Level 4 Foundation Diploma Art & Design
Subject Area
Art & Design, Fashion & Creative Crafts
Student Type
Adults
Study Mode
Full Time
Course Type
Technical
What is the course about?
This exciting and innovative course gives you the freedom to explore your creativity and express your imagination across a range of artistic disciplines and genres. You'll have the chance to experiment with new skills and push the boundaries of your creative practice.
It’s ideal if you’ve previously studied Level 3 Art & Design, A Level Art, or if you’re looking to further develop your creative and technical skills to progress into higher education or a career in a creative field.
You’ll also benefit from collaborations with a wide range of regional and national organisations, working on inspiring live briefs and exhibitions through our Advanced Creative & Digital Skills Academy. Recent projects have included partnerships with the Whitworth and Tate galleries, Culture Warrington, and the NHS.
Why should I choose the course?
The creative industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the UK, contributing over £100 billion to the economy and employing more than 2 million people. That means exciting career opportunities are waiting for you in this dynamic field.
This course is your chance to dive deeper into a wide range of art and design disciplines, including fine art, textiles, graphics, 3D/ceramics, life drawing, illustration, animation, product design, and photography.
You'll take part in inspiring enrichment activities and build an outstanding portfolio that showcases your creativity and technical ability, all helping you stand out in interviews for both further education and employment.
What will I learn?
This course is your chance to unlock your creativity and explore a wide range of artistic disciplines and genres. You'll dive into 2D art and design—such as drawing, painting, and printmaking—and get hands-on with textiles, 3D and ceramics, graphic design, photography, digital arts, life drawing, and contextual studies.
As the course progresses, you'll take on a more specialist approach, allowing you to refine your creative focus, develop a tailored portfolio, and deepen your skills and knowledge, all designed to prepare you for the next step into higher education.
What will the course lead on to?
After successfully completing this course, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to take the next big step, whether that’s progressing to university or stepping straight into the creative industries.
Our students go on to do incredible things, following diverse and exciting career paths in the creative arts. These include art therapy, film and television, interior design, architecture, illustration, animation, theatre and prop design, and becoming a self-employed designer/maker or teacher.
Others have launched careers as games designers, textile designers, product designers, community artists, jewellers, theatre managers, art historians, art development officers, curators, and even merchandisers.
Whatever your creative dream is, this course can help you get there!
Are there any links with industry and university?
This forward-thinking course has strong connections with a range of practicing artists and organisations. All of our teachers are experienced industry professionals—and practicing artists themselves—who regularly exhibit their work externally. They come from diverse backgrounds, including fine art, fashion and textiles, 3D and ceramics, graphics, media, and photography.
You’ll benefit from:
- Guest lecture workshops with employers
- The chance to complete live briefs with respected regional and national organisations and employers.
To help you reach your full artistic potential, you’ll also complete a work placement in a creative field of your choice. Past students have:
- Gained valuable experience at Warrington Museum galleries
- Showcased their skills at external exhibition venues
- Grown in confidence while enhancing communication, teaching, and problem-solving skills.
We’ve recently exhibited student work through a digital exhibition at the Whitworth and at Castlefield galleries in Warrington town centre.
There are also opportunities to take part in competitions, where previous students have won a range of prestigious titles. You’ll even get the chance to exhibit your own work in popular venues—a fantastic addition to both your UCAS application and your CV.
What support is available?
You will be allocated a progress coach who will provide you with support to help you succeed on your study programme and progress on to your chosen career or progression path. We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if required, as well as a Wellbeing Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support and help when needed.Â
Additionally, eligible students can access a wide range of finance and funding support to help them during their time at college.
Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support
Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support
Why should I choose to study the course at Warrington & Vale Royal College?
The art department is proud to work in partnership with University of the Arts London, the awarding body for this qualification.
As a student, you’ll learn in our state-of-the-art creative arts workshops, media studio, and fully equipped Apple Mac suites. Our workshops are stocked with the latest materials for fine art, textiles, printmaking, and ceramics, giving you hands-on access to everything you need.
You’ll be taught by highly experienced teachers with strong industry backgrounds. Their specialist knowledge spans a wide range of disciplines across both art and design and digital arts, helping you develop your technical skills and creative confidence.
To inspire your artistic journey, we organise a variety of local and national trips. Previous students have had the chance to travel to Berlin, New York, and Barcelona to explore work by internationally renowned artists. You’ll also visit iconic UK institutions such as The Tate Gallery, Manchester City Art Gallery, Whitworth Art Gallery, the Museum of Science and Industry, and the Natural History Museum—all designed to spark creativity and broaden your artistic perspective.
What are the entry requirements?
You will need to have successfully completed a full and relevant level 3 qualification such as an extended diploma in art and design or three A-Levels at grade C or above. You will also need to have achieved a grade 4/C or above in both GCSE English and maths.
19+ applicants will demonstrate within their portfolio and through interview, a wealth of experience in the arts and the ability to progress onto level 4 study.
Are there any additional costs associated with the course?
The college provides some specialist art equipment and materials, but students are expected to purchase their own sketchbooks, folders, and basic art kits. These can be bought from the college art shop and through purchasing an Art kit through the college (details provided for all successful applicants). Students will also be required to pay for printing of work as and when required.
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