Art and Design

Foundation Art and Design (pre degree)

College,Adult
Art and Design
Trowbridge!Salisbury
Study Mode

Full Time

Start Date, Location

Sep 2026, Trowbridge
Sep 2026, Salisbury

Duration

1 year

Cost

£.00

per academic year.
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Course Overview

If you know you want a career in art and design, this Foundation course is the perfect way to discover your strengths and interests, helping you to decide on your future career path. The course covers a wide range of topics including drawing, painting, basic design, surface and colour, 3D studies, printmaking, photography, digital media, and art and design history. At the start of the course you will explore a wide range of media and methods and then diagnose which area fits your abilities and aspirations. During the Autumn term you will choose to specialise in one of four broad areas for the remainder of the course: 3D design and craft, fashion and textiles, visual communications or fine art. (Students often find that the area they choose is not one they had previously considered). You will have a permanent workstation in a well-lit, purpose-built studio with access to excellent specialist workshops for 3D work, ceramics, printmaking, photography and computer work. You’ll receive regular tutorials which focus on your coursework and help you identify your strengths and future progression. During the Autumn and Spring terms you’ll go on organised visits to see galleries and exhibitions in London, Bristol and Oxford.

This course is free for under 19s.

More information

You will study a range of units including:

• Research record and respond
• Personal and professional development
• Media experimentation
• Preparation and progression
• Personal experimental studies
• Investigation into creative practice, developing specialist practice, extended media development
• Final major project
4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths, and 1 A-Level in a related subject, or equivalent.


A recent portfolio of work.
A successful interview.
Your coursework during the first two terms will be assessed as a pass/fail. In the Summer term your final assignment will be assessed, both internally and externally, as a pass, merit or distinction. You will need to allocate around five hours per week for coursework at home.

The final qualification you receive will be either a Foundation Diploma in Art, Design Media or a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media depending on campus.

As part of the programme you will receive guidance and advice on applying through UCAS for a higher education course.
Resource Fee
You will need to pay your £25 non-refundable Resource Fee before coming to enrol. This can be done on the online shop Wiltshire College Online Shop You will need to bring a copy of your receipt to enrolment as proof of purchase. If you cannot pay online, please pay by card on enrolment day.

Stationery
All students are required to provide their own personal stationery to include pads, pens and pencils, poly pockets and folders ready for the start of term. Course tutors will advise of any specific requirements at the start of term.

Equipment
All students will need to pay a Creative materials fee of £225 each year through the Wiltshire college online shop Wiltshire College Online Shop in the first week of term.

This will cover costs for sketchbooks, an art pack, presentation events and study visits. It also provides a contribution towards art materials and media and will ensure you have access to the following consumables:

– Art studio: paints, brushes, charcoal, conte crayon, pencil, ink, papers, canvas.
– Print workshop: Specialist printing ink, assorted paper stocks.
– Photographic workshop: Photographic paper.
– 3D workshop: plaster, wood, metal, glass, plastic and acrylic.
– Fashion & Textiles: Basic fabrics, dyes, pattern paper and sewing thread.
– Vis Com Studio: Large format printer inks and paper.

A1 Black Portfolios and additional materials and sketchbooks are available to buy at cost price from the online shop.

We recommend that if your place is conditional in achieving exam results that you do not purchase items until your place is confirmed.

Books
Your course lecturer will advise of any textbooks that are recommended at the start of term. The college has a fully stocked Learning Resource Centre.

Trips
There are several Gallery and Exhibition trips planned throughout the year. All students will have the opportunity to attend. Your course lecturer will advise as any trips are arranged, and these will be payable on the college online shop which can be found on Wiltshire College Online Shop

This course is free for under 19s.

Ready to apply?

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