Art, Design and Media Practice Foundation

Study level: Undergraduate
Foundation year
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This Foundation Art, Design and Media Diploma can enable you to explore and experiment across a wide range of creative disciplines.

Year of entry

2023-24

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

AHF001

Start date

September 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Register for updates

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.
  • If you are 18 years of age at the date of enrolment for this course, payment of tuition fees will not be required. This course is currently funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Applicants should check our website for the latest information regarding fees before applying or accepting offers.
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Global Ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities
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Teaching excellence

Taught by lecturers who are experts in their field
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Employability

Career ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Why you should study this course

  • The School of Art and Design at Coventry University has been producing accomplished creative graduates for over 175 years. We have had a successful track record of producing graduates that have made significant contributions to the world of Art and Design.
  • Set to open towards the end of 2022, our brand-new Arts and Humanities building will be 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 support4.
  • You will have the opportunity to be taught in a professional studio environment alongside undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • Many of the current teaching team are practising artists and designers, some having exhibited nationally and internationally (staff may be subject to change).
  • You may also have opportunities to take part in overseas study visits. Previous students have visited major art and design centers in Europe, visiting traditional and contemporary art exhibitions from Birmingham to Barcelona2.

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 is split into two stages:

Modules

  • 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 Art and Design 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 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

This qualification provides the knowledge, skills and understanding that will prepare you for further study or training. You will study one mandatory module that covers six area of learning:

  • Investigation
  • Experimentation
  • Evaluation & Review
  • Realisation
  • Communication
  • Self-directed practice

Teaching contact hours

We understand that everyone learns differently, so each of our courses will consist of structured teaching sessions, which can include:

  • On campus lectures, seminars and workshops
  • Group work
  • Self-directed learning
  • Work placement opportunities2.

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 15 contact hours per week.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake self-directed study of approximately four hours each week, depending on the demands of individual projects.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the University may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the University may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to COVID-19, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve the various learning outcomes. Coursework is assessed using a variety of methods including presentations, portfolio reviews, essays, reports, reflective logs, e-journals, blogs, displays and exhibitions.

International experience opportunities

We typically attract staff and students from around the world, which can provide a multicultural environment in which you can experience different cultures, approaches, perspectives and opinions. You may also have the opportunity to take part in overseas study visits. In the past, students have visited major art and design centres in Europe and North America2.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

Whatever your aspirations are in art, design & 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. 

Amy O’Donnell (Course Director) , 2022
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Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

 

Requirement What we're looking for
A2 or Extended Diploma 1 A2 or Extended Diploma in a creative subject
GCSE 4 GCSEs (including English Language or English Literature, and Maths) at A*- C or 9 – 4.

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

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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:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central 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.

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Tuition Fees

Student Full-time Part-time
UK Free* Not available
International £16,800 per year Not available

*If you are 18 years of age at the date of enrolment for this course, payment of tuition fees will not be required. This course is currently funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. 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.

  • 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 government's 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 Faculty of Arts and Humanities is joining two of our school’s completely refurbished Art and Design buildings and adding a range of new facilities, set to open later in 2022. These will include a hyper studio designed for cross-disciplinary projects; immersive studios with cutting-edge virtual reality and mixed-reality technologies. Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities in a unique environment4.

  • 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.
  • Virtual experience - Visit our online degree show where we have brought together the work of over 500 students.

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.

In 2020-21, 97.5% of our Foundation Art, design and Media Practice students progressed on to higher level study or employment.

Students who meet our benchmark requirements will be able to progress on to studio-based courses in the School of Art and Design and the School of Media and Performing Arts, as well as institutions throughout the UK and internationally. Please see individual course pages for specific requirements.

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 experience2.

Further study

Many of our students take advantage of the internal progression routes and apply for courses within the School of Art and Design or the School of Media and Performing Arts.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, 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

    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). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    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 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 COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the 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 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.

    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

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. 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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