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Foundation in Art and Design

Foundation in Art and Design

Course overview

This programme will provide you with the skills to critically assess information, develop and design a portfolio, and express yourself through visual language and creative practices.

You will be introduced to practical art and design skills, such as:

  • visual storytelling
  • sound design
  • and image-making

You will study both traditional and digital arts and design, formulating an independent creative response to a broad range of subject matter. 

The pathway will also enhance your skills in critical and creative thinking, research methods, information and communication technology, and the English language.

Course information for 2025/26 entry is being reviewed. Details may change.

Core units

Semester one

Interactive Learning Skills and Communication

Credit value: 30 

This module is designed to provide you with essential academic English and communication skills necessary for successful personal and professional practice in a globalised world. You will engage with key concepts related to diversity, equity and inclusion; sustainability; employability; and digital fluency to enhance their reading, writing, speaking, listening and information technology skills. You will develop an awareness of institutional culture, practices and expectations of higher education to be fully prepared for the academic rigour of your undergraduate degree. 

Art and Design Fundamentals

Credit value: 30   

Art and Design Fundamentals aims to introduce students to varied aspects of design and visual language required to support the wide range of subjects associated with Art, Design and Media. You will learn about the basic elements and principles of Art and Design; visual language and communication; design thinking, creative exploration/idea generation and problem-solving methodologies; visualising techniques; design process, production and digital technologies; and exploring prospective subject pathways.  

Semester two

Developing your practice

Credit value: 30

Split into two streams of ‘Art, Design and Fashion’ and ‘Digital Arts’, this module allows students to explore their particular interests from the Art and Design Fundamentals module in more depth. You will develop research skills through exploring the history and important movements in their field, as well as effective critical and creative thinking within the subject. Paired with further enhancements to your practical skills, you will be fully prepared to deliver practical work that is routed in important theoretical principles. 

Specialist project

Credit value: 30

In this module, you will propose, develop and deliver a large-scale project in your field of interest. Working independently and collaboratively with your peers, you will apply what you have learned and developed in prior modules to visually communicate your work via a portfolio of practical work which clearly explores aspects of your intended progression route. You will also critically reflect on their creative journey towards producing real-world deliverables.  

  • Progression degrees

    Progression degrees

    • BA (Hons) Animation 
    • BA (Hons) Art History and Curating 
    • BA (Hons) Craft 
    • BA (Hons) Fashion 
    • BA (Hons) Fashion Art Direction 
    • BA (Hons) Fashion Design and Technology 
    • BA (Hons) Filmmaking 
    • BA (Hons) Fine Art 
    • BA (Hons) Fine Art and Art History 
    • BA (Hons) Future Media Production
    • BA (Hons) Games Art 
    • BA (Hons) Graphic Design 
    • BA (Hons) Illustration with Animation 
    • BA (Hons) Interior Design 
    • BA (Hons) Music and Sound Design 
    • BA (Hons) Photography 
    • BA (Hons) Product Design 
    • BA (Hons) Textiles in Practice 
    • BSc (Hons) Web and User Experience Design 

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