BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

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Will the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design be suitable for me?
Foundation courses in art and design are suitable for those who have already completed A level, AS level or a Btec ND in Art and Design. The Foundation course in art and design remains the most widely preferred route to degree level study in Art and Design. In the experience of university admissons tutors, students who have completed a Foundation course are often equipped with better practical skills, more design maturity and a stronger portfolio than some other applicants.  This can give applicants from Foundation courses the edge over other applicants who are applying with A levels alone.  It is worth bearing this in mind if you are applying for a very popular or oversubscribed course where there is intense competition for places.

If you have the right entry qualifications, can demonstrate determination and enthusiasm to start a new career in the arts and would like to prepare a portfolio of drawings, ideas, design, textiles, 3D studies and photography, for entry to a specialist degree course, then this course is for you.

The Foundation course is the beginning of your journey of self-discovery, an opportunity to explore new methods and materials, ideas and directions, skills and concepts and to experience both traditional and new technologies. At Tower Hamlets we help you discover not just who you are now but who you’d like to become.

What will I learn on a foundation course?
You will undertake a broad experimental approach to visual artwork and cover several specialist areas including fine art, textiles/fashion, printmaking, 3D studies, graphics and contextual studies as well as field trips to galleries and museums. Our course provides you with a stimulating experience, developing your visual and critical skills, through the exploration and practice of art, media and design.

Throughout the course you will complete a series of sketchbooks which will record your creative development.  You’ll also develop a wide range of practical and technical skills in drawing, designing and making.

Typical studies include: drawing, printmaking, textiles, contextual and historical studies, fashion and textiles, three dimensional design and graphic design, visual reasearch and sketchbook development.

What skills will I be able to develop?
You will gain expertise and skills in the use of a variety of mark-making materials, hand tools, machinery, computer graphics, presentation skills
and in working to deadlines.

Part 1- Learning new skills and developing ideas in workshops and studio projects.
Part 2- Building your portfolio and preparing for interviews for higher education or employment.
Part 3- Developing your independence and individuality and working towards a Final Major Project, displayed in End of Year exhibition-open to public, family and friends.

How will this benefit me when it comes to applying for a degree?
A Foundation course will prepare you for entry into more specialised programmes within art and design and help to confirm your choice of subject at degree level.  It is the nationally recognised route to degree level study in art and design.  It help you to make a considered and well informed choice about study at degree level in art and design.

All our staff are practicing artists and designers in the field of fine art, textiles, fashion, ceramics and 3D and engaged in their own projects.