Art, Design & Media Foundation Diploma

“I have learnt so many new things and feel much more confident about my next step”

Entry Requirements

Students have usually completed a Level 3 course in an Art and/or Media related field, however applications are welcome based on portfolio evidence. This is a course for students aged 18.

Subject Intent

The creative industries include so many different avenues of study and employment in the UK; a gate way into these starts with a Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media. As a requirement for many creative higher educational programs, the program builds on student’s prior experience, linking skills already acquired, with ideas and challenges which extend their critical independence and provide them with a full understanding of the career opportunities.

The intent and design of the course is to provide students with the skills, knowledge and understanding to make informed decisions, facilitating progression to higher education in the areas of Art, Design and Media, or into related employment.

At the heart of the course is the creative development of the individual student. Within the wide breadth of study, students are encouraged to carve out a path which they intend to take on into their next educational or employment choices. With opportunities for experimentations, applications of skills and finally celebration of work in the form of exhibition, the course allows for students to reflect on where they desire their own creative journey go.

Course Introduction

The Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media at Scarborough Sixth Form College is an exciting, creative and innovative course. It's a place for you to explore a diverse range of practices, and then to specialise in an area of your choice. It's the route to help you access competitive Higher Education establishments or employment in the Creative Industries.

You will be part of an outstanding, lively department with specialist facilities and discreet foundation classes, taught by highly qualified, friendly, dedicated staff with their own specialisms.

Students will engage with a range of Art and Media disciplines in the exploratory stage of the course including Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Textiles, Fashion as well as Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, Illustration, Animation and Games Design. Students then decide their chosen specialism of Art, Design or Media through discussion.

As well as practical skills you will also develop creative problem solving, analytical and critical thinking, communication, the ability to use your own initiative, time-management and organisation and, of course, the practical skills in your chosen area. You will also learn how to set up your own exhibition culminating in a final end of year show.

Course Modules

Stage One – Exploratory Stage

Students work collaboratively and independently in a range of disciplines in new and exciting areas, including Graphic Communication, Moving Image, Animation, Photography, Illustration, Sculpture, Printmaking and Fine Art whilst underpinning with Art History and Drawing. This element is to broaden skills using a variety of methods and to increase knowledge of various art practices.

Stage Two – Pathway Stage

Students then decide on their chosen specialism area through discussion. Students will also develop their portfolio and prepare for UCAS. Staff help students with all aspects of their university application including assisting with personal statements and interview and portfolio advice. Alternatively, staff will also help students find apprenticeships and employment in related fields. You will have full access to the College’s experienced Careers Service.

Stage Three – Confirmatory Stage

Students will work on a final project leading to an end of year show. The final project will be a culmination of the skills learnt and will demonstrate contextual references, research, planning, problem solving, evaluation and presentation skills.

Assessment

Assessment is entirely through coursework. Students must pass each stage before moving to the next.

There are three assessment points:

Exploratory Stage: Assessed at the end of November

Pathway Stage: Assessed at the end of February

Confirmatory Stage: The final exhibition in June forms the assessment of this stage and the qualification grade in which the student is awarded

Course Fact

Our Foundation course is unrivalled in expectations, teaching and results!

Example Career Opportunities

Architect | Interior Designer | Animator | Art Gallery Curator | Photographer | Fashion Designer
Art Therapist | Graphics Designer