Program Overview

Introduction to the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Manchester Metropolitan University is a highly acclaimed and distinctive foundation course in the UK. It is situated in the University's School of Art alongside the art and design degree programmes, sharing exceptional workshops with undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

Course Overview

The course is a one-year full-time programme that allows students to discover the range of specialist areas in art and design. Through ambitious creative projects, students will distil and identify their main areas of interest and make an informed application to a degree course with the support of an experienced staff team.

Features and Benefits

• Globally recognised: Taught in Manchester School of Art, one of the top 100 schools for art and design in the world (QS World Rankings 2025).
• Top-rated: Consistently rated outstanding by Ofsted, ensuring the best education and support.
• Build future skills: Gain key skills and knowledge needed for art and design undergraduate degrees at Manchester Met and other universities.
• Direct degree access: Qualify for direct entry into all art and design courses at Manchester Metropolitan (except Architecture) providing academic requirements are met.
• Creative exploration: Experiment with various techniques and media to discover the perfect creative path for future study.
• Exclusive opportunities: Participate in exciting events, exhibitions, and residencies within the School of Art to boost experience.

Course Structure

The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a one-year full-time course. During this time, students will explore a wide range of creative disciplines, develop practical and conceptual skills, refine their personal artistic methodology, and prepare for progression into their chosen degree-level specialisation.

Core Modules

• Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice: Undertake a diagnostic investigation into visual language and creative practices. This module allows students to become familiar with and experiment within a range of creative disciplines.
• Developing Specialist Practice: Reflect on the knowledge, skills, and practices developed in the first module, and define creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to activities that support, contextualise, and position creative endeavour within the chosen specialist practice.
• Consolidating Practice: Independently initiate, research, complete, and evaluate a project proposal and realisation within the chosen professional context. Produce an exhibition of the final major project alongside preparation for undergraduate course entry.

Study and Assessment

• Study: Level 3 (60% lectures, seminars, or similar; 40% independent study), Level 4 (40% lectures, seminars, or similar; 60% independent study).
• Assessment: 100% coursework for both Level 3 and Level 4.

Entry Requirements

• Typical Offer: 48 UCAS tariff points.
• IELTS Score: 5.5 with no less than 5.0 in any section.
• Portfolio: A digital portfolio is required as part of the application process.
• UK Students: 48 UCAS tariff points from 3 A Levels or equivalent, with specific requirements for Level 2 qualifications in English Language and Mathematics.
• International Students: IB Diploma with minimum 24 points overall, or 48 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects, with specific IELTS requirements.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are subject to change. Information on 2025/26 standard undergraduate fees for UK/Channel Islands and EU/Non-EU international students is available.

Careers Support and Prospects

• Employed or in Further Study: 88.7% of UK-domiciled, full-time, first-degree graduates are employed or in further study 15 months after graduation.
• Explore Your Options: Through the Careers Service, students are supported to get ready for further study or working life, including starting their own business.
• Build Sought-After Skills: Top up skills with hundreds of online short courses through Future Me and Rise.

Alumni and Career Paths

Foundation graduates go on to study a wide range of BA (Hons) courses at Manchester School of Art and other institutions across the UK. Following completion of a degree programme, graduates establish themselves within a wide range of professions in the art and design world, including careers as creative consultants, artists, curators, gallery owners, textile designers, fashion designers, product and furniture designers, illustrators, retail buyers, theatre and set designers, graphic designers, art critics, and journalists.