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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 16,800
Per year
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
On campus
Duration
1 years
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Foundation
Major
Digital Media | Fine Arts | Graphic Design
Area of study
Arts
Education type
On campus
Timing
Full time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 16,800
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
About Program

Program Overview


Art, Design and Media Practice Foundation

Study level: Undergraduate
Foundation year


This Foundation Art, Design and Media Practice diploma can enable you to explore and experiment across a range of creative disciplines.


Year of entry: 2025


Location: Coventry University (Coventry)


Study mode: Full-time


Duration: 1 year full-time


Course code: AHF001


Start date: September 2025


Course overview

The foundation diploma is a one-year, full-time preparatory course to prepare you for studio-based undergraduate higher education programmes.


We provide broad, balanced and structured teaching to help stimulate your interest in art, design and media practice.


You will have the opportunity to generate exciting work using our excellent facilities to build your personal independence in developing ideas. You can gain new skills with different materials and techniques, while building a substantial portfolio of work.


If you are a UK student and 18 years of age at the date of enrolment for this course, payment of tuition fees will not be required. This course is currently funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Applicants should check our website for the latest information regarding fees before applying or accepting offers.


Why you should study this course

  • The School of Art and Design at Coventry University has been producing accomplished creative graduates for over 175 years.
  • Our multi-million pound Delia Derbyshire building is equipped with facilities and studios for 3D rapid prototyping, clay modelling, film, photography, video, large digital print, ceramics, printmaking, screen printing and letterpress, all with excellent technical support.
  • You will have the opportunity to be taught in a professional studio environment alongside undergraduate and postgraduate students.
  • The teaching team includes practising artists and designers, with experience of exhibiting nationally or internationally.
  • You may also have opportunities to take part in overseas study visits. Previous students have visited major art and design centres in Europe, visiting traditional and contemporary art exhibitions from Birmingham to Barcelona.

What you'll study

This foundation diploma is specifically designed to foster a creative, critical and experiential approach to art, design and media practice.


We encourage you to generate fresh and exciting work, building personal independence and confidence in developing ideas. You should gain new skills using different materials, techniques and processes to help you create a substantial portfolio of work to help you to progress to undergraduate study.


The diploma is split into two stages:


Modules

  • The Exploratory Stage: This stage gives you time to explore different disciplines through a series of short projects. We encourage you to use new materials and ways of working so you can explore research methods and develop critical skills for evaluation and reflection.
  • The Confirmatory Stage: This stage sees you working on an independent, self-initiated, final major project. The completed work is exhibited at the end of the year. At this stage, you should be working as a professional artist or designer, managing your own workload, time and outcomes.

How you'll learn

This qualification provides the knowledge, skills and understanding that will prepare you for further study or training.


You will study one mandatory module that covers six areas of learning:


  • Investigation
  • Experimentation
  • Evaluation and review
  • Realisation
  • Communication
  • Self-directed practice

Teaching contact hours

The foundation year is focused on applied learning through a blend of lectures, tutorials and online learning. There are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which are more reflective of a working environment.


Assessment

Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve the various learning outcomes. Coursework is assessed using a variety of methods and may include presentations, portfolio reviews, essays, reports, reflective logs, e-journals, blogs, displays and exhibitions.


International experience opportunities

We typically attract staff and students from around the world, which can provide a multicultural environment in which you can experience different cultures, approaches, perspectives and opinions.


Entry requirements

  • Typical entry requirements: 32: four qualifications for tariff points allowed, may also include AS level and EPQ, specific subject not required.
  • A2 or Extended Diploma: C
  • GCSE: GCSE maths, English and art and design at grade 4 / C or Functional Skills Level 2, or other equivalent Level 2 awards.
  • BTEC: M
  • IB Diploma: 24 points

Portfolio

You may be required to attend a portfolio showcase, activity session or audition or submit a portfolio via email (as is appropriate to your course), either virtually or face to face, as is practical to arrange.


English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5.

Fees and funding

  • UK students: Free per year
  • International students: £16,800 per year

Facilities

  • Digital Design Workshop: Our Digital Design Workshop brings your ideas to life through different media. Here you’ll find a high-powered laser cutter, printers, scanners and industry-standard software used for technical drawing and environmental modelling.
  • Computer suites: Our computer suites use industry software used in modelling, animation and analysis. This includes graphic, modelling and visualisation packages such as Alias, Maya, Adobe Creative Suite, Rhino, Vector works, Showcase, VRED and SRAMSIS and Jack ergonomics software.
  • Ceramics, glass and casting workshops: produce a range of forms from a variety of materials including resin, glass, ceramics, plaster and cement.
  • Printmaking workshops: explore a range of printing processes from screen printing to etching; cyanotypes to lino cutting.
  • Sublimation and vacuum forming studios: print onto a multitude of surfaces and then form them into the sculptural shapes.
  • Virtual experience: Visit our online degree show where we have brought together the work of over 500 students.

Careers and opportunities

When you’ve successfully completed your foundation diploma, you will have a broad portfolio demonstrating a range of skills.


You will have carefully explored your progression options, which will help you to make an informed decision about undergraduate study. You should be more confident and able to work independently in a professional manner in your chosen pathway.


In 2022/23, 93% of our Foundation Art, Design and Media Practice students progressed on to higher level study or employment.


Further study

Many of our students take advantage of the internal progression routes and apply for courses within the School of Art and Design or the School of Media and Performing Arts.


Typically, our students have progressed to degree level courses in the following subjects: Fashion; Fine Art, Fine Art and Illustration, Illustration and Animation, Interior Design, Product Design, Automotive Design, Photography, Games Art, Graphics and Architecture. Many of these courses offer the opportunity to complete placement years in industry, providing valuable real-life experience.


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