Level 3 Foundation Diploma (Art & Design)
Commonly referred to as ‘BTEC Foundation in art and design’, the ABC Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies, Art and Design is widely recognised as the standard entry qualification for degree level study at art colleges and universities throughout the United Kingdom.
This course prepares Students for further study in a wide range of specialist areas. Leading universities, including the London College of Fashion, recommend this course as the best preparation for a degree in Fashion design and it is also the required preparation for subjects such as photography, graphic design, fine art, jewellery, product design, textile design and even furniture design. It is also included in the UCAS Tariff for entry to higher education.
The points are:
Distinction 285
Merit 225
Pass 165
Level 3 and 4 Diploma in Foundation Studies, Art and Design
ABC Awards have recently introduced a Level 3 and 4 Diploma. Students who are registered onto a Level 3 course and who successfully complete it will achieve a Level 3 qualification. Students who demonstrate achievement at a higher level will be able to claim for a second qualification - the Level 4.
Level 3 and 4 Diplomas in Foundation Studies are aimed at individuals who wish to develop their art and design skills for entry into Higher Education or related employment.
Course structure
The Level 3 and Level 4 Diplomas in are structured in three stages covering eight units. During the pathway stage, the learner is able to achieve units at either level 3 or level 4 as appropriate. Level 4 Students will be expected to take considerable responsibility and autonomy for the overall direction of their work and be competent to exercise informed critical judgments within the broad parameters set by the course of study.
Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art, Design and Media
Stage 1 - Exploratory Stage
Stage 1 consists of 3 mandatory units at level 3
Stage 2 - Pathway Stage
Stage 2 consists of 4 units. 1 mandatory unit at level 3 and a further 3 units at either level 3 or level 4.
Stage 3 - Confirmatory Stage
Stage 3 consists of 1 mandatory unit at level 4
Level 4 Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art, Design and Media
Stage 1 – Exploratory Stage
Stage 1 consists of 3 mandatory units at level 3.
Stage 2 – Pathway Stage
Stage 2 consists of 4 units. 1 mandatory unit at level 3 and 3 further units at level 4.
Stage 3 - Confirmatory Stage
Stage 3 consists of 1 mandatory unit at level 4
To achieve a final award at Level 4, 60% of achievement is at Level 4, i.e. units which total 360 GLH.
Foundation programmes build on learner’s prior experience, linking skills already acquired, with ideas and challenges which will extend their critical independence and provide them with a full understanding of the career opportunities in art and design.
This Course is designed to develop personal creativity, problem solving and independent thought. Throughout the Exploratory Stage there is an emphasis on visual research, drawing and sketchbook development aimed at generating expressive art and design ideas. Historical and contemporary studies form an integral part of this course, and Students are encouraged to develop critical awareness in relation to their own work and that of others. Students must successfully achieve all units in each stage before progressing to the next.
During the Pathways Stage Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of different subject areas before choosing to specialise in the Confirmatory Stage. Subjects include Graphic Design, Illustration, Fashion, Textiles, Sculpture, Drawing and Painting and Product Design.
The course culminates in a specialist outcome or Final Major Project in the learner’s chosen specialism.
The course is internally assessed and externally moderated. The final Confirmatory Stage is graded; Pass Merit or Distinction.

Certification
ABC Level 3 and 4 Diplomas in Foundation Studies are approved on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF). This course leads to the award of the Level 3 or 4 Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art & Design) from ABC Awards. This award is the equivalent qualification to the BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design.
ABC Awards is one of the largest vocational awarding bodies in the United Kingdom and is recognised by the regulatory bodies as an awarding body whose qualifications meet the criteria applied by QCA (Qualifications Curriculum Authority).
Entry Requirements
Whatever your qualifications or previous experience, we are interested in all applicants who have commitment, and are determined to succeed. We’re very flexible when it comes to admissions, and welcome applications from those without formal qualifications.
International students should have completed 12 years of school education and should have a Certificate of Secondary Education, or equivalent from a vocational school or college. For those whose first language is not English, IELTS 4.5 or equivalent is required.
Next Start Date 4th November 2010
Price: 3000£
If you have any questions, please contact us


