Venues

Granton Campus

Content

The UAL Foundation Diploma is recognised as one of the best preparations for progression into specialist Higher Education Art and Design study in the UK.

The course is challenging and encourages creative exploration, experimentation and risk-taking. You will be pushed to extend your subject knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills to create a college-level portfolio for successful applications to HND and Degree courses across the UK.

Approaches to drawing and contextual research underpins the course whilst you explore four main specialist areas: Painting and Printmaking, 3D/Sculpture, Textiles and Visual Communications, delivered by subject specialists in our studios and Mac Labs. You will develop a wider awareness of the different perspectives, approaches and ethics within diverse creative practices.

You are encouraged to reflect on your experience as you progress to choose two of the specialist areas to further explore and investigate. During this time, you are supported to prepare applications and portfolios for HND and Degree level study. Our Creative and Tech. Futures day, HND presentations and University talks will enable you to make informed decisions when applying for Higher Education or employment within the Creative Industries.

During the course you will not only benefit from studying in Scotland's Capital City but also have the opportunity to visit London on our annual study trip to further expand your research, visiting major Art Galleries and Museums to inspire and contextualise your own creative practice and portfolio.

Students specialise towards the end of the course, independently initiating and developing an extended project of personal work within a chosen professional context. Using the skills gained over the course you will consolidate your practice, realise your creative ideas and have an opportunity to present your final project at the end of the year assessment.

Entry Requirements

1 Higher plus 4 subjects at National 5; or Art and Design Diploma Level 3 (UAL); or other relevant national qualifications at SCQF 5 or 6. Interview and a portfolio of work is required.

Progression Routes

You will gain UCAS points (Pass 80, Merit 96, Distinction 112) for university applications allowing you to apply for entry to Degree and HND courses across the UK and internationally.

Progression on successful completion of the course onto an HND within The School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College.