Art & Design Foundation Diploma FAQ
All sorts of people take FAD courses for a range of reasons. Some of these include:
- students who have done art & design A levels but aren't quite at degree level yet
- students who know they want to study a creative degree but aren't sure which degree is right for them
- students who are considering a creative degree but who aren't 100% sure and want to study art & design full time for a year before deciding
- students who didn't have a chance to study creative subjects in sixth form
- students who want more time to develop their portfolio before applying to university
Isn't it just a foundation year?
No - there is a lot of confusion between different "foundation" courses.
A Foundation DEGREE is a 2 year full time HE course which is equivalent to the first two years of a degree or an HND. Often it is possible to go from an FdA/FdSc on to a one year "top up" course to get a BA/BSc. These are funded like a university course (~ £9k fees plus living costs loans).
A Foundation YEAR is an extra year on an HE degree (so a 3 year degree becomes 4 years). Some foundation years are designed for students with the wrong A level subjects, others are for people who didn't do as well as hoped at A level and some are for people from certain backgrounds. These are funded like a university course (~ £9k fees plus living costs loans).
An Art & Design Foundation DIPLOMA (FAD for short) is a one year FE course that bridged the gap between A levels and degree for Art & Design courses. These are funded like an Access course (no fees for under 19 year olds or ~£5k fees for those over 19 and no living cost loans).
What award do I get?
There are three main FAD exam boards: UAL, Edexcel/BTEC and ABC. All three offer both Level 3 and Level 4 FAD courses. Level 3 FADs attract UCAS Tariff points but Level 4 don't (because they're considered equivalent to first year university study).
Edexcel/BTEC and UAL also offer an Extended Diploma which is a two year course that can be done straight from GCSE.
There are some FAD style courses that don't result in an official qualification (eg Royal Drawing Academy Foundation course)
Where can I study it?
There's no global listing of FAD courses online anywhere
We've collected some links to the main UNIVERSITY FAD courses below. However because you can't get any living cost loans a LOT of people study a FAD at their local sixth form or FE college. It's really up to you what you can afford and whether you want to upheaval of moving to university for a one year course before possibly moving elsewhere.
| University | Exam Board | Level | Entry Requirements | Places |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arts University Bournemouth | UAL | 3 | CC at A level | 300 |
| Arts University Bournemouth (Intensive 6 month) | UAL | 3 | CC at A level | 20 International only |
| Bucks New | ABC | 3 | 1 A level | 100 |
| Northern School of Art | UAL | ??? | 1 Alevel | ??? |
| Coventry | ??? | ??? | ??? | ??? |
| De Montfort | UAL | 3 | 1 A level | ??? |
| Hereford College of Arts | UAL | 3 | 1 A level | ??? |
| Kingston | BTEC | ??? | 1 A level | ??? |
| Leeds Art University | UAL | ??? | 2 A levels | ??? |
| Loughborough | UAL | 3 | 2 A levels | 170 |
| Manchester Metropolitan | UAL | 3 | 2 A levels (or an A in 1 A level) | 185 |
| Oxford Brooks | UAL | 3 | CC at A level | ??? |
| Plymouth College of Art | UAL | ??? | ??? | ??? |
| Ravensbourne (Media Production) | UAL | 3 | C at A level | 100 |
| Ravensbourne (Design & Media) | UAL | 3 | C at A level | 100 |
| Ravensbourne (Fashion & Textiles) | UAL | 3 | C at A level | 100 |
| Sunderland | ??? | ??? | 32 points from one A level | ??? |
| UAL - Camberwell | UAL | ??? | 1 A level | ??? |
| UAL - Central Saint Martins | UAL | ??? | 1 A level | 550 (only 240 Home/EU places) |
Edit October 2022 - UCA are no longer offering FAD courses.
How do I apply?
NOT through UCAS.
Because FAD courses are FE nor HE you apply directly - that means that you can apply through UCAS and have additional applications for FAD courses as well.
Deadlines are normally LATER than UCAS but not always (eg Man Met has a December deadline)
What about Fees and Funding?
If you're under 19 at the start of the course then you would normally not pay any tuition fees. You might still have to find a small equipment/kit fee.
If you're over 19 at the start of the course then you would have to pay fees. These are normally ~£4-6k (including any equipment/kit fees) and you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover these fees if you're eligible for English student funding.
