Summary

The course is designed to ensure that you have the utmost opportunity to expand your creative, theoretical and contextual skills. The foundation course is a diagnostic course. It will enable you to understand your strengths and areas for development, and ultimately help you to decide which area you would like to specialise in. It introduces you to a wide range of skills and disciplines, such as:

• Fine art: 2D painting and 3D sculpture
• Fashion design
• Textiles and surface design
• Graphic design illustration
• 4D design: product design, ceramics, applied crafts
• Photography
• Print making
• Contextual studies
• Drawing and sketchbooks
• Creativity and critical analysis

This course is at based at three of our campuses including our dynamic and exciting WISE and Queens Road campuses located within easy reach of the city of Bristol which is accessible by train and by bus. As well as our Stroud campus in the centre of Gloucestershire, this campus is a short walk away from Stroud train station and easily accessible by bus.

How will I know how I am doing?

Assessment is provided through regular one-to-one and group tutorials, critiques and tutor and peer feedback. You will be assigned a personal tutor and will be given structured, achievable targets and clear, regular feedback.

What do I need to join?

A strong portfolio, motivation, enthusiasm and creative enquiry. One A-level or equivalent, preferably in an art design-related area. And five GCSEs at grade 4 or above.

Maths & English

Additional maths and English qualifications can be studied and both are embedded within the course.

Employability

The creative industries have continued to grow through this time of economic change. Traditional opportunities in the creative industries include: 2D and 3D fine art, design, graphics, media, illustration, product design, fashion textiles, print making, teaching, curation, etc. These opportunities are being added to by the growth of digital and online-based opportunities. More of how we work, shop and communicate is based on the visual language being created by yesterday's art students.

Work Experience

Live projects and work experience are integral to the course. You will be encouraged to seek work experience to develop a CV of exciting elements. You will have personal statement and CV writing tutorials to support you, and tutors will pass on exciting opportunities to suit you.

What can I do next?

Students can progress into higher education or employment within the creative industries. The best art design degree courses require this qualification in addition to A-levels, as it guarantees a more accurate specialism choice.

Our students successfully gain entry to a huge range of reputable degree courses; we are highly respected by universities and art schools for the quality of education we deliver and the nature of the students we recommend.

What are my career options?

Careers within art are diverse and include employment as an illustrator, designer, photographer or teacher. Many artists become self-employed.