The course leads to a nationally recognised qualification called the BTEC Foundation (level 3 / 4) Diploma in Art and Design. This award is considered the ideal preparation for study in Higher Education at either undergraduate or masters level*. It will also give you the core skills and creative techniques for employment as a practicing artist or designer. You will evolve a deep understanding of art and design and will be helped to make decisions about your future within education or the workplace.
This course is popular with working adults or those returning to education, there are financial concessions available to students in receipt of benefits. You do not need formal qualifications for entry but we ask all applicants to bring a portfolio to interview.
What topics will we cover?
In Term 2 you to will explore each of the subject specialist areas above. Each specialist induction taught by practising artist or designer and runs for 3 days. Combined with the core programme in drawing, basic photography, colour work, personal/critical research we will steadily develop your individual creative direction. We will make study visits to The Tate Modern and the National Gallery and write a short essay comparing contemporary and traditional practitioners that are relevant to your interests. In the final stage you will choose two specialist areas that will become the focus of your study in term 3.
In Term 3 two days per week are spent in your specialist pathway choices making your own work and learning specialist skills. A third day in core studies will include, drawing and ideas development, critical studies lectures, workshops on making application to university and writing statements about your practice. In the final stage you will start to initiate personal projects and learn to write proposals for your own exhibition.
Term 4 is your opportunity to fully realise your own creative vision through the final major project. This starts as a proposal devised by you to reflect your interests and passions as an artists or designer. You will work in your specialist and core areas to realise your ideas and document your research. In the final stages of the term you will plan and present an exhibition, in the studios at City Lit.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
Present an exhibition that includes your creative visual research and final pieces for the final major project. Your portfolio will contain studies and worksheets for this and other projects from the course. The range work and differing media will be chosen by you with advice from your tutors, including a sketch book and a reflective journal.
What level is the course?
Entry to Stage 2 of the Foundation course normally requires the successful completion of Stage 1.
Direct entry on to Stage 2 is possible in exceptional cases; if you are interested please arrange an interview to discuss your options.
How will I be taught?
You will be taught by a team of staff comprised of practising artists, designers and experienced teachers who using a wide range of teaching methods. This will include demonstrations and expert tuition from leading practitioners. A mixture of tutor-led discussions, group work and practical exercises, individual research projects and studio based assignments. There are also formal critical studies lectures and museum and gallery visits. All students will be expected to work approximately a day a week on independent study and there is individual learning support available for literacy skills.
Are there any other costs (e.g. certification, materials, equipment or books I need to buy)?
All the materials used in the studios at City Lit are provided without additional charge. We ask students to purchase basic materials for their independent study, such as s sketch book and drawing and painting materials at the beginning of Stage 1. As the course develops you will need an A1 size portfolio case to carry work.
Many students are eligible for financial support to find out more please email advice@citylit.ac.uk.
What feedback will I get?
You will be given informal feedback throughout the course in teaching groups and individual discussion with your tutor. Much of this will be documented in your 'self reflective journals' that will record your own comments and written feed back from staff. Individual assignments will be assessed by tutors and through group critiques. At the end of term 2 you will have a formal assessment in relation to the first three units on the Foundation Diploma. We will check that your portfolio is progressing well and feedback with advice for your development.
Will I have a chance to give my views on the course?
Feedback is welcomed as it encourages learning and helps us to continually improve our courses. Your comments and opinions will be informally gathered throughout the course through discussion and in the self reflective journals. There is formal board of study meeting once a term where student representatives will put forward views to the teaching and managerial staff. Student evaluations are collected through a questionnaire on Stage 2 at the end of terms 2 and 4.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Many students go on to study at university or take up work in a field related to their study. We offer advice with applications and possible progression routes.