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Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design The Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design offers ideal preparation for students wishing to progress onto Higher Education and study a degree level qualification. The diploma provides an invaluable opportunity to study a range of art and design disciplines while developing your skills and creative thinking further. The course is lively, stimulating and designed to introduce people to art and design practice with a series of studio projects, lectures and visits - all of which encourage creative production and self- reliant learning. You will build upon your previous experience drawing new ideas and work through three stages of the course - the exploratory stage encourages you to develop your basic art and design skills while the pathway and confirmatory stages allow you to work within your chosen specialist area. This could be 3D design, fine art, graphic design, fashion and textiles, photography or art and design history - all broad areas covering the diverse number of Higher Education courses available. The third stage will see you undertake a major project in your chosen specialist area that results in a summer exhibition. Duration of course One year Units to be covered You will study the following units: . Information and Research . Recording and Responding . Media Experimentation . Information and Interpretation . Personal Experimental Studies . Extended Media Development . Preparation and Progression . Integrating Theory and Practice . Personal Confirmatory Study Entry requirements An A Level at grade C or above, preferably in art Or Two AS Levels at grade C or above, preferably to include art Or Successful completion of BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design Or Successful completion of a GNVQ Level 3 qualification You should also have five GCSEs at grade C or above, including art and English or maths as well as a portfolio of art, design and/ or craft work. Applicants without formal qualifications but who possess a more varied portfolio of evidence and experience may be considered via interview. Your portfolio will usually include your A Level, college and personal work and will form the basis of your interview. The above entry requirements equate to the UCAS tariff of at least 165 points depending on the grades you achieve. Assessment methods You will be continually assessed on written and practical projects and given regular feedback from tutors as well as submitting work to the Edexcel Foundation Examiner. Employment opportunities The Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design is a level 3 qualification bridging the gap between secondary and Higher Education, while expanding and deepening your knowledge. On successful completion of the diploma you will acquire a further 165 to 285 UCAS tariff points. Choose from a range of art and design related Higher Education courses, including HNDs and degree programmes including the Foundation Degree in Graphic Design available at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology. You could also seek employment in the arts, design or crafts industry. 23