines. It is taught through a series of artist-led workshops, lectures and seminars. There is a studio fee of £100 but this course is not subject to tuition fees.

Program structure

Exploratory Stage This is diagnostic in nature and enables students to identify their potential and personal preference for specialist areas of study. Students are encouraged to experiment with a variety of materials and methods and are introduced to the six main areas of study : Fine Art, Visual Communication, Fashion/Textiles, 3D Studies, Photography/Video and Contextual Studies. Pathway Stage

Students produce a portfolio of work and carry out research into their chosen specialist area. Study options may include: Animation, Ceramics, Fashion, Graphics, Illustration, Jewellry, Painting, Photography, Print-making, Sculpture, Glass, Surface Pattern, Textiles, Theatre Design and Video. Confirmatory Stage

Students complete a self directed final major project, which is presented for assessment and certification in the form of a public exhibition held at the end f the course. All three stages of the program are supported by visits to galleries and places of interest.