If you're living away from home then there are no living cost student loans to fund a FAD. Some universities/colleges might have bursary support for some of their students. This would normally be around £1k.
Note Welsh, NI and Scottish students - sometimes your funding agencies will refuse to pay fees/funding for a FAD if you're studying in England on a course that is available in your country. This mainly seems to affect Welsh students (there's no university based FAD courses in Scotland - I don't know about NI but I suspect it's similar) and is something you should check with your Local Authority/Funding agency before you commit to a course.
International Students: You will still need a Tier 4 Visa (and then another if you continue on to a degree) for a FAD course.
If you're not sure?
Applying for both UCAS and FAD courses is very common. The universities listed above that offer FAD courses too may well be able to transfer/duplicate your UCAS application to their FAD courses if you ask them.
You can accept offers from multiple FAD courses as well as having a firm on UCAS - but it's good manners to let everyone know once you decide on which place you plan to take up!
Do I have to take a FAD to study Art and Design at university?
Nope - lots of people apply straight from A levels. There are a small handful of courses that insist on a FAD for applying (Goldsmiths Fine Art is one example) but they are in the minority.
If you feel ready to go straight onto a university course and you're successful in getting offers for entry onto a BA then there's no requirement to take a FAD.
What about my portfolio?
Most of the universities above have some advice on portfolios. Generally there's less expectation that your portfolio will be as polished/developed as would be required for a BA course. You would still be expected to show a variety of work ideally including some development work, some work showing different influences/inspiration from other artists and normally some life drawing/sketching from life.
How to decide were to study?
Specialisms - does the course include a specialist pathway that you're particularly keen on (or if you're not sure then are the options broad enough that you're confident you'll find your niche)
Equipment - what specialist equipment is available (3D printers, ceramics/kilns/drying rooms, textile resources, dark rooms, studios, cameras, print rooms, workshops)
Reviews from students - have a look on TSR (and if you've done a FAD course then please tell us what you thought about it!)
Compact/Progression guarantees - are you guaranteed a place on a degree course (and if so is it your choice or do they have the option to veto you!)
Support with UCAS - some FAD courses with progression onto their degrees don't ask their FAD students to apply through UCAS. That means that if you're not 100% sure you want to stay at that university you would have less support available on putting together a good UCAS application. Also if you're taking a FAD because you're not completely sure about whether a creative degree is for you then make sure that they'll be able to help you with an English, History or Law application.
Visits and open days - questions to ask: on top of the above it's worth asking about contact time and studio space (and ask the students not just the staff to get the real picture!), ask about the end of year show, ask about whether as a FAD student you're included in social activities by the BA students/student union, ask about whether you can live in halls, ask about extra costs for equipment or trips and where students completing the FAD tend to end up afterwards.
Scroll to see replies
1.
Hello,
Here's the information about our Diploma in Foundation Studies: Art, Design and Media:
Course page: https://bucks.ac.uk/courses/fd/arts-...-media-ft-1718
Awarding body: Bucks New University, also accredited by ABC
Level 3 or Level 4: Students on the course can achieve Foundation Art and Design Diplomas at either Level 3 or 4. The appropriate level to enter will depend on learning outcomes and assessments.
Entry requirements: One A-level and three GCSEs at Grade A-C or equivalent. A portfolio of work and interview will also be necessary.
Number of places: Approximately 100
Pathways available: The course is divided into three sections, Exploratory (considering experimental use of media and materials), Pathway (exploring a series of more focused projects), and Confirmatory (working on a large project in a more specialist area of art and design).
Whether students can live in halls? : Students can live in our halls of residence, but this would have to be self-funded as the student would not be eligible for a loan due to the Level of this course.
Anything else additional that might be of help:
Applications can be made directly to the university via bucks.ac.uk/applynow
Students who are aged under 19 on 1 September of the year of entry and who are studying on the Full Time course will pay no tuition fees. Students who are aged 19 or over on 1 September will have to pay tuition fees. More information can be found on the course page.
Our next undergraduate open day is 18 November, we also run campus tours twice a week.
Related videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jaqeKKK-x48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_yYHSQNfBw
More information about the School of Arts and Creative Industries:
https://bucks.ac.uk/about-us/our-str...ive-industries
Hope this helps, let me know if you need any more info!
