Art and Design Foundation (Swansea College of Art)
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
UCAS Code: F4W8 | Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
UCAS Code: F4W8 | Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
Entry requirements
UCAS Tariff
Grades are important; however, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We are interested in creative people that demonstrate a strong commitment to their subject area and therefore we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To assess student suitability for their chosen course we normally arrange interviews for all applicants at which your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered as well as your qualifications and portfolio of work.
You may also need to…
Present a portfolio
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
Our Cert HE Art and Design Foundation course at Swansea College of Art, UWTSD is designed for those eager to explore their creativity through experimentation and creative practices. This intensive 1-year course offers a comprehensive introduction to art and design, establishing a strong basis for your creative future.
During the course, you will engage with a broad range of artistic disciplines and design areas, helping you to discover your passions and refine your skills. Whether your interests lie in fine art, graphic design, textiles, photography, or elsewhere, our programme will provide the foundation you need to succeed. The curriculum is primarily visual and practical, with some written work to enhance your understanding of key concepts, contexts, and techniques.
A key feature of our course is the focus on portfolio development. We understand the importance of having a strong portfolio when applying for further studies, our experienced tutors will guide you through the process, helping you to create a portfolio that showcases your best work and highlights your unique style.
Throughout the year, you will have access to our specialist workshops, which are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. These workshops cover a wide range of media and techniques, from traditional methods to contemporary practices. You will have the opportunity to work in our well-equipped studio spaces, allowing you to experiment and develop your skills in a supportive and inspiring environment.
Degree course preparation. By the end of the year, you will have gained the skills and confidence needed to progress to a degree in art and design. The course content is tailored to ensure that you are well-prepared for the demands of higher education, with a solid understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of art and design.
Students on the Art and Design Foundation course are eligible for the same student funding as those on degree programmes.
Modules
Introduction to Art and Design (20 credits)
Practical and Written Experimentation (20 credits)
Developing Specialist Practice and Preparing for Progression (20 credits)
Developing Personal Practice (20 credits)
Academic Writing and Practical / Written Research (20 credits)
Exhibition Outcomes (20 credits)
Assessment methods
Each of the 6 modules earns twenty credits, and all will be assessed through Coursework.
Coursework is presented in Sketchbooks/Visual Diaries, Preparatory Work, Workshop & Drawing Class Work, Project Outcomes, Digital Documentation, a Selected and Collated Portfolio, Written Assignments.
Critiques
Group critiques are scheduled regularly to conclude projects and form part of the assessment. They provide the opportunity for formal presentation of outcomes and preparatory work and for peer and staff criticism.
Selected and Collated Portfolio
Students working with staff select and collate a portfolio of work for presentation at interviews for progression onto further courses/other. The main body of the portfolio will be project work and, in particular specialist outcomes and preparatory work. Drawings and project work are selected to show additional skills and ability. Sketchbooks, visual diaries and any 3D preparatory work will accompany the portfolio.
Written Assignments
Formats for written assignments may include essays on proposed themes, exhibition reports, project proposals and reviews. Presentation formats may include: illustrated and fully referenced academic essays and less formal reports and/or blogs.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
Alexandra Road, Swansea
Swansea College of Art
What students say
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Design studies
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After graduation
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Design studies
What are graduates doing after six months?
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Design studies
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£15k
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£21k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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