Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Designed for anyone who would like to go on to study specialist Art & Design disciplines at university level, this Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design provides the essential foundational studies you'll need to make the transition from a general exploration of the subject to a more in-depth focus of core topics.

We engage with many of Manchester's partners in Visual Arts and Design such as Manchester Art Gallery, The Whitworth Art Gallery, HOME as well as studio based makers and practitioners. Live briefs are set by Industry experts across a range of specialist areas. You will also get the opportunity to be part of the unique Creative Futures project and exhibit your work in the Manchester Art Gallery.

It will also help you decide which areas of Art & Design you'd like to further your skills in. You'll cover a wide range of media and material throughout the duration of the Diploma, including painting and drawing, sculpting, illustration, graphics (both digital and traditional), textiles and photography. As you boost your confidence in the use of concepts and vocabulary through practical assignments, you'll also be fostering your own individual creative development.

You'll develop a range of skills that will be essential for both further study and employment in the industry, such as teamwork, creative thinking, research skills and problem solving. Your Diploma is awarded by the University of the Arts London Awarding Body, the only specialist creative arts awarding body in the UK.

We look forward to welcoming you to our campuses across the city.
Make an application today and we will see you in a few weeks to meet the team!

Please Click Here to view the specific entry requirements for our 16-18 Study Programmes.

Work Experience is a vital part of the course and you will be supported in finding a work placement relevant to your study.
A small portfolio of work demonstrating personal interests.

As you complete a series of projects through the early part of the course, you'll receive regular assessment feedback to help you improve your work and determine your own specialist pathway. Your final grade will be assessed through an internally and externally-assessed unit in your chosen specialist pathway.

After completing this Foundation Studies in Art and Design Diploma you'll have the skills, experience and qualifications needed to advance onto a university-level course.

You'll find that there's lots of different support available to help you pay for College and finance your education, including tuition fee loans, special grants and bursaries, and a number of extra funding opportunities, depending on your circumstances. You can find out everything you need to know on our dedicated Fees, Finance and Funding page.

Our course enquiries team is on-hand to answer any questions you might have about this qualification, the application process, enrolment, or anything else about life at The Manchester College.