13May
UndergraduateCourse summary
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.
Modules
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. Introduction to Art and Design (20 credits) Practical and Written Experimentation (20 credits) Developing Specialist Practice and Preparing for Progression (20 credits) Developing Personal Practice (20 credits) Academic Writing and Practical / Written Research (20 credits) Exhibition Outcomes (20 credits)
Assessment method
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
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. 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.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 32 points
Additional entry requirements
Portfolio
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 [email protected]. 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.
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.
Acceptable Evidence of English
https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
| EU | £15525 | Year 1 |
| International | £15525 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
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.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP