Creative Arts with Art & Design Foundation Degree

Foundation Degree
Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 2 Years
Attendance: Full Time

Course Overview

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in developing your creative practice, focusing on practical work and the refinement of both artistic and entrepreneurial skills.

You will enhance your creative and technical abilities while building a professional network on site at our Dean Clough studio and establish industry connections. The course uses a combination of directed and personal briefs which will develop your core skills, enabling you to identify and refine specialist skills and knowledge across digital and traditional approaches.

Year 2 modules have been designed to create a more individualised learning experience that allows you to explore your creative talent and specialist pathway. You’ll benefit from mentorship by industry professionals and gain hands-on experience working on live, work-based projects.

Additionally, collaborative opportunities and an in-depth understanding of the creative industries will support you to progress to the BA Contemporary Art and Design Practice top-up year or into employment.

During this course you will become well equipped in all aspects of:

Level 4 Modules 

  • Working in the Creative Industries
  • Traditional and Digital Material Practice
  • Working Methods, sources and References
  • Individual Project

Level 5 Modules

  • Specialist Contextual in the Creative Industries
  • Traditional and Digital Material Practice Personal Pathway
  • Working in the Creative Industries (2)
  • Final Major Project: Advanced Specialist Skills/Exhibition

Start Date

September 2025

Entry Requirements & Interview Process

This course will be a natural progression from the BTEC Level 3 Diploma / Extended Diploma in Art and Design, Foundation Diploma Art & Design, Access to HE or A Levels in a related subject.

Applications from mature students are welcome. All applicants will be interviewed with a portfolio of relevant work and will be expected to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment.

Progression

On successful completion of the Foundation Degree students will have the opportunity to progress to our BA Contemporary Art and Design Practice top-up year, to gain a full honours degree.

Career Opportunities

Artist, Freelance Creative, Community Artist, Teacher, Illustrator, Curator.

Assessment Methods

You will be assessed throughout the course by completing a portfolio of digital and traditional work, with written evaluations and sketchbooks.

Your assessed work will go through a process of internal moderation and then will be checked by an externally appointed examiner. At each stage this means that marking and grading is checked and may be adjusted.

Course Fees

£7950 per year

All higher education students must apply to Student Finance England for assistance towards fees. For help or advice with this please contact our Guidance Team on 01422 399367.

The University Centre has a HE Hardship Fund which students may access if they are facing financial difficulties.

Awarding Body

This award is validated by The Open University.

Career Opportunities

Fine Artist

Surface Pattern Designer

Textile Designer

Illustrator

Animator

Film Maker

Photographer

Sculptor

Graphic Designer

Creative Arts with Art & Design Foundation Degree

Study Area: Higher Education
Duration: 2 Years
Attendance: Full Time
Unsure of which course to pick?

Calderdale College has a set of standard entry requirements. Apply for the course you want to study and we will help you get there.

There are a lot of courses available – work focused, practical and academic so it is important to think about the future and whether you want to proceed to university, move onto another course or get a job. We offer BTECs, Apprenticeships, T Levels, NVQs, VRQs, Degree Level Courses and more.

If you’re still not sure, don’t worry, just speak to a member of our advice and guidance team who will advise you.

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