EastleighEastleigh
The Pre-degree Foundation Diploma offers an opportunity to explore the full range of art disciplines and career opportunities available within the creative industries. If you are unsure of what aspect of art, design and media you would like to study at university, then this programme will help you make an informed choice through practical experience supported by critical understanding. You will be taught within a studio environment with access to specialist equipment, facilities and workshops, each student is provided with a designated work station within the art studio. You will have hands-on experience in all the art disciplines from fine art, illustration, graphic design, fashion, textiles to photography, animation and digital video production.
The course structure is into three core sections: Exploratory; Pathway & Confirmatory each section reflecting stages of the design cycle. Exploratory: Learning Skills and Context. This initial stage you will work across a broad range of specialist workshops to explore a series of visual problems and themes. Pathway: Development and Progression. This stage enables you to start to focus on a specific pathway within art & design. Students will be encouraged to work increasingly independently responding to a series of open assignments. This focus on specialist practice will lead to the production of a digital and paper based portfolio in preparation for your degree course interviews.
Confirmatory: Project Proposal and Realisation. (Level 4 unit) In this confirmatory stage you will work with a specialist personal tutor to write and direct an independent Project Proposal. Students will initiate and research a substantial body of work in response to a subject defined in their proposal and realised through a public exhibition. It is at this point the final grade for the qualification is established.
As part of a series of set assignment briefs, students receive regular feedback through tutorials and group critiques. The open briefs are designed to encourage independence and facilitate an individual response to complicated and challenging visual problems. Students receive feedback at the end of each assignment and are formally assessed at the end of each of the three programme stages, receiving both verbal and written feedback.
Students will also take part in a seminar programme. Final grades are awarded in response to the work produced during the Project Proposal and Realisation stage. This requires students to professionally present their work in a public exhibition. It is at this stage students will determine their overall grade as Pass, Merit or Distinction. Students are expected to attend all taught sessions and have additional access to facilities during self-directed study periods.
College is not just about your course – it’s an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and explore your interests! You can socialise with friends in the café and comfy seating areas, join a club or sports team or attend exciting events around the college. Many of our enrichment opportunities are also great on your CV or UCAS application to demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm outside of your studies.
Your time at college can also be affected by life or health difficulties, and it’s okay to need support. Our specialist teams are here every day to listen and give advice, whether it’s about career planning, financial support, mental health, or something else. And if you have a long-term support need or medical condition, we’ll work with you on personalised learning support to help you achieve your full potential.
