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Level 4 Art, Design and Media Foundation Course in Buxton

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyPearson Edexcel awarding body
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About this course

Level 4 Art, Design and Media Foundation Course in Buxton. Classes run at University of Derby Buxton Campus, full-time over one year. If you are 16 to 18 years old on 31 August 2025, tuition fees are usually covered. If you are 19 or over, fees may apply, though a college bursary may help with costs such as travel, meals, and equipment. This art, design and media foundation qualification is for people who have completed a Level 3 qualification in Media, Art and Design, or a related subject, including A Levels. You'll work across creative disciplines, build a broad portfolio, and develop the professional practice needed for university study or employment in the creative industries.

Who this course is for

This programme is aimed at 18-year-olds and adults 19-years and older who have completed Level 3 Media studies, Art and Design or a related course, and are now ready to make a choice as to your future career path.

The Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media is designed to give you a broad introduction to the subject area and allow you to acquire the skills and experience to prepare you for subject specialisation at university, or employment. You will gain a wide range of sector knowledge tied to practical skills gained in research, self-study, directed study and workplace scenarios.

Entry requirements

You will need a minimum of a Level 3 Media or Art qualification or related subject at Level 3. This can include A Levels.

What you will learn

  • You'll experiment across art, design and media disciplines to develop a broad creative portfolio.
  • You'll use industry-standard software including Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
  • You'll work with professional equipment such as cameras, recording devices, and Mac suites.
  • You'll develop self-directed project skills through a final major project in your chosen specialism.
  • You'll practise reflective and critical thinking as part of your creative process.
  • You'll present work through portfolios, live briefs, workshops, and exhibitions.
  • You'll gain insight from industry professionals working in the creative sector.

How you will learn

You'll be assessed through a combination of formative and summative methods. These include portfolio development, self-directed projects, live briefs, workshops, exhibitions, and a final major project. Learning takes place in the classroom and in professional studio environments, using industry-standard equipment and software. You'll reflect on your practice throughout the course and communicate your creative decisions as part of your assessment.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. University of Derby Buxton Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer: create visual content for brands and media
  • Photographer: work in commercial, editorial, or event photography
  • Video editor: edit footage for broadcast, online, or corporate clients
  • Junior art director: support creative direction in agencies or studios
  • Media production assistant: support film, TV, or digital content production
  • Visual artist: produce and exhibit original creative work
  • Digital content creator: produce images, video, and design for online platforms

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design or Illustration: a natural next step if you want to specialise at degree level.
  • BA (Hons) Film and Media Production: builds on media skills developed in this course.
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art: for those focusing on studio practice and exhibition work.
  • BA (Hons) Photography: develops professional and commercial photography skills further.

This level 4 art, design and media foundation qualification is designed to prepare you for subject specialisation at university, so most learners progress to a relevant undergraduate degree.

Apply on derby.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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