UAL Art and Design Foundation Diploma

Course overview

The UAL Foundation Diploma is recognised as one of the best preparations for progression into specialist Higher Education Art and Design study in the UK.

The course is challenging and encourages creative exploration, experimentation and risk-taking. You will be prompted to expand your subject knowledge, critical thinking, and practical skills to create a college-level portfolio for applications to HND and Degree courses across the UK.

Approaches to drawing and contextual research underpin the course. At the same time, you explore four main specialist areas: Painting and Printmaking, 3D/Sculpture, Textiles, and Visual Communications, delivered by subject specialists in our studios and Mac Labs. You will develop a broader awareness of the different perspectives, approaches and ethics within diverse creative practices.

You are encouraged to reflect on your experience as you progress, and to choose two specialist areas to explore further. During this time, you will be supported in preparing applications and portfolios for HND and degree-level study. Futures Day, HND presentations and University talks will enable you to make informed decisions when applying for Higher Education or employment within the Creative Industries. 

During the course, you will benefit from studying in Scotland's Capital City and have the opportunity to expand your research further, visiting major Art Galleries and Museums to inspire and contextualise your creative practice and portfolio.

Students specialise towards the end of the course, independently initiating and developing an extended personal project within a chosen professional context. Using the skills gained over the course, you will consolidate your practice, realise your creative ideas and have an opportunity to present your final project at the end of the year assessment.

Our Foundation Diploma students are very successful and receive offers to HND and Degree-level programmes across the UK. Recent offers our Foundation students have received, with many receiving more than one, include;

• HND 3D Computer Animation at Edinburgh College
• HND 3D Design at Edinburgh College
• HND Contemporary Art Practice at Edinburgh College
• HND Textiles at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: Graphics at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: Illustration at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: User Experience at Edinburgh College
• 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
• BDes Hons Product Design at The Glasgow School of Art
• BDes Hons Interior Design at The Glasgow School of Art
• BDes Hons Interior and Spatial Design Edinburgh Napier University

We are the only centre in Scotland where you can study the transformational, highly respected UAL Foundation Diploma to fast-track into second-year degree study, and the course is fully funded for eligible students.

What you will learn

Unit 1: Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice

In this unit, students will undertake a diagnostic investigation into visual language and creative practices. This exploratory investigation allows students to become familiar with and experiment within a wide range of creative disciplines (art, design, craft, and media) as part of their journey to, or reinforcement of, specialism in Unit 2.

Unit 2: Developing Specialist Practice

This unit will provide students with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices they have developed in Unit 1 of the qualification, and to define their creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and position their creative endeavour within their chosen specialist practice.

Unit 3: Consolidating Practice

This unit aims to provide students with an opportunity to take control of their own learning and demonstrate their achievement by independently initiating, researching, completing and evaluating a project proposal and realisation within their chosen professional context.

Students must pass all three mandatory units to be awarded the qualification.

How the course is assessed

• You will receive written and verbal feedback throughout the course on your portfolio submissions, as well as in group critiques 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

• 3 days per week

Entry requirements

• Minimum of 1 Higher or 1 A-level

Or

• UAL Level 3 Diploma

Or

• SQA NC Level 6.
• Plus four passes at SCQF Level 5 or equivalent
• You must submit a portfolio that demonstrates your developed art and design skills, evidencing a clear understanding of the creative process and a 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 prepare a Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.

Specific information on 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 Guid.e This includes guidance 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. 

Privacy Notice School Of Art And Design

English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• You will gain UCAS points (Pass 80, Merit 96, Distinction 112) for university applications, allowing you to apply for entry to Degree and HND courses across the UK and internationally.
• Progression on successful completion of the course to an HND within the School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College.
• Widely recognised for second-year entry to four-year Art and Design Degrees in Scotland, depending on each institution’s specific entry requirements.
• Widely recognised for first-year entry to three-year Art and Design Degrees across the rest of the UK, depending on each institution’s specific entry requirements.

Career options

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