Laura
Here is some information on our Foundation Diploma in Art & Design:
Course Page:
http://www.mmu.ac.uk/15265/
Awarding Body:
Edexcel BTEC
Level:
3
Entry Requirements:
48 UCAS points at A2 or equivalent and GCSE English Language and Mathematics at Grade C/4. Equivalent qualifications e.g. Functional Skills may be considered.
We also ask for a portfolio and interview as part of the application. Details on the interview and portfolio can be found at http://www.art.mmu.ac.uk/foundation/interview/.
Number of Places:
Approx. 185
Specialist Pathways:
In term 1 students are introduced to a wide range of creative activities to develop their practical and conceptual skills, helping to make choices for their future area of study. (Exploratory stage).
In term 2 students confirm the specialisation that they wish to follow at degree level (Pathway stage).
In term 3 they produce an exhibition on their final major project and complete preparation for BA course entry (Confirmatory stage),
Facilities:
We have the following workshops and facilities:
•
Animation Capture Suite
•
Ceramics
•
Computer Aided Manufacture
•
Chemical Workshop
•
Digital Bureau
•
Embroidery
•
Fabric Dye & Print
•
Fashion
•
Fine Art Print Facilities
•
Gallery & Stretcher
•
Glass
•
Knit
•
Metal
•
Print Workshops
•
Photography Resources
•
Video Editing Suites
•
Weave
•
Wood, Plastics & Foam
Further details, including 360 degree views of some of the facilities, can be found at http://www.art.mmu.ac.uk/facilities/workshops/ and http://www.art.mmu.ac.uk/facilities/digital/.
Accommodation:
Foundation Diploma Students are eligible to stay in our university accommodation, subject to availability.
Additional Information:
•
Applications are made directly to the university
•
There is an early deadline of the 15th December 2017.
•
At the end of the course, direct progression onto Manchester School of Art degree programmes is available to those who meet the required academic standard.
•
Students under 19 at 31st August: No tuition fee.
•
Students aged 19+: Fees to be confirmed. As a guide, fees for 2017 were £5,420.
•
Our next Open Day is on the 25th November, where students can take a tour of the School of Art and attend a subject talk on the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design.
Further information on the School of Art can be found at http://www.art.mmu.ac.uk/.
If you need anything else just let me know!
Rebecca
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Design and Media)
https://ravensbourne.ac.uk/study-her...ign-and-media/
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Media Production)
https://ravensbourne.ac.uk/study-her...ia-production/
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Fashion and Textiles)
https://ravensbourne.ac.uk/study-her...-and-textiles/
Awarding body/level
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design
Entry Requirements
four GCSEs, grade C or above, including English and Maths, and one of the following:
•
A level, Grade C or above in relevant subject area,
•
Progression Diploma (Level 3) in a related subject area
•
Advanced Diploma (Level 3) in a related subject area
•
BTEC Level 3 National Award or Certificate qualifications may also be considered for entry.
Other relevant and equivalent qualifications are considered on an individual basis.
Number of places
Approximately 300 from across all three courses
Specialist Pathways
Film/TV
Animation
Digital Photography
Sound Design
Graphic Design
Architecture / 3D
Fashion and Textiles Design
Fashion Promotion
Facilities
Study Zone, Students can go there to work, look into information both in print and digital, and is the home of our materials library
Central Loan Resource (CLR), Students can book out more than 4,000 different pieces of equipment such as cameras, lighting, microphones, laptops, sewing machines, and more
Prototype Room, home to our 3D printers, laser cutters, fabric printers, embroidery machines, Riso printer just to name a few.
Prototype Room 2, fashion atelier room
Accommodation
Ravensbourne doesn't own any accommodation but there are halls close to us where students can stay such as:
Scape, which is a seven minute walk away and Ravensbourne also gets a limited number of discounted rooms
Unite at Stratford One, we have a agreement to get our students a reduced rate
Farndale Court
More information on FE accommodation can be found here
Additional Information
•
The deadline for Applications for 2018 is 28 February 2018
•
Download Application forms from: https://ravensbourne.ac.uk/study-her...-ravensbourne/
•
Forms need to be emailed to [email protected]
•
Information about open days can be found here
•
UK/EU applicants aged 18 years and under on 31 August in the year of entry will be exempt from paying tuition fees
•
Portfolio and Interview advice ad workshop information can be found here
•
For portfolio workshops they can also email [email protected]
•
The deadline for Access to higher education diplomas is 31 July 2018
•
More information Ravensbourne can be found here
If you need anything else just let us know.
