Art, Design and Media Practice Foundation

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

Year of entry

2025-26

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

1 year full-time

Course code

AHF001

Start date

September 2025


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 a UK student and 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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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

City buildings next to a tree.

Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2025

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 a successful track record of producing graduates that 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 support4.
  • 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).
  • You may also have opportunities to take part in overseas study visits. Previous students have visited major art and design centres 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

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 and review
  • Realisation
  • Communication
  • Self-directed practice

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 and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learnt and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve the various learning outcomes. Coursework is assessed using a variety of methods and may include 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 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
outside entrance of the library on pretty sunny day

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 5 GCSEs at grade 4 / C or above to include English, Art and Design, and Maths.
BTEC M
IB Diploma 24 points

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:


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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Fees and funding

Student Full-time Part-time
UK Free* Not available
International 2025/26 fees TBC
2024/25 fees - £16,800 per year
Not available

*If you are a UK student and 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. You will be required to purchase materials and equipment yourself as it is not included within your tuition fees.


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 Schools of Art and Design, Media and Performing Arts, Humanities, and Psychological, Social and Behavioural Sciences. 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 career4.

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.

  • 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 the sculptural shapes.
  • 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 2022/23, 93% of our Foundation Art, Design and Media Practice students progressed on to higher level study or employment.

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.

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.


How to apply

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