UAL FOUNDATION DIPLOMAIN ART & DESIGN
Free to study if you start the course at 18 years old
Artwork – Phoebe Garcia
AWARD
UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
DURATION
1 Year (Full-Time)
UCAS POINTS
Up to 112 (depending on grade outcome)
CAMPUS
Middlesbrough
COURSE DETAILS
This is a transformative year where you will explore, experiment and specialise – while building a portfolio that opens doors to top creative degrees and careers.
The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is a post-18 course designed to help you discover your creative direction and take your next step with confidence. It’s ideal if you’ve just finished A-Levels or another Level 3 course and want time and space to develop your skills, find your specialism, and build a degree-ready portfolio.
In this one-year intensive course, you’ll work across a range of disciplines – including drawing, 2D and 3D design, digital media, textiles, printmaking, photography and more. You’ll be encouraged to take creative risks, experiment with new materials, and reflect critically on your work.
The course is structured in three stages: exploratory, pathway and confirmatory. This gives you time to investigate different practices before focusing on your area of interest – whether that’s fine art, fashion, illustration, graphic design, animation, interiors, or something entirely your own.
Our Foundation is taught by specialist staff and practising creatives in an Ofsted Outstanding environment. You’ll receive 1:1 support with your university applications, including help with your personal statement, interview preparation, and UCAS application process.
Most students progress onto BA (Hons) courses, often at The Northern School of Art or other institutions across the UK, and many go on to successful careers in the creative industries.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
Freelance or Studio Based Creative Practice
Creative Apprenticeship or Internship
Entry Level Roles in Design, Retail or the Cultural Sector
Studio Technician
BA (Hons) Degree
Further Training in Areas Like Architecture, VFX, Animation
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Build a high-quality portfolio for degree applications
- Explore multiple art & design disciplines before specialising
- Study in a vibrant, supportive creative community
- Get expert UCAS and interview support
- Ideal bridge between school and university-level study
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 1 A level or equivalent AND
- 3 x GCSEs Inc. Maths & English minimum Grade C/4
- 1 portfolio of artwork
LEARNER HOURS
Our Further Education study programmes are designed to meet the guided learner hours as per their funding bodies.
AWARDING BODY
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern College of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
What do you enjoy most about your course?
I’m loving experimenting, the diversity of the artists we are exposed to and being pushed to think.
Theo Sunter
Foundation Diploma
IMAGE GALLERY
OUTSTANDING Student Experience
The Northern College of Art had an exceptional history for its further education when formerly known as The Northern School of Art, and Cleveland College of Art and Design prior to that. The institution previously achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding in 2009, and held it consecutively across all inspections until the last inspection under the Education Inspection Framework in 2025. The institution is one of only a handful of colleges to make this achievement.
LATEST NEWS
May 15, 2026
Alumni Spotlight: BA (Hons) Graphic Design’s Jem Solley on Designing for the West End and Broadway
Alumni Spotlight on BA (Hons) Graphic Design alumni (2022) Jem Solley, age 25, who has built an impressive freelance career […]
May 13, 2026
Connected Campus partnership with North East Screen delivers real positive impact for students!
The Northern School of Art’s partnership with North East Screen Connected Campus launched late last year and is designed in […]
May 12, 2026
The Northern School of Art Summer Show 2026!
The Northern School of Art’s annual college-level Summer Show will celebrate the talents of this year’s leavers across a wide […]
May 12, 2026
BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application students design book covers for international publisher Headline Publishing
BA (Hons) Illustration for Commercial Application students have been working on a live brief with international publishing company Headline Publishing […]
May 11, 2026
Alumni Spotlight on Robbie Tweedale: From Film Degree to Emmerdale!
BA (Hons) Film, TV & Theatre Production alumni Robbie Tweedale, who graduated in 2022, offers interesting insight into life post-degree […]
May 8, 2026
Final year acting degree cohort stages The Courage Within by Becci Sharrock in co-commission with The Arc!
BA (Hons) Acting for Stage & Screen students will present an original production The Courage Within by Becci Sharrock, a […]
May 6, 2026
Legendary James Bond production designer’s six-figure legacy to support The Northern School of Art set design students
The Northern School of Art has been awarded a substantial legacy donation from the estate of the legendary film production […]
May 4, 2026
BA (Hons) Fashion Students Take on Met Gala 2026 Inspired Brief Led by Victoria Beckham Pattern Cutter Hamish Thwaites
BA (Hons) Fashion students have been working hard on an industry directed brief inspired by this year’s Met Gala, which […]
April 30, 2026
Greetings from Barcelona! College level students visit Barcelona’s famous cultural sites!
College-level students on our UAL Extended Diploma’s in 3D Design, Graphic & Digital Design, Photography, Illustration & Animation, Foundation and […]