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Art & Design Level 4 Foundation Diploma

East Coast College May 2025

Key Details

Levels

Level 4

FT / PT

FT

Location

Lowestoft

Duration

1 year

Course Cost

£5,421.00

Our Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is designed for creative individuals looking to progress from A Level or BTEC Level 3 Creative Studies, as well as those aged 19+ who are returning to full-time education and want to develop their skills for a future in the creative industries. This intensive one-year course provides the opportunity to explore your creative strengths, develop your artistic practice and make informed decisions about your specialist pathway, Higher Education options or career direction.

Throughout the course, you will work across a broad range of creative disciplines, experimenting with materials, processes and techniques before progressing towards your chosen area of specialism. You will develop skills in areas including drawing, painting, photography, illustration, printmaking, 3D design, sculpture, computer-aided design, graphic design and contextual studies, while building confidence, independence and your own creative identity.

You will complete challenging projects, live briefs and exhibition work that encourage experimentation, problem-solving and the development of original ideas. With expert guidance and structured teaching, you will build a substantial portfolio of work that is ready for the next stage of your creative journey, whether that is progression to university, specialist training or employment within the creative sector.

You will benefit from an inspiring and supportive learning environment with access to excellent specialist facilities, enthusiastic expert tutors, industry insight and opportunities to take part in work experience, live projects, local and national visits, and guest talks from creative professionals. The course has a 100% successful progression rate to Higher Education, helping students develop the skills, confidence and portfolio needed to achieve their ambitions.

This course takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 3.30pm.

The fee for this course is £5,421. You may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover the cost of the course. Please contact our Admissions team at admissions@eastcoast.ac.uk for further information.

Course Information


You need to have completed at least one A level in an art related subject (ie textiles, photography, 3D design, fine art or graphic design) and four GCSEs at grades 9-4 ideally including maths and English, plus a portfolio of varied art, design, photography and/or textile work.

You will need to be at least 18 years of age to apply for this course.


Work is project based and presented in sketchbooks and a portfolio which is showcased in an end-of-year exhibition. You are assessed and supported throughout the course with regular reviews, formative and final assessment in each of the three stages gaining a pass, merit or distinction.


You can progress onto a degree with the University of Suffolk at East Coast College or another university. You can also go into employment or self-employment.


Throughout the course, you will complete a range of modules designed to develop your creative practice, technical skills and understanding of contemporary art and design. You will explore areas including visual research, idea development, drawing, painting, photography, illustration, printmaking, 3D design, sculpture, graphic design, computer-aided design and contextual studies. Through practical projects, experimentation with materials and processes, portfolio development, live briefs and exhibition work, you will refine your creative approach, develop independent working skills and build a professional portfolio to support progression into Higher Education or the creative industries.


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Career Pathways