Art and Design Foundation Diploma

Course information

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a wonderful year of discovery. You will have the time to explore your interests in Art and Design and decide which specialism you feel most comfortable developing. If you are coming from A levels, this will be a year away from a ‘school’ mentality; we are keen for you to develop as an independent creative who is willing to push boundaries. If you are someone who feels they just need a bit of breathing space, to have some time to explore and be creative, then this year can be a time to do just that.

This course is very much about practical learning – you will be spending a lot of time in the Art and Design studios, where you will have a dedicated workspace and plan chest to keep all your work organised. The work you produce will build towards a portfolio for you to take with you to interviews and onward employment.

You’ll be exploring a wide range of media and building on skills that you already have. You’ll be studying a subject you enjoy and developing all of the essential skills you need as a creative artist, or designer, as you progress through the course.

Our studios and workshops are bright and airy and we are fortunate in having dedicated 3D, print room and ceramics workshops. Our staff have a range of specialist skills from Fine Art, printmaking, contextual studies, graphics and photography, and we also have supportive technical staff, in the workshops.

The starting age for the ABC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and Media, is 18 years. You can complete the course for free, between age 18-19.

Adults may be interested, but they would need to pay personally, or take out a loan.

What You Will Learn

This one year course is all about supporting you through a wide range of processes such as: drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, graphic design, animation, 3D, textiles and fashion.

It is suited to those who want to progress on into Higher Education or Industry, or who are still unsure about their creative direction, or who want to spend a year exploring their creativity.

We will encourage you to think ‘outside of the box’ and push your ideas, while underpinning these with contemporary and historical themes, artists and art movements. You will engage in workshops, gallery visits and written assignments, whilst developing and defining areas of personal strength and interest.

Entry Requirements

Four GCSEs at grade 4 including English and Maths and a portfolio of Art work, to bring to the interview.

Assessment

Your work will be assessed through regular, 6 weekly formative assessments, when constructive feedback will be given in relation to the practical work that has been produced, through responding to project themes.

There is a possibility in the Spring term to work at Level 4.

Your Final Assignment in the Summer term will be marked at Level 4 and graded Pass, Merit, or Distinction

Progression

The majority of our learners progress onto Higher Education courses such as: Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Fashion Design and Marketing, Textile Design, Fine Art, Art History, Film and Set Design and Costume Design.

Past students have obtained places at top universities, for the creative arts, including: Goldsmiths, St Martins and London College of Fashion.

You can study in universities all over the country; there is also the opportunity for internal progression at Cornwall College with the BA (Hons) Art & Design Practice.

Alternatively, some learners choose to find employment in the Creative Sector.

Some of the students on this course have gone on to study at Goldsmiths University.

Cornwall College Camborne

Cornwall College Camborne

Our Camborne campus has served as a vocational training hub for nearly a century. The iconic Tamar tower and the ‘big top’ that covers our construction and engineering provision, are landmarks known throughout the area. This legacy, combined with an exciting modernisation programme, has made Cornwall College Camborne the home of cutting edge facilities, dynamic learning experiences and fantastic student spaces. Open and modern learning areas, electric vehicle training labs, esports gaming facilities, chill out areas, an award-winning restaurant and plenty more besides, makes this the perfect place to have your #careercollege experience.

Read more on the exciting developments at St Austell & Camborne

Find out more about our Camborne campus

Events

Open Event

Bicton College

Open Event at Bicton College

• 18 Jan 25
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Open Event Taster Event

Cornwall College St Austell

Open Event & Taster at St Austell Campus

• 8 Feb 25
• 8 May 25