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.

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.

Why study Applied Art and Design (Foundation degree)?

This Foundation Degree 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.

Course structure

Year 1

• The Creative Industries
• Practical Skills Development
• Contextual Studies
• Case Study
• Workshop Development
• Communication Skills

Year 2

• Work Placement
• Practical Skills Development
• Contextual Studies
• Development of Business Plan
• Practical Studio Realisation
• Evidence of Study

After successful completion of this course, you may wish to apply to progress to the third year of the BA (Hons) Creative Arts course at Bath Spa University. In the event of insufficient places being available to accommodate all Foundation Degree students who wish to progress, there will be a selection process based on achievement during the Foundation Degree, supplemented by audition and interview as appropriate, and will be subject to satisfactory academic references.

Course assessment

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.

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.

Teaching methods

The course is based at Wiltshire 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.

Course enquiries

Please contact Wiltshire College

Entry requirements

180-220 UCAS Tariff points from art, design or media preferred

Career opportunities

• Employment in the creative industries
• Self employment as an artist/designer/craftsperson
• Gallery/museum administration
• Community-based art work
• Prop making for theatre, television or animation companies