Art and Design Foundation (Swansea College of Art)

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

Our philosophy in teaching and learning is rooted in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and technical skills. We believe in a hands-on, explorative approach, allowing students to engage with diverse artistic practices and develop their unique artistic voice.

Our Art and Design Foundation course is taught entirely at Level 4, providing a clear progression from A-Level studies. This structure allows students to take the time to consider BA specialist options within the context of a full art school experience.

We maintain the ethos and magic of Foundation, enabling students to build a bedrock of experience and skill while discovering new areas they might not have had a chance to explore previously. This foundational approach is essential for success at the degree level and vital for making informed decisions about a future career in the creative industry.

Our studio-based teaching and learning approach is characterised by enquiry and learning through drawing, making and process, writing, research, presentation, and discussion.

Introduction to Art and Design: This established course is a core part of at Swansea College of Art (UWTSD), with a history going back more than 100 years old, you will start with a broad introduction to art and design. This initial phase focuses on experimentation and creative practices, building a solid foundation and allowing you to explore new areas.

Developing Technical Skills: throughout the course, you will have access to our beautiful studio in the ALEX building whilst also working across the Alex and Dynevor Campuses, accessing specialist workshops and state-of-the-art facilities. This hands-on experience with both traditional and modern equipment will enhance your technical abilities and understanding of various artistic disciplines.

Portfolio Development and Specialisation: As the course progresses, the emphasis shifts to portfolio development and degree course preparation, including a final year exhibition. You’ll be introduced to specialist study areas including Fine Art, Visual Communication, Lens-based Media, 3D Design, Fashion and Textiles. This includes preparing for further studies or careers in fields like Design Crafts, Product and Furniture design, Surface Pattern Textiles, Illustration, Graphic Design, Games Design, Animation, Film and Video, Photography, Theatre, Architecture, Music Technology and more. Working alongside degree students, you will gain invaluable experience and insight, ensuring you make well-informed decisions for your future career in the creative industry.

Year 1

Compulsory

• 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)

https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/programme-courses/foundation/art-design-and-photography/art-design-foundation-full-time-full-time