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Art, Design and Media Practice Foundation

Undergraduate
Foundation year

Woods surrounding a mirrored structure art piece, reflecting the ground, sky and trees

This Foundation Art, Design and Media Practice diploma can enable you to explore and experiment across a range of creative disciplines.

Year of entry

2026-27

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

AHF001

Start date

September 2026

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

Register your interest

Course overview

The foundation diploma is a one-year, full-time preparatory course to prepare you for studio-based undergraduate higher education programmes.

We provide broad, balanced and structured teaching to help stimulate your interest in art, design and media practice.
You will have the opportunity to generate exciting work using our excellent facilities⁴ to build your personal independence in developing ideas. You can gain new skills with different materials and techniques, while building a substantial portfolio of work.
Typically, if you are a UK student and 18 years of age on 31 August prior to the start of the course, payment of tuition fees will not be required. More information on eligibility is available here. Applicants should check our website for the latest information regarding fees before applying or accepting offers.

A star in the centre of a rosette.

Rated Gold Overall

Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023

Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

5 QS Stars for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

QS Stars University Ratings

Why you should study this course

Coventry University has been producing accomplished creative graduates for over 175 years. We have a successful track record of producing graduates who have made significant contributions to the world of art and design.
Our multi-million-pound Delia Derbyshire building is equipped with facilities and studios for 3D rapid prototyping, clay modelling, film, photography, video, large digital print, ceramics, printmaking, screen printing and letterpress, all with excellent technical support.⁴
You will have the opportunity to be taught in a professional studio environment alongside undergraduate and postgraduate students.
The teaching team includes practising artists and designers, with experience of exhibiting nationally or internationally (subject to change).

What you'll study

This foundation diploma is specifically designed to foster a creative, critical and experiential approach to art, design and media practice. We encourage you to generate fresh and exciting work, building personal independence and confidence in developing ideas. You should gain new skills using different materials, techniques and processes to help you create a substantial portfolio of work to help you to progress to undergraduate study.

The diploma consists of one mandatory module split into two stages:

Modules

The Exploratory Stage

The Exploratory Stage gives you time to explore different disciplines through a series of short projects. We encourage you to use new materials and ways of working so you can explore research methods and develop critical skills for evaluation and reflection.

You will explore 2D, 3D and digital media to record and generate ideas and to express yourself creatively. You will have booked sessions introducing you to a variety of different technical workshops in the School of Arts and Creative Industries such as printmaking, woodwork, ceramics, metalwork and digital editing.

We encourage you to explore your potential future directions, developing your specialist strengths. You will work more independently on longer projects as the course progresses and build a portfolio ready for progression to a BA (Hons) degree.

You will have the opportunity to work in a vibrant studio environment alongside students following different specialist areas, such as fashion, automotive design, experimental film, painting, contemporary craft, animation or illustration. We want you to build a portfolio that shows you have a breadth of skills, no matter what your specialist area of practice. We will support you with all aspects of your UCAS application.

Compulsory

The Confirmatory Stage

The Confirmatory Stage sees you working on an independent, self-initiated, final major project. The completed work is exhibited at the end of the year. At this stage, you should be working as a professional artist or designer, managing your own workload, time and outcomes. You will have weekly opportunities to discuss your work with peers and tutors so you can continue to develop and produce the best possible outcomes.

Compulsory

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

Teaching contact hours

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework, which is more reflective of a working environment. This qualification is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare you for further study or training. You will study one mandatory module that covers six areas of learning:

investigation
experimentation
evaluation and review
realisation
communication
self-directed practice.

A diverse approach to teaching, learning and practice of the content is encouraged to support inclusion, deep understanding, experimental development and differentiation.

The course has a single-module structure and you will work on a series of projects that address the six learning outcomes.

A decision of Pass, Merit or Distinction will be made for each criterion. In order to be awarded a qualification, you must complete all criteria at Pass or above.

