UAL Art and Design Foundation Diploma

Course overview

The University of the Arts London Awarding Body Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a stepping stone between lower-level or high school study a specialist art and design education. This course is designed for progression into further study courses at HND or university level or employment within the arts industry. The course has strong progression into the second year of a 4-year Scottish Degree and into the first year of a R.U.K 3-year Degree.

International students interested in studying the UAL Foundation Diploma should visit the UAL Art and Design Foundation Diploma – International with IELTS | Edinburgh College page. 

The UAL Foundation Diploma has been designed to encourage exploration, experimentation and risk-taking, which will extend your subject knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills. During this course, you will explore new ideas and creative challenges to develop your confidence and independent learning in four main specialist areas used in contemporary art and design practice: Drawing, Painting and Printmaking, Sculpture, Textiles and Visual Communications. By exploring and evaluating different art and design mediums you will develop contextual research skills and a critical awareness of the contemporary visual world. Our annual study trip to London allows you an exciting opportunity to further expand your research by visiting major Art Galleries and Museums to inspire and contextualise your own creative practice and portfolio.

You will work in a collaborative community within a studio environment to complete challenging assignments within deadlines and attend weekly critical and contextual studies. You will be taught by innovative and experienced lecturers and have the opportunity to engage with creative industry professionals and attend regular progression talks from Universities including the University of the Arts London, The Glasgow School of Art, Gray’s School of Art at Robert Gordon University and DJCAD at the University of Dundee. At the end of your course, your final major project will be presented to the public as part of our end-of-year exhibition.

You will be provided with support and guidance on completing your UCAS application and preparing digital portfolios. Our Employability day and HND open days will enable you to make informed decisions when applying to Higher Education or seeking employment within a related industry. 

Edinburgh College was the first College in Scotland to deliver UAL Diplomas and is the only College in Scotland where you can study for the UAL Foundation Diploma.  We have a strong reputation for delivering the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for over 20 years and have strong links with UAL and other major Art and Design Schools and Universities across the UK.

In session 20/2021, our UAL Foundation students received offers for progression to HND or Degree-level programmes in their chosen destinations. Below is a small selection of some of the offers received from our UAL Foundation students in 20/2021 to Degree level study across the UK, with many of our UAL Foundation students receiving multiple offers.

• BDes Hons Product Design at The Glasgow School of Art
• BDes Hons Interior Design at The Glasgow School of Art
• BA Hons Sculpture and Environmental Art at The Glasgow School of Art
• BA Hons Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art UoE
• BA Hons Painting at Edinburgh College of Art UoE
• BA Hons Art and Philosophy at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design
• BA Hons Fine Art at Central St Martins UAL
• BA Hons Fine Art at Camberwell College of Arts UAL
• BA Hons Communication Design at The Glasgow School of Art
• BA Hons Contemporary Art Practice Grays School of Art RGU
• BA Hons Hair and Make-up for Fashion at London College of Fashion UAL 
• BDes Hons Interior and Spatial Design Edinburgh Napier University

Part one: Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice

• Learning Skills and Context: The importance of drawing in the creative process and introduction to specialist areas of art and design

Part two: Developing Specialist Practice

• Development and Progression: Students specialise in two of the areas whilst preparing for UCAS applications

Part three: Consolidating Practice

• Proposal and Realisation
• Final Major Project in one of the four chosen art and design specialisms
• London Study trip – this trip is not mandatory but is highly encouraged and valuable to your learning
• Diploma exhibition

Contextual and Critical Studies (CCS)

• Foundation students develop the essential critical and evaluative skills required for successful Degree and HND study throught this studio based course.
• Foundation students without Higher English have the oipportunity to attend a weekly CCS session to gain 2 x SQA units to strengthen thier UCAS applications: Communication (NC) (FA1W12) and Literature 1 (FA5812)

How the course is assessed

• You will receive written and verbal feedback throughout the course on portfolio submissions and in group crits and tutorials.
• You need to pass each part of the course to progress and undertake the extended personal project in part three. Final grades of either Pass, Merit or Distinction are awarded on submission of your final personal project.

Number of days per week

• 4 days per week

Entry requirements

• Minimum of 1 Higher plus 4 passes at SCQF Level 5 or BTEC /UAL Level 3 Diploma or NC SCQF Level 6.
• You must submit a portfolio that demonstrates your developed art and design skills evidencing a clear understanding of the creative process and potential for progression into Higher Education.
• Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• All applicants for this course are required to submit a Digital Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.
• Specific information on Digital Portfolios and review Sessions for the course you have applied for will be sent to you after you submit your online application form.
• For more information and advice on your portfolio please read the Art and Design Application and Portfolio Guide This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses. 

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English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• You will gain UCAS points (Pass 80 Merit 96 Distinction112) for university applications allowing you to apply for entry to Year 2 at Scottish art colleges 
• Your portfolio will support applications to  specialist HND in Art and Design as well as second-year degree-level study through UCAS 

Career options

• Progress straight into employment within the art and design sector at an intermediary level
• Most UAL Foundation Diploma students progress onto HND and Degree level study before becoming successful practising Artists and Designers.
• Potential occupations:
• Art Director
• Art Educator
• Painter
• Printmaker
• Sculptor
• Animator
• Illustrator
• Fashion
• Textile
• Designer
• Product
• Designer
• Interior
• Designer
• Games Artist
• Graphic
• Designer
• UX Designer