An intensive and challenging one year programme that bridges the gap between the structure of Level 3 study (A Levels) and Level 4 (university).
You will;
- Learn to challenge pre-conceptions of what art can be, take risks and make exciting and innovative work
- Run a live arts community project 'Big Draw' and exhibit your work in a professional gallery environment, which is open to the public
- Develop intellectual curiosity through critical understanding and advanced learning
- Identify and interpret your strengths and direction through continuous diagnostic and progressive exploration of skills and concepts central to art, design, craft and communication practice
- Curate your work in a professional exhibition space open to the public supported by specialist technicians
The course has a consistent 100% satisfaction rate (Student Survey 2019, 2020 and 2021). In the year 2021/22, 100% of students passed the qualification and 100% of students who applied to university achieved their first or second choice.
"I have enjoyed exploring the Foundation course as I have been able to work independently and discover new and exciting processes which have aided my progression to Higher Education."
"I'm excited to move on to a more intensely focused course at university and feel that I have benefited greatly from my time at Ware HRC."
"I have explored new ways of thinking and this has led me to pursue a degree in Fashion and Textile Design, which I had never considered before."
Career Destinations
Students often pursue a range of roles after progressing from this course, these include;
- Curation and exhibition design.
- Teaching and lecturing
- Art and design technician
- Art directors for film and television
- Costume and set design
- Fashion design, buying and marketing
- Furniture, product and interior design
- Architecture
- Games design and development
- 2D and 3D animation
- Graphic and web design
- Practicing artist
What can I do next?
Students progress predominantly to degree level study in creative subjects at institutions across the UK and develop a body of work and critical skills for direct progression to specific degree programmes.
What will I be doing?
- Develop your conceptual understanding, critical thinking skills and engage in critical debate towards practical outcomes in a range of media
- Attend group and independently planned enrichment visits to inform and contextualise your practice
- Establish the basis of a personal visual identity and a digital presence to showcase your work and ideas which you can continue to build on at degree level
- Engage in collaborative projects and a comprehensive range of creative skills applications including digital technology
- Take part in Employer Engagement workshops lead by Foundation Diploma Alumni who are established practitioners in the art and design industry
- Produce a sophisticated portfolio of work directed towards progression to specific degree programmes and areas of contemporary creative practice
- Develop existing skills in English Maths and software applications
Added Extras
In addition to the core elements of the course, students have access to a huge range of additional highlights. These include frequent visiting lecturers and workshops from practicing artists and designers and the opportunity to access invaluable contacts in individual industries to seek placements. The Big Draw is an event which is planned and run entirely by the students on this course, it provides an excellent opportunity to build confidence in public-facing roles and an invaluable addition to personal statements and CVs.
There are 3 mandatory trips on the course, examples of our trips include Brighton, Margate, Birmingham, Hastings and London. Also included is the option of an overseas trip to supplement your studies. Previous trips include a 3 day trip to Iceland to see the Northern Lights and lagoons.
How will I be assessed?
Coursework will be assessed at each stage of the programme culminating in Part 3, Unit 4 'Consolidating Practice' in the final term.
Entry requirements
You will need;
- To be at least 18 years of age
- A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4/C, including English Language and Mathematics
- A Levels or an Extended Diploma or a Vocational A Level (AVCE) in a related field
- To provide examples of art and design work at interview
We also welcome applications from students with relevant experience or qualifications.
What do I need to bring?
You will be required to purchase a course kit at approximately £110, a kit list will be provided, this will give you everything you need for the first term at college but you should expect to replace paints, sketchbooks and some materials as you progress on the course. £90 is payable on enrolment as a contribution towards the cost of study trips and additional specialist materials.
Students at HRC who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to the Bursary Fund for support towards essential kit, visit and material costs. Please note - bursary funding is not guaranteed and is subject to availability at the time of application. For further information contact the Information Centre on 01992 411411 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Fee Information
Free to Home students under 19 on 31st August 2023.
If you are a Home student aged 19 or over on the 31st August 2023, you may be liable to pay approximately £2,500 tuition fee for a Level 2 qualification and approximately £5,000 for a Level 3 qualification (these were the tuition fees for 2022/2023 and could be subject to change for 2023/2024).
If you are aged 19-23 you may also be entitled to free tuition if the course you choose is on a government-approved list and the qualification is your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification.
If you are aged over 24 and you have not achieved a full Level 3 qualification you may be entitled to free tuition if the qualification is listed on the Government Free courses for jobs list. Similarly, if you already hold a Level 3 qualification (or above) and meet the Adult Education Budgets definition of unemployed or are in receipt of low wage, you may also be entitled to free tuition.
You may also be required to pay an administration fee, exam fees, kit fee and an Awarding Body Registration fee if applicable.
These fees are indicative of the 2024-25 costs and may be subject to change
