Art & Design Foundation (Full-time) (CertHE)
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.
Course details
- On-campus
- Full-time
- English
- Bilingual
Undergraduate Fees
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
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.
Compulsory
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
Course Disclaimer
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The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
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Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Facilities & Exhibitions
Facilities & Exhibitions
The Foundation course is based in a beautiful large open plan studio in the recently renovated ALEX Design Exchange which is where the course originated over 100 years ago.
Our Summer Shows are a showcase of the exceptional work of our graduating students across a wide range of creative disciplines.
Art & Design Foundation Gallery
Bella
Beth
Charlotte
Chloe
Daria
Ffion
Hannah
Lucy
Luke
Nathan
Nathan
Nicky
Riley
Seren
Seren
Susanna
Tim
Further information
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32 UCAS tariff points 
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e.g. A-levels: E, BTEC: PPP, IB: 24 and Portfolio
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are interested in creative people who demonstrate a strong commitment to art and/or design and, therefore, we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
We arrange interviews for all applicants to assess suitability for the chosen course. Your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered, as well as your portfolio of work.
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GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 
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Interview
All applicants to Swansea College of Art are required to have an interview.
We really enjoy the interview process, getting to know you and your work, and we feel that this is the best way to find the right students for our programmes. This also ensures that our applicants have all the information they need to make the right choice for them too.
If you have any queries before your interview, please contact us at artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk.
Portfolio
We ask that you bring a portfolio of some past and current work. Your portfolio is a collection of your most exciting and representative work, showcasing your creative abilities, technical skills, and artistic vision. It tells the story of your creative journey, highlighting your unique style, interests, and ideas as they develop. We interpret the term ‘portfolio’ broadly and are happy for you to do the same - this can include finished pieces, work in progress, sketchbooks, drawings, and projects that are still unfolding, as these give us insight into your thinking and creative process. Whether in physical or digital format, your portfolio is an opportunity to showcase your creative journey in a way that feels authentic to you, with each piece highlighting your creative potential and enthusiasm for the programme you are applying for.
We understand that many applicants are still mid-qualification (e.g. A-Level, BTEC, L3, Foundation) and are developing an emerging body of work, so there’s no pressure for everything to be polished or complete.
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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
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Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.
However, art and design students will likely incur some additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining optional study trips, and printing.
Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment with them when they commence the course. We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your programme of studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.
A basic ‘art and design kit’ will cost approximately £100, but you may well already have much of the equipment required, so check with us first. Although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework, you may wish to bring your own digital devices, again check with us first before making a purchase.
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Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at UWTSD, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills. â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
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You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other available funding opportunities, please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
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The Foundation course is based in a beautiful large open plan studio in the recently renovated ALEX Design Exchange which is where the course originated over 100 years ago. We work across the Alex and Dynevor Campuses offering our students full access to purpose-built workshops, facilities and resources in the art school.
The art school boasts some of the best facilities in the area with both traditional and state of the art equipment available for all students to take advantage of. Foundation students obtain access to specialist study areas such as; Printmaking, Photography dark rooms, Construction in a fully equipped workshop, 3D Printing, Laser-cutting, Ceramics and Glass, Mac and PC Digital work spaces.
We maintain the ethos and magic of Foundation, allowing students to build a bedrock of experience and skill whilst discovering new areas they might not have had a chance to explore previously. This, we believe is essential to success at degree level and vital in terms of making the right decision for a future career in the creative industries.