Row
http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/foundation/art-and-design-foundation-studies/
Awarding body / Level:
UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design - Foundation Studies
Typical offers:
GCSE and A/AS-Levels
A minimum of 5 GCSE passes, grade C or above, including English Language.
Two passes at A-Level grade C minimum (excluding General Studies). It is preferred that one of your A-Level subjects is art- or design-related but this is not mandatory.
Please note that applicants with AS qualifications only will not be considered.
International Baccalaureate
Pass the Diploma with 28 points overall, including SL English Language A (4) or SL English Language B (6).
Alternative qualifications
Applicants studying for other UK, European or international qualifications should contact the Admissions Co-ordinator for advice: [email protected] or 01509 228922.
Number of places:
Approximately 170
Specialist Pathways:
No
Facilities:
Hub 1: Creative Digital Technology and Photography
Visualisation lab
Stop-frame animation area
Studio of light
Photography
Hub 2: Textiles: Print, Stitch and Dye
Printed Textiles room
Stitch room
Dye lab
Hub 3: Fine Metal, Wood and Woven Constructed Textiles
Fine metals and jewellery workshop
Metal workshop
Wood, assembly and finishing shop
Plastics
Laser facilities
Weave workshops
Jacquard looms
Hub 4: Painting and Printmaking
Painting facilities
Printmaking facilities
Papermaking and bookbinding
Hub 5: Stone, Heavy Metalwork and Ceramics
Ceramics facilities
Mould making
Metal construction workshop
Hub 6: Performance and Rehearsal Spaces, Costumes, Sets and Props
Sir Robert Martin Theatre
Stanley Everden Studio (black box space)
Leonard Dixon Studio (black-box theatre)
Leonard Dixon Technical Booth
Cosume design wardrobe
Set and design workshop
Sound studio
Accommodation:
Accommodation in halls is available to all foundation students, subject to availability.
If you stay at Loughborough to study your undergraduate degree, your accommodation in halls will be guaranteed for your first year of your degree course.
Additional information:
•
Applications are made online directly to the University
•
Applications for 2018 entry are being accepted from 9 October 2017 to 15 January 2018
•
The School is happy to offer automatic progression to Foundation students who express an interest in a degree course offered within the School of the Arts, English and Drama and who have a good attendance record, and have successfully passed Stage One assessment.
•
UK/EU applicants aged 18 years and under on 31 August in the year of entry will be exempt from paying tuition fees
•
There are no more open days planned for 2017, but we do run campus tours throughout the year or you can take a self-guided tour
•
More information about the School of the Arts, English and Drama can be found here
Hope this is OK - let me know if you need anything else
Vicky
perfect!
Am I allowed to apply foundation year and BA degree for the same Uni at the same time?
Am I allowed to apply foundation year and BA degree for the same Uni at the same time?
How do I apply?
NOT through UCAS.
Because FAD courses are FE nor HE you apply directly - that means that you can apply through UCAS and have additional applications for FAD courses as well.
Deadlines are normally LATER than UCAS but not always (eg Man Met has a December deadline)
A foundation DIPLOMA is not a foundation YEAR. If you're applying for a degree with a foundation YEAR then you'll normally have to do that through UCAS and not directly to the university concerned.
Which foundation years are you considering?
Can you link me to the website for the courses you're considering?
I would recommend an art and design foundation diploma like the courses linked to in the first post.
A foundation year is a lot more limiting - there’s less choice about where to take one and there’s very limited options to switch to another university after the foundation year (whereas a foundation diploma will include support with UCAS and is suitable for entry to almost all BA graphic design degrees)
Do you have a link? If you re-read the OP you will see that a foundation DIPLOMA is not the same as a foundation YEAR.
That’s a foundation year not FAD diploma course. It doesn’t result in a qualification in its own right and is only recognised for continuing onto Lincoln’s courses.
If Lincoln is the university I wanted to go would you recommend me take it? what's the difference comparing
foundation diploma from other Unis like Loughborough?
thank you
Quick Reply
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