Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design

Level 1 Diploma

Course Location

College

Trafford College

Location

Altrincham Campus

Further Details

Age

College 16-18

Department

Art & Design

Course Start Date

Monday 1st September 2025

Course Duration

Full-time, 1 Year

Course Time

Course Fee

£ 5421.00
You may be eligible for support with your tuition fees - please visit the college website - funding and finance page for further information

Course Code

AFP-AR3N-1100

Course Overview

The aims and structure of the course is to support students to develop essential skills required to progress as a creative visual practitioner. The course is delivered through a programme of activities and workshops, including: Fine Art drawing and painting, 3D design and sculpture, textiles, visual communication, digital art, photography and print-making. These workshops are underpinned by core studies in life drawing and visual studies.

This course is available to anyone aged 18 or over.

Course Requirements

4 GCSE’s at Grade 4 or above (including maths and/or English Language).

This course is available to anyone aged 18 or over.

What you will Learn

The programme is delivered in three key stages: Stage 1: Diagnostic: Students will experience all practical areas of the course through organised activities and workshops. Through this experience they will extend skills and become more informed about potential career pathways within Art & Design and creative industries more broadly. Stage 2: Pathway: Students elect to specialise in one area, choosing from Fine art, 3D Design, Visual Communication or Fibre arts. Students will embark on theme-based projects aimed at extending skills and knowledge within that area. Students will be supported closely by experienced specialist staff. Stage 3: Confirmatory: Students will undertake a self-led Final Major project culminating with an exhibition of selected work.

Assessment

Continuous assessment takes place and is a primary tool to measure performance and to develop individual learning plans. Students must successfully complete each stage of the course in order to progress to the next. The final stage of the course determines the students overall grade for the qualification through the final major project and exhibition of work.

Progression

The primary, although not exclusive, progression route for successful candidates is Higher Education and degree level study. Students will be supported through the application process and advised throughout by experienced staff. The course staff team have a great deal of experience and an excellent track record in supporting students to successfully secure places at University.

Career Options

Artist, Studio Manager, Animator, Illustrator, Camera Operator

Mandatory Units

Unit 1 Introduction to visual language in art and design
Unit 2 Introduction to research skills in art and design
Unit 3 Introduction to critical and contextual awareness in art and design
Unit 4 Introduction to materials, processes and technical skills in art and design
Unit 5 An integrated approach to 2D problem solving in art and design
Unit 6 An integrated approach to 3D problem solving in art and design
Unit 7 An integrated approach to time-based problem solving
Unit 8 Developing an art and design project
Unit 9 Opportunities for progression in art and design

Contact Details

For further information please contact T: 0161 886 7070 or E: info@trafford.ac.uk

Extra Costs Involved

Exam Validation Body

Hours Per Week

How Long To Complete

Programme Structure

Contact Details

Disclaimer

Although every care has been taken to ensure that the information contained within this document is accurate, there may be changes to this programme and provision. We will endeavour to keep prospective and current students updated where appropriate and when the information becomes available.
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