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Free Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course in Saint Helens

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start6 Sep 2027
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
Apply now →

About this course

Free Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course in Saint Helens. Classes run at Carmel College, full-time during the day. The course is free for 16 to 18 year olds.

This Level 4 foundation art and design qualification runs over one year. You begin by exploring a broad range of creative disciplines, including life drawing, research methods, and interdisciplinary practice. You then specialise in one area, such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Fashion, Animation, or 3D Design. You build a portfolio with a specialist tutor and present your final project in a public exhibition.

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

Who this course is for

The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design at Carmel College is an exciting, creative and innovative course. It's a place for you to explore a diverse range of practices, and then to specialise in an area of your choice. It's the route to help you access Higher Education or employment in the Creative Industries. Always supportive and always inclusive, the Diploma celebrates difference and imagination.

Entry requirements

Students should be aged 18 or over. A Level Grade C in an Art and Design / Technology subject or UAL Extended Diploma Merit or equivalent. If you haven't studied Art, no problem, just come and talk to one of the tutors.

All applicants are interviewed 1:1 by a specialist Art/Design tutor.

What you will learn

  • You'll experiment across art, design, and media disciplines in the first unit.
  • You'll develop research skills and interdisciplinary creative practice.
  • You'll specialise in one area, choosing from Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Fashion, Textiles, Animation, Illustration, 3D Design, or Curation.
  • You'll build a professional portfolio with guidance from a specialist tutor.
  • You'll plan, research, and complete an independent project in your chosen specialism.
  • You'll present and evaluate your work in a public exhibition.

How you will learn

You learn through studio workshops, life drawing sessions, live briefs, and trips. Group critiques and one-to-one tutorials support your development throughout. You must pass three mandatory units. Your final grade is determined by your achievement in the independent project unit, awarded at Pass, Merit, or Distinction. All applicants have a one-to-one interview with a specialist Art or Design tutor before the course begins.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Carmel College 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, media, and advertising.
  • Fashion designer, develops clothing and textile collections.
  • Photographer, works in commercial, editorial, or fine art contexts.
  • Animator, creates moving image content for film, games, or digital media.
  • Exhibition curator, plans and manages art and design exhibitions.
  • Set or interior designer, designs spaces for theatre, film, or commercial clients.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) in Fine Art, Graphic Design, Fashion, Photography, or a related creative subject at university, the most common next step after this qualification.
  • BA (Hons) in Architecture or Interior Design, for those who specialised in 3D Design.
  • Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design, a work-focused alternative to a full degree.
  • MA in a creative discipline, for those returning to study after industry experience.
Apply on carmel.ac.uk →
Apply now →

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