Art Foundation Diploma

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
The Foundation Diploma at Priestley aims to provide an intensive one year course, which is seen as the first stage of a career in Art and Design and as an important preparation for Art / Design related courses in Higher Education. This is a one year Level 3/4 BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and is worth 2 GCE A Levels.

WHAT WILL I STUDY?
The diagnostic stage of the foundation year consists of learning through experimental workshops covering a range of two dimensional and three dimensional media including; drawing, conceptual thinking, painting, sculpture, textiles, fashion, photography and graphic design. The pathway/final major project stages of the course will allow further experimentation and development in an identified area of Art and Design.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?
The course is completed through a final self-set project, which is internally assessed and externally moderated.

WHAT SKILLS AND SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS DO I NEED?
Admission to the Foundation course is through an interview where you will present a portfolio of recent work. Enthusiasm for the subject is vital and can prove just as important as practical skills. Places on this programme are limited.

WHAT CAN I DO NEXT?
In order to prepare you for selecting a Higher Education pathway and building a portfolio for interview, the programme will have an emphasis on supporting and encouraging self initiated learning, whilst offering a wide range of practical skills and knowledge in Art and Design. As the year progresses, you will take the initiative for self directed projects. This aspect of the course is linked to a career choice and concentrates on preparing portfolios for interviews. In the past, successful university applications have included BA (Hons) and HNDs in Fine Art, Textiles, Fashion, Interior Design, Architecture, Animation, Stage Design, Product Design and Graphic Design. In recent years students have successfully gained places on apprenticeships in interior design and graphics.

PRIESTLEY EXTRA
Visits to contemporary art, design and craft galleries in cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Europe will give you direct access to a wide range of historical and contemporary practices that can inform your own development.