Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice Kingston University

Why choose this course?

This accredited course prepares you for the study of art and design at the degree level. You'll gain an understanding of visual communication, three-dimensional design, fashion and fine art. You'll explore a range of art forms, media and techniques, and begin to develop your own creative style.

You'll be taught by a broad range of tutors who all work within the creative industry. These will engage you in a critical investigation of your work, progression aims and ambitions. You'll take part in regular research and drawing trips; studio, gallery and museum visits to London also form part of the course.

Reasons to choose Kingston University

• You'll use the excellent resources at Kingston School of Art's Knights Park campus, working on joint projects with degree students and live briefs whenever possible.
• You'll work in small groups of students, with regular one-to-one guidance from tutors and industry professionals.
• You'll have multiple opportunities to visit studios, galleries and museums in London, and participate in research and drawing trips as part of the course.

What you will study

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course focuses on four main areas:

• Visual communication - graphic design, advertising, packaging, bookbinding, art direction, social design, film, illustration, animation, model making, curation
• Three-dimensional design - architecture, landscape architecture, interior, product, furniture, prop and set design
• Fashion and fabrication - menswear, womenswear, costume, fashion photography and constructed textiles
• Fine art - painting, mixed media, printmaking, installation, sculpture, performance and photography

Please note

Places are limited and the number of applicants is extremely high. We expect applicants to have attended one of our open days. You'll hear more about the course, meet staff, visit the ground-breaking workshops and studio spaces at our Knights Park campus, where many art and design courses are based, and receive guidelines about how to apply and what to include in your portfolio.

Course content

The course runs from September to June and is divided into three parts.

Part 1

Introduces the principles, techniques and demands of the art and design industry. A six-week rotation of workshops examines each of the four areas. This helps you understand them and make an informed choice on what you want to study.

Part 2

Marks the start of your specialism. You'll explore your subject choice in detail and broaden your technical and conceptual skills. You'll also prepare your portfolio for degree-level application.

Part 3

You will complete an eight-week project using the knowledge, skills and confidence you have acquired. The project culminates with a public exhibition.

This Pearson BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice runs seven Units throughout the three parts of the course. All students will be provided with the Foundation Student Handbook and full details of each Unit will be provided in Unit guidelines.

Core units

• Researching, Recording & Responding
• Media Experimentation
• Preparation and Progression
• Information and Interpretation
• Personal Experimental Studies
• Extended Media Development
• Final Major Project

Please note

Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.

After you graduate

The Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice will help you choose the degree course that best suits you. Students progress to study architecture, fine art, graphic design, illustration animation, fashion, product and furniture design and interior design.