A Foundation Art and Design course can be extremely helpful for anybody looking to study an art-related degree at university. 

It bridges the gap between secondary school and undergraduate level education, and provides students with the necessary skills, qualifications and experience to take the next step to university.

Many universities require students to have studied a foundation art or design diploma before studying your degree.

What is an Art Foundation Diploma?

An Art Foundation Diploma is a level 3 and 4 course that is taught over the course of one year. It is studied after secondary school level to gain the qualifications often needed to apply for an art-related university degree. 

It is available to both UK and international students, and is a great introduction to art school for students looking to pursue this path. The art foundation diploma can be studied as a generic course, or as a specialised programme focusing on a particular art or design subject; such as illustration. 

Who is the Art Foundation Diploma intended for?

The Art Foundation Diploma course is ideal for students who want to pursue a career in the arts, design or media, but do not perhaps have a strong background in these areas. The course is also ideal for students who know they like art or design, but aren't sure exactly which subject area to specialise in and pursue as a career. The foundation diploma introduces students to a broad understanding of the options available, for example, illustration, photography, graphic design, and more. 

At the Online College of Art and Design, students have the option to explore several art and design paths in the first semester of their course. Following this, you can specialise in a chosen pathway. 

The course is usually open to secondary school graduates. Some institutions may have specific requirements in order to apply for the foundation diploma, such as a portfolio submission or certain GCSE results.

What art and design subject can you study?

Art foundation diploma courses tend to cover a broad range of subjects in art and design. The subject areas available to study differ across institutions. Make sure to research the course details of any Art Foundation Course you are interested in applying for. 

Let’s take a look at some of the most common topics below.

Architecture

This pathway gives students the opportunity to explore key concepts in architectural design, and provides the skills needed to study architectural degrees at university level. The Architectural Foundation Diploma involves a combination of practical and theoretical aspects, introducing students to fundamental architectural design practices and theories. This pathway prepares students for university study in:

• Architecture
• Architectural design
• Interior architecture

Digital media and animation

Students learn the techniques and practices involved in digital art and animation, and helps students learn how to use digital-art-based software, such as Adobe After Effects. The digital media and animation pathway of the Art Foundation Diploma helps prepare students for university study in:

• Digital media
• Animation
• Design
• Game design
• Digital publishing
• Marketing

Photography

Students learn the fundamentals of using a digital camera, as well as learning how to use editing software. This topic also explores key concepts in photography, such as lighting, composition, and controlling manual camera modes. You’ll be encouraged to develop your own unique vision as a photographer and express this through your portfolio. This Photography Foundation Diploma pathway prepares students for university study in:

• Photography
• Design
• Digital media
• Film making
• Marketing

Fashion

This topic focuses on essential design skills in textile and fashion, while encouraging students to develop their own trends and custom pieces for their portfolio. Students learn more about pattern-cutting, 2D and 3D design, and manufacturing skills, and also help students improve their freehand and digital illustration abilities. 

Typical university pathways after studying a Fashion Foundation Diploma include:

• Fashion design
• Fashion communications
• Fashion photography
• Jewellery design
• Textile design

Film

Students learn about fundamental filming techniques and equipment, as well as the history of film, genre conventions, pre-production and post-production. This pathway gives students the confidence to develop their own directive vision as a filmmaker and craft a quality portfolio. 

Typical university degrees studied after a Film Foundation Diploma include:

• Filmmaking
• Animation
• Visual arts
• Composition for media
• Television production

Fine art

Fine art has a strong practical focus, where students learn how to express their personal artistic style, ideas and skills. It also involves learning about cultures, design theories and concepts in fine art. 

Common degrees studied after Fine Art Foundation Diplomas include: 

• Fine art
• Art history
• Interior design
• Fashion design
• Graphic design
• Photography

Graphic design

Students develop their basic understanding of graphic design software, such Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. Through guided teaching and creative exploration, students learn how to create unique visual designs. 

Common degrees studied following the Graphic Design Foundation Diploma include:

• Graphic design
• Digital media
• Illustration
• Animation
• Marketing
• Digital publishing

Illustration

Students learn about the techniques and methods involved with drawing and illustration. This gives students the confidence to craft their own unique vision as an artist, and create fluent, creative illustrations for their art portfolios.

The Illustration Foundation Diploma prepares students for university study in:

• Illustration
• Animation
• Graphic design
• Fine art and illustration

Interior design

The Interior Design Foundation Diploma pathway teaches students about the fundamentals of interior design, both from a practical and theoretical perspective. Students learn about core concepts, including colour theory, balance, scale, focal point, proportion, and more. This pathway prepares students for university study in:

• Interior design
• Interior architecture and design
• Furniture design
• Textile design
• Product design

Where to study an Art Foundation Diploma

There are several institutions that offer the Art and Design Foundation Diploma. Where you study will depend on what you are looking to gain out of the course, for example, do you want to study the course online, or in person? Do you want to study with an established art school?

The Art Foundation Diploma can be studied here at the Online College of Art and Design. We offer students flexibility, with the ability to study online, from anywhere in the world. Students can explore their artistic abilities through a variety of pathways, including photography, fine art, graphic design, illustration, 3D (architecture, 3D design, sculpture), fashion and textiles.

Which Universities accept the Art Foundation Diploma?

The Art and Design Foundation Diploma is formally recognised qualification. Many universities across the UK accept students who have completed a Foundation Diploma course as an entry requirement for further studies. 

Some notable examples of UK universities that accept art foundation include:

• 
  Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
• University for the Creative Arts
• Plymouth University
• University of Sussex
• University of East London
• University of Leeds
• University of Glasgow

It's important to note that the acceptance of an art foundation diploma may vary by institution and programme, so you should check the specific requirements of any school you are interested in applying to. This is not an exhaustive list, but rather a selection of examples.

Top UK universities for studying Arts degrees

The UK is home to some of the world's top universities for art degrees, offering a wide range of programmes in fine art, graphic design, fashion, and more. 

Some of the top universities in the UK for art degrees include:

• 
  The University of Oxford
• The University of Cambridge
• Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London
• The Glasgow School of Art
• The University of Edinburgh
• The Slade School of Fine Art, University College London
• The University of Bristol

This list is not exhaustive, there are many other universities in the UK that offer high-quality art degrees, and the ranking of universities may vary depending on the ranking agency and the subject area.

How much does an Art Foundation Diploma cost?

The cost of an art foundation diploma will differ depending on the institution and location, as well as whether the course is full-time, part-time, online, or in-person.

It can cost anywhere from around £3,000 to £10,000 per year to study an art foundation diploma. For international students, the cost is often much higher, ranging from around £5,000 to £15,000 per year.

The fees may also include additional expenses, such as materials and equipment, so be sure to check the course details, or with the institution if you are not sure. They will likely be able to provide you with a breakdown of the costs.

Study your Art Foundation Diploma with OCAD

Find out more about the Art and Design Foundation Diploma at the Online College of Art and Design (OCAD. 

Explore subject areas that interest you, and hone your skills in your chosen area throughout the course. We’re happy to help with any questions you might have - simply get in touch with us.