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Free Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course in Canterbury

CostFREE
Duration44 weeks
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start2 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course in Canterbury. Classes run at Canterbury College, full-time over 44 weeks.

The course takes you through a broad range of creative disciplines before you focus on a specialism. You'll experiment with materials and techniques, develop your own visual style, and build a strong portfolio. Disciplines include fine art, graphic design, photography, and illustration. Entry typically requires good grades in at least three A levels, including a visual arts subject, plus a portfolio interview.

You'll finish with a Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Who this course is for

Do you want to prepare for a degree in fine art, photography, graphic design, illustration or a related specialism? The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design will prepare you to go on to study a practice-based undergraduate course.

Entry requirements

It would be expected that before starting the course you would have good grades (Cs and above) in at least three A levels or equivalent, including a visual art based course. When you come to your one to one interview by clicking on Apply, ensure you bring a portfolio of your work, demonstrating your skill and ambition in a range of visual art techniques as well as your analytical and critical thinking abilities.

What you will learn

  • You'll experiment with a wide range of materials, techniques, and creative processes.
  • You'll explore different art and design disciplines before choosing a specialism.
  • You'll develop your own visual style and creative voice.
  • You'll build skills in creative problem-solving and independent thinking.
  • You'll create a high-quality portfolio tailored to your chosen progression route.
  • You'll strengthen your analytical and critical thinking through project-based work.

How you will learn

You'll learn through hands-on studio projects in a classroom setting. The course is structured in phases: an initial exploration phase, a specialism phase, and a final major project. Assessment is through your portfolio of work and project outcomes. You'll attend daytime classes at Canterbury College throughout the year.

What you will need to bring

When you apply, bring a portfolio of your work. It should show skill and ambition across a range of visual art techniques, as well as analytical and critical thinking. Canterbury College will confirm any other materials you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands and media.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and digital platforms.
  • Photographer, works across commercial, editorial, or fine art contexts.
  • Fine artist, exhibits and sells original work or works on commissions.
  • Art and design teacher, supports creative learning in schools or colleges after further study.
  • Visual communications assistant, supports design teams in agencies or in-house studios.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, the natural next step for those focusing on studio practice.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, for those who chose the design specialism.
  • BA (Hons) Photography, for those developing a photographic practice.
  • BA (Hons) Illustration, a degree route for illustrators building on their portfolio work.
Apply on CanterburyCollege.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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