The Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media Practice is a practical course designed to develop creative skills and build a strong portfolio for university progression. Learners will explore a range of creative disciplines while developing their own style and professional practice.

 

Learners will experiment with different media and techniques while building technical skills, research ability and visual communication. The course prepares learners for higher education and career routes within the creative industries.

 

Learners will explore areas such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Digital Media and 3D Design.

Learners will complete practical projects and creative exploration before focusing on a specialist area for their final portfolio.

Key areas of study include:Creative Exploration and ExperimentationVisual Communication and Design DevelopmentResearch and Contextual StudiesCreative Project DevelopmentFinal Major Project and Portfolio

The programme includes two stages:Exploratory Stage, learners experiment with a wide range of creative disciplines and techniques.Confirmation Stage, learners focus on a specialist area and develop a final portfolio for university applications.

  • Core Units (HNC): Programming, Networking, Professional Practice, Database Design & Development, Security and Planning a Computing Project (Pearson-set project)

  • Specialist Unit (HNC):: One mandatory specialist unit (e.g. Software Development Lifecycles for the general Computing pathway)

  • Optional Unit (HNC): One optional unit chosen from a bank of options such as Strategic Information Systems, Management in the Digital Economy, Website Design & Development, Maths for Computing, or Fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence

  • Level 5 (HND): The HND comprises the Level 4 units plus additional Level 5 units including a substantial Computing Research Project (Pearson-set, typically 30 credits) and specialist modules according to the chosen pathway. For example, an HND (Data Analytics pathway) would include advanced data analysis units, while the Cyber Security pathway covers topics like cryptography and information security. Across all pathways, the HND curriculum totals 240 credits (120 at Level 4 + 120 at Level 5)

  • GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or equivalent
  • Level 3 qualification (such as BTEC Nationals in Computing or A-Levels in related subjects) or possess equivalent industry experience to ensure they can successfully engage with the coursework.
  • International or non-native English speakers should have an appropriate English proficiency since the qualification is taught and assessed in English

You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of the page.

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Career pathways include:Graphic DesignerIllustratorPhotographerDigital Media DesignerCreative Producer

Please note

We make every effort to ensure information within our online course directory is accurate and a true representation of the courses we are offering in 2026-27. However, we do reserve the right to make changes if necessary.