Whatever your aspirations are in art, design and media, tutors and lecturers are here to guide you towards achieving your individual goals. Critical studies work and practical projects have been designed to introduce a wide range of issues concerned with visual understanding, media, material handling, careers, art and design history, skill acquisition, knowledge and independent learning. With the help of tutors and subject specialists, you will be supported to develop your own personal interests. The foundation course curriculum focuses on individual, group and co-operative ways of working.
Spencer Whiting, Course Director, 2024

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Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

Requirement	What we're looking for
UCAS Tariff points	32: four qualifications for tariff points allowed, may also include AS level and EPQ, specific subject not required
A2 or Extended Diploma	C
GCSE	GCSE maths, English and art and design at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
BTEC	M
IB Diploma	24 points

All equivalent qualifications are welcome as are mature students with alternative experience.

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

South East Asia

You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange. Invites for these sessions will be sent directly to your contact email.

Each application will be considered on its merits.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	Free* per year	Not available
International	2026/27 fees TBC 2025/26 fees: £16,800 per year	Not available

*Typically, if you are a UK student and 18 years of age on 31 August prior to the start of the course, payment of tuition fees will not be required. More information on eligibility is available here. Applicants should check our website for the latest information regarding fees before applying or accepting offers.

Should these terms change, we would inform all applicants and students as soon as possible.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see The University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Materials and equipment

Staff will advise you on the materials and equipment you will need for specific projects during this course. You will be expected to ensure you have the required materials throughout that relate to your own particular focus. In general, we would expect all students to have a basic materials kit and a list will be provided with suggestions to get you started. You will be required to purchase materials and equipment yourself as it is not included within your tuition fees.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

The Delia Derbyshire building lies at the heart of our Coventry city campus. This multi-million pound investment in the arts is home to the School of Arts and Creative Industries and the School of Social Sciences and Humanities. First opened to students in 2023, the spaces enable you to mix with like-minded students, getting hands-on with cross-disciplinary projects or immersing yourself in the studios with cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed-reality technologies. Our aim is to bring you sector-leading facilities helping you explore your way to your future career.⁴

Digital Design Workshop - our Digital Design Workshop brings your ideas to life through different media. Here you’ll find a high-powered laser cutter, printers, scanners and industry-standard software used for technical drawing and environmental modelling.
Computer suites - our computer suites use industry software used in modelling, animation and analysis. This includes graphic, modelling and visualisation packages such as Alias, Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Vector works, Showcase, VRED and SRAMSIS and Jack ergonomics software.
Ceramics, glass and casting workshops - produce a range of forms from a variety of materials including resin, glass, ceramics, plaster and cement.
Printmaking workshops - explore a range of printing processes from screen printing to etching; cyanotypes to lino cutting.
Sublimation and vacuum forming studios - print onto a multitude of surfaces and then form them into sculptural shapes.
Virtual experience - Visit our online degree show where we have brought together the work of over 500 students.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

When you’ve successfully completed your foundation diploma, you will have a broad portfolio demonstrating a range of skills.

You will have carefully explored your progression options, which will help you to make an informed decision about undergraduate study. You should be more confident and able to work independently in a professional manner in your chosen pathway.

Further study

Many of our students take advantage of the internal progression routes and apply for courses within the School of Arts and Creative Industries.

Typically, our students have progressed to degree level courses in the following subjects: Fashion; Fine Art, Fine Art and Illustration, Illustration and Animation, Interior Design, Product Design, Automotive Design, Photography, Games Art, Graphics and Architecture. Many of these courses offer the opportunity to complete placement years in industry, providing valuable real-life experience.²

How to apply

UK students

International students

International codes:
AHF001

Apply for this course directly using the below link:

Apply now

For further support visit our International hub or download our International guide which contains lots of useful information about our courses, accommodation, tips for travel and guidance on how to apply.

If you'd like more information about your course get in touch with us today.

+44 (0)24 7765 2152

ioadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Complete our contact form.

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the University) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University.

¹Accreditations, partnerships and memberships

The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply. See the relevant body website for more details). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships are subject to successful renewal in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. If the accreditation, recognition or membership of this course changes, we will seek to notify applicants and students as soon as possible.

²UK and international opportunities

Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or international opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be unpaid and/or subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

³Tuition fees

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

⁴Facilities

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Student Contract

By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2026/2027 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 intake. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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