Program Overview

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Design and Media)

Course Overview

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Design and Media) is a one-year, full-time course that provides students with a broad introduction to digital media and design. The course is ideal for students with a broad interest in digital media and design, and it offers a strong foundation for further education and employment in the creative and digital industries.

Ideal for...

• Students with a broad interest in digital media and design.

Why Study This Course?

This course is our most popular foundation diploma, offering a strong introduction to all the specialist subject areas that Ravensbourne has to offer, such as graphics, broadcast media, and 3D design. Students will experiment with craft and digital technology and build a portfolio of work, showing a range of processes.

The Specifics

Stage 1: Diagnostic

• Your first stage features a series of introductory projects focusing on the core disciplines of:
  • Conceptual thinking and application
  • Drawing
  • Introduction to Adobe Creative Suite
  • Observation skills and media manipulation
  • Life and site-specific drawing
  • Research, recording, and responding
• Design and media students will then explore a range of different subject areas, including:
  • Fashion and Textiles design and Fashion Promotion
  • Visual Communication Design (Graphics; motion graphics, illustration)
  • Media Production (animation; photography; film and video; broadcasting)
  • 3D Creative Practice (architecture; interior; product; interactive design)
• You will also undertake a contextual studies lecture series and written assignment.

Stage 2: Development

• Design and Media students will elect a Pathway from one of the following diagnosed disciplines:
  • 3D Creative Practice (architecture; interior; product; interactive design)
  • Fashion and Textiles
  • Fashion Promotion
  • Media Production (animation; photography; film and video; broadcasting)
  • Visual Communication Design (graphics; motion graphics, illustration)
• You will deepen and develop specialist knowledge within your chosen subject area. We will encourage you to look and work beyond narrow definitions, and to collaborate with staff and students from other disciplines.
• You will be able to fully integrate research, ideas, and methods to negotiate successful practical outcomes underpinned by theoretical understanding. This will enable you to build a competitive portfolio when applying for higher education and employment.

Stage 3: Confirmatory

• During the final stage, you will undertake and complete a major seven-week project, reflecting on your chosen specialist area and your planned progression path, culminating in a public exhibition of your work.

Entry Requirements

• Students for foundation diplomas are normally expected to possess four GCSEs, grade C or above, including English and Maths.
• Students are also normally expected to possess one of the following:
  • One A-level, grade C or above in a relevant subject area
  • Progression diploma (level 3) in a related subject area
  • Advanced diploma (level 3) in a related subject area
  • BTEC level 3 national award or certificate qualifications may also be considered for entry.
• Other relevant and equivalent qualifications are considered on an individual basis.

Portfolio Requirements

• Admission onto this course is subject to successful review of your portfolio.
• Please read our portfolio guidance page for more information on how to prepare your portfolio.
• We generally recommend providing around 15–20 images of your work. The portfolio should provide evidence of your creative interests, whether it be in the form of drawings, photographs, video, film, animation, graphics, fashion, products, paintings, sculpture, models, or assemblage, which shows your creative impulses and responses.
• We encourage you to show your research, development, and examples of work in progress, so we can assess both your thought process and craft in the absence of a finished article. These will provide valuable insight into your abilities and potential to succeed at Ravensbourne.

Industry Connections

• You can’t learn in a vacuum. At Ravensbourne University London, industry connection is ingrained into everything we do. We will equip you for success in the creative and digital industries, ensuring you are truly industry-ready upon graduation.
• Our tutors are respected academics and practitioners with substantial experience and industry links.
• You will be part of a diverse community of creatives, working collaboratively to explore new professional practices. Ravensbourne have strong industry links with a range of high-profile companies, including: Apple, Barclays, the BBC, European Space Agency, Marks & Spencer, Museum of London, the Royal Shakespeare Company, Samsung, and many more.

Career Pathway

• On successful completion of this course, most students go on to higher education, and many to a wide range of Ravensbourne degree courses. If you decide to go directly into work, we’ll help you find opportunities.

Fees and Funding

• Find out more about our tuition fees and whether you qualify for financial support during your studies.
• Key links:
  • Further education fees and funding
  • Scholarships, bursaries, and other discounts
  • Fees for International Students
  • Student finance

International Students

• For information on study routes, visa requirements, studying in England, language, and entry requirements, application requirements, and access to international agents, please visit our international section.
• Quick links:
  • How to apply
  • Student route visa admissions
  • International Education Agents
  • Visas and immigration
  • Student visa CAS deposit refund
  • International student FAQs

Progression

• Students studying on this Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Design and Media) course, after the first six weeks, can elect one of the below pathways as the focus of their studies.
• The courses that sit underneath the pathways correspond to the undergraduate courses available at Ravensbourne that students can progress on to after completing the Foundation Diploma.
• 3D Creative Practice pathway:
  • BA (Hons) Architecture
  • BA (Hons) Illustration for Communication
  • BA (Hons) Interior Design Environment Architectures
  • BA (Hons) Product Design
• Fashion Promotion pathway:
  • BA (Hons) Advertising and Brand Design
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Buying and Brand Management
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Promotion
• Visual Communication Design pathway:
  • BA (Hons) Advertising and Brand Design
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design
  • BA (Hons) Illustration for Communication
  • BA (Hons) Motion Graphics
• Students can also join either of our other Foundation Diplomas after the first six weeks too. These are:
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Media Production)
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Fashion and Textiles)