Level 4 Art, Design and Media Foundation Course in Windsor. Classes run at Windsor College, full-time over 35 weeks. This art, design and media foundation course gives you a creative overview of the film and theatre industries, helping you stretch and refine your practical skills while defining your own area of specialism. It's designed to prepare you for higher education or employment in the creative industries. You'll need at least a grade C in one A level creative subject, or a merit-grade portfolio from a vocational course such as a BTEC.
Who this course is for
The BTEC Level 4 Foundation Diploma has been designed to broaden students' horizons by providing a creative overview of the film and theatre industries. The creative industries are thriving in Berkshire and our aim is to give students the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress into higher education and employment. This training year will allow students the opportunity to stretch and refine their practical skills whilst defining their own personal interests and area of expertise. The year will begin with an exploratory phase where regular classes in visual language and practices and film making will assist your development in a board range of skills and this is complimented with specific industry related workshops in digital sound and photography, prop making and special fx make-up. Students will have the opportunity to collaborate with the performing arts department at a professional theatre should that be their chosen area of interest.
Entry requirements
Grade c in at least one A level creative subject or a merit grade portfolio in vocational course - BTEC, UA. This is the ideal gap year course for sixth form/college leavers who just need that extra year to develop and refine their portfolios and is fully funded if the student is 18 at the point of enrolment. This course is also available to all however, through an Advanced Learner Loan.
What you will learn
You'll explore the film and theatre industries through practical, creative projects.
You'll develop and refine your portfolio to a higher education standard.
You'll build specialist skills in your chosen area of creative practice.
You'll gain knowledge of professional contexts in the creative industries.
You'll define and develop your own creative identity and personal interests.
How you will learn
You'll learn through studio-based and classroom sessions at Windsor College. Assessment is practical and portfolio-based, reflecting the vocational nature of the BTEC qualification. You'll build a body of work across the year that demonstrates your skills and creative development. Tutors will guide your progress through project briefs and reviews.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Windsor College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Creative industries assistant - supporting production in film or theatre
Production assistant - entry-level role in film, TV, or stage production
Studio assistant - supporting artists or designers in a professional studio
Art department runner - entry point into film and TV art departments
Theatre technician - technical support for live performance
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fine Art - degree-level study for those wanting to specialise in fine art practice.
BA (Hons) Film Production - for those drawn to the film industry strand of the course.
BA (Hons) Theatre Design or Production - builds directly on theatre industry knowledge gained here.
BA (Hons) Graphic Design or Illustration - for those who discover a specialism in visual communication during the year.
