UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
Mode of study | Vocational Full-time |
Duration | 1 Year |
Campus | English Bridge Campus |
Start date | 1 September 2025 |
Course code | FLR3ARD (2526) |
Shrewsbury Colleges Group is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. |
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Who is it for?
The foundation year is designed to give you a broad based experience of a wide variety of art and design subject areas. It will give you an insight into the range and expectations of different art and design disciplines and provide you with the knowledge, practical skills, ideas and critical judgement to go on and study at degree level. Employment within art and design careers is also an option after completing the diploma.
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Entry Requirements
- 3 A Levels at grade C or above (including Fine Art, Photography, Graphic Communications, Textiles or Product Design) or a Level 3 Extended Diploma at grade MMM or above in a creative subject.
- At least five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths & English Language.
- You need to be over the age of 18.
- Other relevant experience will be considered for students aged over 21.
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What does the course involve?
This course builds upon skills and experience studied through a previous relevant qualification. You will gain insight into different art and design disciplines, improving knowledge, practical skills, ideas, and critical judgement in preparation for further study at the degree level. Our expert and specialised teachers will guide you through the course requirements and help you develop your portfolio of work. With dedicated facilities at the English Bridge Campus, you’ll be in the right environment to progress in this fascinating topic.
There are three parts to this one-year course based at the English Bridge Campus.
Part one focuses on experimental work and developing skills.
Part two will enable you to develop your confidence, independence, and ability within your chosen area.
Part three is a personally directed project, externally assessed. Your final project will be included in the end-of-year art show, which is open to the public.
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How is the course assessed?
You will be required to complete three units of coursework, two are internally assessed, and the final unit is externally assessed.
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How much does it cost?
Students have to provide their own materials, estimated material costs for the year is approximately £300. A contribution towards educational visits may also be requested.
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Additional Notes
You can progress to higher education institutions or universities. Alternatively, you can go onto full-time employment in the fashion and photography industries.
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Further Information
Each year students enjoy a residential ‘contextual studies’ visit to Paris.
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What do I do next?
You can apply online via the APPLY NOW button. You can also apply for a second, alternative programme of study such as A Levels via a separate application. If after reading this factsheet, you are still undecided about the course most suitable for you, please drop in to one of our Open Evenings, ring Admissions on 01743 653111 or email admissions@scg.ac.uk
Megan Butler
A Level Fine Art (Graphic Communication, Spanish)
Previous Institution: Bishop's Castle Community College
The A Level course is so much more in-depth than GCSE – which is great. I will be taking a gap year and travelling, then I would like to explore Interior Design as a career. My final pieces focused on architecture and windows using stencils and digital art. Digital art is something that I really appreciated learning about.
Rhianne Stubbs
A Level Fine Art (Biology and English Literature)
Previous Institution: Priory School
Art at Shrewsbury Colleges Group is so expansive, it’s not just all about portraiture. Your ideas can be endless and the teachers allow you to explore all forms. I really enjoy A Level Art, it’s something I do at College and a hobby for me at home.
Amy Smith
I have learnt many new techniques whilst on the printmaking course with Jay. We have been able to explore individual ideas with just the right amount of support and guidance in a relaxed and creative environment. I am excited to continue printing at home, having discovered a process I love.
Samantha Shoulder
HNC in Fashion and Textiles
The course has given me great opportunities to explore different fashion and textile techniques with support from experienced tutors. It has helped me advance both my skills and confidence in current industry standards.
Georgia Hudson
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design
Previous school: Priory School
Art is the subject that I felt most passionate about and I wanted to study it as a vocational course because I felt A Levels were not for me. I work on art whenever I can, at College and at home. I especially love working with charcoal and I was given the freedom to use this medium often.
Abigail Warham
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Photography
Previous school: Llanfylin High School
My Mum is an Illustrator and my love of photography began when taking photos for her. This course is brilliant with amazing equipment and the freedom to be creative. The College is also in a great location– being so close to town is helpful for all our photo shoots. We get the opportunity to go on loads of gallery trips, which are so educational and inspirational. My work has actually been in Wolverhampton Gallery after a teacher put it forward. I will be going to UWE Bristol to study Photography in 2020, but next year I will be travelling around India with my camera. I would love to eventually work in documentary or fashion photography.
Stella Wharton
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art & Design
Previous school: Bishop's Castle Community College
I was originally applying for A Levels but thought it would be better to just do a solely Art focused course. I love the range of topics we cover in Level 3, we approach art in so many different ways – it broadens our knowledge. It is a friendly environment to work in and the teachers are open-minded and help with inspiration and developing your ideas. I am going to the University of Brighton to study 3D Design & Craft and would eventually like to work in 3D design and education.
Megan Butler
A Level Fine Art (Graphic Communication, Spanish)
Previous Institution: Bishop's Castle Community College
The A Level course is so much more in-depth than GCSE – which is great. I will be taking a gap year and travelling, then I would like to explore Interior Design as a career. My final pieces focused on architecture and windows using stencils and digital art. Digital art is something that I really appreciated learning about.
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