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Foundation Arts Diploma

Gain art and design skills through gallery visits, expert guidance, and specialised workshops, preparing for higher education or employment.

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Start Date: 15 Sep 2025

Mode of Study: Full-Time

Location: Bletchley Campus

Days: Mon to Fri

Time: 09:00 – 17:00

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Course overview

What will I do?

What’s next?

Is it for me?

Apply now

Course overview

The highlights of this course include visits to galleries and exhibitions, opportunities to enter local and national competitions, expert course guidance on the creative sector, your own dedicated base rooms and workspaces with industry-standard equipment, and lots more. This qualification will give you an additional edge when applying to universities and for jobs in the creative industries. You will benefit from hearing from guest speakers and practising creatives, both from the industry and higher education.

UAL Level 3 & 4 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

What will I do?

This course is three phases: Learning Skills and Context, Development and Progression and Proposal and Realisation. This includes the study of:

• Drawing and visual studies
• Fine art, painting, sculpture, printing and performance art
• 3D Design and crafts
• Photography, image and digital media
• Fashion and textiles
• Graphic design and illustration
• History of art & design, cultural studies

The first term is an exciting menu of taster workshops to help you make informed choices about career destinations, to support progression into higher education or employment. You will specialise in terms two and three.

What’s next?

Having successfully completed this course you could progress to an HND/Foundation Degree, BA Honours Degree course, entry-level employment, or a creative apprenticeship.

Is it for me?

Is your goal to progress on to Higher Education in Art and Design or enter employment in the Art and Design industry? The Foundation in Art and Design Diploma is an intensive and demanding one-year pre-degree course that is designed to assist you in expanding your portfolio through three phases.

In the first term, you will encounter the ‘Learning Skills and Context’ stage. This is followed in the second term by ‘Development and Progression’ and finally the third term will be the ‘Proposal and Realisation’ Stage where you will complete a personal project for an exhibition.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs x 4s (Including English and maths)

1 x A-Level qualification (preferably in a creative subject) or relevant L3 (Advanced) qualification.

Or relevant experience

Frequently asked questions

Course highlights

Gain & Improve skills with a range of techniques in Art & Design
Learn how to progress an art project from research to final outcome
Work Experience opportunities to encourage teamwork & communication skills
Tailored projects to enable progression to higher level creative courses
Have the opportunity to show case their work at the End of Year Exhibition
Trips to London art galleries and museums
Opportunity to retake/study GCSE English & maths if required

How will i be assessed?

Your project work including written evaluations will be submitted in a sketchbook and this along with your final outcome will be assessed using the UAL grade matrix.

How will my progress be monitored?

From every project you will be given written and verbal feedback linked to the criteria to help you understand and improve your work so that you can be working at either a Pass, Merit or Disinction.

How much will I have to study each week?

In addition to your hours spent in college attending your art lessons you will also be expected to work independently on finishing work, homework tasks and extending your own artwork so that you are developing and improving after each project/unit.

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How to apply

Foundation Arts Diploma
(0022P-1/1)
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Start Date
15 Sep 2025
Days
Mon to Fri
Time
09:00 – 17:00
Location
Bletchley Campus

Our College, your future…

Introduction to Creative & Digital
Creativity can take many forms and is highly prized in many different industries and professions, leading to innovation and new ways of problem solving. Creative careers include fashion design, the arts, games programming, writing, curating, graphic design, advertising, media production, and so much more. If you see yourself as a creative type, discover how you could use your talents at work. Let your individuality shine through as you experiment with different techniques, styles, and forms of media. Most importantly, you will grow and develop as an artist, finding your voice, and learning how to craft a career from what you love.
Courses Available

Art & Design – Advanced

Art & Design – Advanced

Photography – Advanced

Foundation Arts Diploma – Advanced
How to get into the industry
There are many university courses in visual arts and design, although a degree is not essential for work in this field. Work experience is essential, however, and a strong portfolio will help you achieve this.
Courses Available

Graphic Design – Advanced

Creative Digital Arts – Intermediate

Fashion & Textiles – Advanced

Games, Animation and Visual Effects Advanced
Why study at Milton Keynes College?

Milton Keynes College offers fantastic facilities, dedicated support, and a wide range of qualifications. Our courses are designed with industry partners, ensuring you gain relevant skills for better employability. Located near some of the country’s largest businesses, the college provides excellent networking and professional opportunities, giving you an advantage when starting your career.
Why choose College?

There’s so much more to college than just your study programme. You’ll have the chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people, gaining more free time and independence in a less formal environment than at school. Milton Keynes College provides financial support and real working environments, giving you practical experience. You can also benefit from work experience opportunities with local and national businesses. By joining the student community, you’ll be part of a supportive network that enhances your personal and professional growth.
Application Journey

The application journey starts with researching your options to find the best course for you. From September, you can apply online. College interviews begin in November, giving you a chance to present yourself and learn more about our college. Discovery Days in July allow you to come on campus and get a real taste of college life. In August, you will receive your GCSE results, which are key for finalising your college placement. Enrolment then happens in August and September with your course beginning in September.

Ready to get started?

Take the next steps in your journey to joining us.

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