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Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course in Guildford

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design in Guildford. Classes run at Activate Learning Guildford, full-time during the day. It's free if you're 16 to 18 years old. If you're 19 or over, fees may apply, though an Advanced Learner Loan could help.

This Level 3 foundation art and design course runs over one year. You'll explore a broad range of creative disciplines before specialising in a direction that suits you. Units cover drawing, 3D work, digital media, and critical thinking about your practice. You'll build a strong portfolio ready for university applications.

You'll finish with a University of the Arts London Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Who this course is for

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design follows a stepping-stone structure: it helps you to find a pathway that reflects your interests and then gain relevant experience of professional arts practice. You will be extended beyond your A Level or Level 3 Extended Diploma studies toward higher-level working practices, preparing you for the demands of university or employment. The course will extend your creative potential and build your portfolio to allow you to apply for your chosen university. It is a fast-paced experience that will encourage you to develop confidence in your own ideas and build a substantial portfolio of work. You will work on live briefs and projects to build a wide variety of skills across the arts and photography programmes. You will explore photography studio practice and develop skills in both dark room and traditional photography as well and digital formats. You will also undertake life drawing, printmaking, sculpture, textiles, graphic design, and illustration techniques, to produce a wide variety of outcomes in a fast-paced environment. In stage 2 and 3 of the course, you will have the opportunity to explore and specialise within your chosen pathway. This will enable you to develop your own practice with specialist guidance from the teaching team in preparation for your next stage of your career. This course is also suitable for mature learners and those returning to education. We will accept applicants based on a portfolio of work in cases where you have not studied a creative subject previously.. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

Entry requirements

The equivalent of 2 A Levels, GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and maths plus an art portfolio. For further information please visit the Actiate Learning Website at https://www.activatelearning.ac.uk

What you will learn

  • You'll develop drawing and observational skills across a range of media.
  • You'll experiment with 3D making, sculpture, and spatial work.
  • You'll explore digital design and image-making techniques.
  • You'll research and analyse the work of artists and designers.
  • You'll write critically about your own creative practice.
  • You'll build and refine a professional portfolio of your work.
  • You'll identify a specialist pathway that matches your creative interests.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based projects, workshops, and individual tutorials. Assessment is through a portfolio of creative work and written critical studies. You'll take part in group critiques and present your work to tutors. There is no written exam. Progress is reviewed throughout the year, with a final portfolio submission at the end of the course.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Activate Learning Guildford will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands and publications.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for books, magazines, and digital platforms.
  • Visual merchandiser, designs retail displays and in-store environments.
  • Photography assistant, supports shoots in commercial or editorial settings.
  • Junior web designer, works on the visual side of websites and apps.
  • Art technician, supports artists and designers in studio or gallery settings.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, the natural next step for students focused on studio practice.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, for those who want to specialise in visual communication.
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Design, for students with a strong interest in textiles and garment-making.
  • BA (Hons) Architecture, for those drawn to spatial and 3D design at degree level.
  • HND in Creative Media Production, a shorter higher-level route into media and design industries.
Apply on guildford.activatelearning.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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