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Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design Course in Paignton

Cost£5,541.00
Duration1 month
LevelLevel 4
DeliveryClassroom based
Start14 Sep 2026
Study modePart-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
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About this course

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design in Paignton. Classes run at South Devon College, part-time during the day.

The course is designed to build a strong portfolio and prepare you for degree-level study in art and design. You'll explore creative disciplines such as photography, fine art, and architecture. Classes run at a manageable pace, so you can balance study with other commitments. The course typically takes one month part-time.

You'll finish with a Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, awarded by the University of the Arts London.

Who this course is for

If you want to develop an outstanding portfolio of work and you’re considering studying an art degree at university, then this is the perfect course for you. It’s a natural progression from either A Level studies or the Level 3 qualification in Art and Design, taking your skills one step further and helping you grow as a creative professional.This is a unique course designed to prepare you for the rigours of university-level study, in art-related degrees such as photography, architecture, fine art, graphics, and fashion. You’ll study a broad range of topics, focusing on your area of specialism and developing your expertise, led by a team of experienced artists and designers.We are an accredited centre of excellence working in partnership with the University of the Arts London (UAL) - Europe’s largest specialist art and design awarding body. This means you’ll have the best possible platform to progress and succeed, developing a portfolio that showcases your creativity and skill.This course is all about helping you progress to university, acting as a stepping stone to pursuing a career in creative fields.Because of our partnership with UAL, you will be in a strong position to apply for art-related degrees at universities throughout the country. You could progress directly to one of the following foundation degrees at University Centre South Devon in art, including Illustration Arts; Digital Design; Digital Marketing; Film and Photography; and Games and Interactive Design.During the course, you’ll develop your specialism as you work towards a career that you are genuinely passionate about. The course covers a range of topics, so progression routes are varied, but past students have gone on to become graphic designers, fashion designers, illustrators, photographers, and more. Whatever your dream job is, this course will help you achieve it.

Entry requirements

You should have a genuine interest in this subject, You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in Maths, You must have a GCSE Grade 4(C) in English, You must have completed an appropriate vocational qualification at Level 3, Portfolio

What you will learn

  • You'll develop a portfolio of creative work to degree-entry standard.
  • You'll explore a range of art and design disciplines, including fine art, photography, and architecture.
  • You'll practise critical thinking and visual analysis skills.
  • You'll experiment with materials, techniques, and processes used in professional art practice.
  • You'll learn to present and articulate your creative ideas clearly.
  • You'll build the independent study habits expected at university level.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based practical work, project briefs, and critical discussion. Assessment is portfolio-based, with your body of creative work reviewed throughout the course. You may also complete written reflections or evaluations to support your practical projects. Classes are delivered in person at South Devon College.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. South Devon College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Visual artist, creates original work for galleries, commissions, or exhibitions.
  • Graphic designer, produces visual content for brands, print, and digital media.
  • Photographer, works in commercial, editorial, or fine art photography.
  • Illustrator, creates images for publishing, advertising, or product design.
  • Architectural assistant, supports design teams in architectural practices.
  • Art technician, supports studio or gallery operations in educational or cultural settings.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Fine Art, the natural next step after this foundation art and design qualification.
  • BA (Hons) Photography, for those who focused on photographic practice during the course.
  • BA (Hons) Architecture, for learners interested in the built environment.
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, leading to careers in visual communication and branding.
Apply on southdevon.ac.uk →
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