UAL Foundation Diploma Art and Design

The Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, awarded by UAL (University of the Arts London) offers experience of art, design and media subjects, preparing you for work or higher education. The course is specifically designed to challenge higher-level learners, particularly students with a vocational Level 3 or A-Level profile.

Blackburn College is part of the UAL School and College Network, and are one of only 10 in the country to achieve this status. This means that all our students will benefit from:

• Industry specialised lecturers
• Invitations to a range of relevant talks and workshops - face to face and digital
• Advice & guidance from a UAL representative
• Help with portfolio development, creative careers and pathways to industry.
• UAL set assignments

As part of the UAL network, Blackburn College tutors will also meet and share good practice with the other 9 UAL approved colleges around the country, to make sure our students are receiving the best learning experience possible. This Foundation Diploma is extremely well regarded across design education in the United Kingdom and abroad.

We have a first-class record in placing talented students on the best degree course at institutions such as Ravensbourne, Chelsea School of Art & Design, Ruskin School at Cambridge, Leeds College of Art, Goldsmiths, London College of Communication, The Slade, Wimbledon, Camberwell College of Art, Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. Many students on the programme also progress on to Blackburn University Centre.

The course consists of 7 units, where learners are encouraged to explore materials, media and ideas. Learners then build on techniques they have learnt to initiate their own research and final projects. Pathways include moving image and audio production, photography, graphics and visual communication, fashion and textiles, fine art and three dimensional design.

1 A-Level or a BTEC qualification and 4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 or completion of a Level 3 course

Assessment is developmental and continuous. Feedback is given to learners so they know exactly how they are progressing. In the final stages of the course learners initiate a final project, working with the staff team to do so, which is internally assessed and externally moderated. It is against this final project that the learners are assessed for their final grade, either pass, merit or distinction.

This course provides an excellent springboard to some of the best creative arts and media degree courses in the UK. The Foundation Diploma is also mapped to a range of art, design and media related degree courses at the Blackburn University Centre. Some learners also progress directly to employment within the creative industries.

Many students choose to progress on to programmes at Blackburn University Centre which allow you to follow a range of specialisms. These include:

• Graphic Design
• Animation and Game Arts
• Photography and Moving Image 
• Fashion and Textiles
• Fine Art

These courses are all validated by UK Top 15 Lancaster University.