Our Foundation Diploma (Pathways to HE) gives you the chance to experience a wide range of art and design disciplines, while helping you build a portfolio for your application to an undergraduate course. It is the perfect preparation for higher education or a more responsible role in the industry, providing you with a nationally recognised qualification. It is popular with applicants who have studied A Levels and also mature students returning to education.
Taunton Campus
Taunton Campus
Taunton Campus
Taunton Campus
By encouraging you to adopt an experimental approach to your learning, we help you to develop your individual skills and determine your future direction as an artist or designer. This is a gradual process, over three terms, during which you will have a chance to specialise in areas such as Creative Fashion and Textiles, Fine Art, Creative Digital Graphic Design, Photography and Media Make-up.
During your course, there may be opportunities for residential trips in the UK and abroad as well as a variety of day trips. Previous cohorts have taken opportunities to embark on study visits to London, New York, Los Angeles, Berlin and Paris among others.
The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design carries UCAS points, meaning you can count it towards entry on to a degree-level programme. Added to the high-quality portfolio of work you’ll have developed during your time with us, you should be perfectly placed to progress to a degree course, either at UCS or further afield, or into employment. It is a great stepping stone into Higher Education for mature students too. Whatever pathway you choose, we’ll give you all the help you need to pursue your ambitions.
About University Centre Somerset
At University Centre Somerset (UCS), we strive to unleash the potential in each of our students, supporting them as they unlock new skills and ambitions. Our goal is for students to step seamlessly into their careers with confidence, equipped with not just knowledge, but practical, hands-on experience in their chosen field.
Qualifications range from short courses to full Honours degrees, in a range of career-focused subjects from Business Management to Mental Health Nursing. Each course is designed with excellent career prospects and progression in mind, whether locally or further afield.
But at UCS, we're not just about qualifications. We champion small class sizes, nurturing an inclusive and welcoming environment where students can flourish. Each student has a personal tutor for the duration of their programme and access to a wealth of support services across our three friendly, accessible campuses.
Interested? Explore our website, find us on the usual social media channels, and come to an open event! If there’s a question you can’t find an answer to, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at info@somerset.ac.uk or give us a call on 01278 441234.