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

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body

About this course

Free Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course in Tonbridge. Classes run at North Kent College Tonbridge, full-time during the day.

This University of the Arts London qualification takes one year to complete. You'll explore visual communication, illustration, advertising, branding, packaging, and typography. Adobe software skills and self-promotion are also central to the course. There is a strong focus on live briefs and working with employers, so you get used to professional practice.

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

Who this course is for

The Level 4 Graphic Design and Illustration Foundation Studies programme will allow you to stretch and challenge your existing knowledge to a higher, even more professional standard. Looking at key areas such as Visual Communication, Illustration, Advertising, Branding and Packaging, Adobe software skills, self-promotion, typography and much more. There is a big emphasis on live briefs and working with employers to get you used to functioning within real circumstances.

You’ll be working in a studio of like-minded creatives with access to industry-standard software and such as Adobe Creative Cloud, large format printers, photography studios and Mac-based studios This course has been designed to enhance your previously obtained skills at Level 3 or to upskill yourself if you are looking for a career change / introduction to university-level education.

The Graphic Design & Illustration department at NKC prides itself in delivering an outstanding experience across a range of courses that focus on enhancing opportunities for our students to gain access to the creative industries. Students who have completed our Level 4 programmes can apply for Higher Education courses or seek employment in the creative industries or set up their own businesses/freelance opportunities

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in visual communication and illustration.
  • You'll learn advertising, branding, and packaging design.
  • You'll build proficiency in Adobe software tools.
  • You'll practise typography and layout skills.
  • You'll work on live briefs set by real employers.
  • You'll develop self-promotion skills for a creative career.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based classes, practical projects, and live briefs. Assessment is through a portfolio of creative work built up over the year. You'll work independently and as part of group projects, responding to set briefs and developing your own creative direction.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. North Kent College Tonbridge will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands and campaigns.
  • Illustrator, produces artwork for publishing, advertising, and media.
  • Art director, leads the visual style of creative projects.
  • Packaging designer, develops product packaging for brands.
  • Advertising creative, develops visual concepts for campaigns.
  • Typographer, specialises in type design and layout.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, the natural next step for those wanting a full degree in the subject.
  • BA (Hons) Illustration, for those whose focus is image-making and visual storytelling.
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, for learners drawn toward gallery and studio practice.
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Design, for those interested in the fashion and textiles route.