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Applied Art and Design (Foundation Degree)

Work based learning and placements form the focus and ethos of this course, which will prepare you for a career as an art and design practitioner.

For more information about this course please visit the Bath School of Art and Design website.

The Foundation Degree in Applied Art and Design will develop your 2D and 3D skills covering the breadth of applied arts practice including painting, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, surface manipulation, creative lens and time-based media. Whilst you develop these skills you will also study business practice, communication and ICT, professional practice and contextual studies. As the course progresses you will develop your 2D or 3D specialisms, and work-based learning will continue to play a pivotal role.

A strong emphasis is placed on the applied nature of art and design, so that you will be well prepared to move directly into employment or art practice. The vocational focus of the course includes 'live' projects from the creative industries and businesses, outside placements in studios, galleries, museums, foundries and animation companies, and work placements alongside art/design practitioners.

After successful completion of this course, you may wish to progress on to the BA (Hons) Applied Art and Design (Work-Based) course.

Course Structure and Content

Year 1

Year 2

On successful completion of the Foundation Degree, you can apply for a third year to top up your qualification to the BA (Hons) Creative Arts at Bath Spa University.

Teaching Methods and Resources

The course is based at Weston College (although you will be classed as a Bath Spa student and will have access to the University facilities). Taught sessions will include lectures, seminars, workshops, demonstrations, tutorials and critiques. Work-based learning alongside art practitioners will take place through a range of external placements, and will help prepare you for employment in the creative industries.

Assessment Methods

Assessment is carried out in a variety of ways, including 2D and 3D finished artwork and preparation work (including sketchbooks); essays; seminar presentations; seminar reports, journals and case studies; and practice in the workplace including diary entries, photographic records and/or sound recordings.

Entry Requirements

Appropriate Level 3 qualifications (for example A-levels or vocational qualifications) in art, design or media.