Art and Design Foundation Studies

Program Overview

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The Art and Design Foundation Studies program at Loughborough University is a fast-paced and creative program designed to help students develop their artistic abilities before choosing an undergraduate degree. The program provides a strong foundation across different areas within art and design, including drawing, photography, 3D/2D design, fashion and textiles principles, visual communication concepts, fine art techniques, and 3D design processes. Students will have opportunities to exhibit their work in internal and external exhibitions, and the program encourages students to explore a global perspective on art and design through collaborations with international students and study abroad experiences.

Program Outline

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Art and Design Foundation Studies

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The Art and Design Foundation Studies Year is a fast-paced, fun, and creative program designed to help students develop and explore their artistic abilities before choosing an undergraduate degree. Successful completion allows progression to UAL (University Arts London) Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design Foundation Studies, meeting entry requirements for various undergraduate art and design courses.

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Objectives:

Introduce students to a range of creative skills and practices across various areas: Fashion and Textiles, Visual Communication, Fine Art, and 3D Design. Develop students' critical understanding of contemporary art and design practices. Equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge for successful progression to undergraduate studies in their chosen discipline. Foster a supportive and stimulating learning environment for students to explore various creative possibilities.

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Program Description:

The Foundation Studies Year is divided into three parts:

• Part 1: Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice (9 weeks): Students will rotate through all four key disciplines, gaining a broad understanding of various creative areas.
• Part 2: Developing Specialist Practice (12 weeks): Students will choose a specific discipline to focus on, further developing their skills and knowledge in that area.
• Part 3: Consolidating Practice (9 weeks): Students will undertake a self-directed Final Major Project, showcasing their progress and skills in their chosen discipline.

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Outline:

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Content:

The program focuses on various creative skills and practices, providing students with a strong foundation across different areas within art and design. This includes:

• Drawing
• Photography
• 3D/2D design
• Fashion and Textiles principles
• Visual communication concepts
• Fine art techniques
• 3D design processes

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Structure:

The program is structured to provide a balanced learning experience through a combination of workshops, lectures, seminars, studio work, independent study, and group projects. Students will participate in various activities designed to develop their:

• Technical skills
• Critical thinking abilities
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Project management skills
• Communication skills
• Collaboration skills

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Course Schedule:

The program typically follows a semester-based structure with specific modules offered in each semester. Students will typically take a combination of core and optional modules based on their chosen specialism.

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Individual Modules:

Specific modules in the program may include (note that this varies depending on the semester and chosen specialism):

• Introduction to Drawing
• Introduction to Photography
• Introduction to 3D/2D Design
• Fashion and Textiles: Principles and Techniques
• Visual Communication: Concepts and Applications
• Fine Art: Concepts and Processes
• 3D Design: Techniques and Materials
• Critical and Contextual Studies in Art and Design
• Research Methods in Art and Design
• Professional Practice for Artists and Designers
• Sustainable Design Principles

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

The program uses various assessment methods to evaluate students' progress and achievement. These may include:

• Portfolio of practical studio work
• Written research papers on contemporary art and design practices
• Presentations and critiques of work
• Studio-based final project
• Timed examinations
• Group projects with individual contributions assessed
• Reflective essays

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Assessment Criteria:

Assessments are marked based on various criteria that may include:

• Technical skill and proficiency
• Conceptual understanding
• Creativity and originality
• Critical thinking and analysis
• Research and referencing skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Time management and organization abilities
• Collaboration and teamwork skills
Students receive detailed feedback on each assessment, allowing them to identify areas for improvement and enhance their overall learning experience.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

The program employs a diverse range of teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and encourage active participation. These methods include:

• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on workshops
• Demonstrations by experienced practitioners
• Individual and group tutorials
• Guest lectures and industry visits
• Online learning resources and tutorials
• Collaborative project work
• Peer-to-peer learning and feedback

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Faculty:

The program is delivered by a team of experienced and passionate tutors who are experts in their respective fields. Tutors actively engage with students, providing guidance, support, and feedback throughout the program.

• Small class sizes ensure personalized attention, allowing tutors to provide individual feedback and support to each student.
• Strong industry connections provide students with networking opportunities and potential career pathways.
• A supportive and collaborative learning environment fosters creativity and allows students to learn from their peers.
• Flexibility to choose a specialization and tailor the program to individual interests and aspirations.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

Successful completion of the Art and Design Foundation Studies program opens doors to various undergraduate degrees in art and design. These could lead to careers in diverse fields such as:

• Fine art
• Graphic design
• Product design
• Illustration
• Photography
• Fashion design
• Textiles design
• Animation
• 3D modeling
• Visual effects
• Art education
• Art therapy
• Museum and gallery curation
• Design for sustainability
• Design for social innovation

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Career Opportunities:

Graduates can pursue careers in various settings, including:

• Design studios
• Advertising agencies
• Marketing and communications firms
• Fashion houses
• Technology companies
• Educational institutions
• Cultural organizations
• Museums and galleries
• Freelance work
• Starting their own creative businesses

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Career Outcomes:

The program equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue successful careers in the creative industries. Graduates gain recognition for the quality of their work and often progress to prestigious undergraduate programs and further their studies at the graduate level. Many go on to achieve successful careers with leading companies and organizations, while others develop their own creative practices as independent artists and entrepreneurs.

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Other:

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Exhibitions and Showcases:

Throughout the program, students will have opportunities to exhibit their work in internal and external exhibitions. This may include the annual Art Foundation Degree Show, which runs alongside the University's Art Degree Show, providing a valuable platform to showcase their work to a wider audience and gain industry exposure. The program also organizes field trips and visits to art galleries, museums, and design studios, further enriching the learning experience.

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International Opportunities:

The program encourages students to explore a global perspective on art and design. There are opportunities to collaborate with international students and participate in study abroad experiences, fostering intercultural understanding and enhancing creative skills in a broader context.

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Additional Resources:

The program offers various resources to support student learning and development. This includes access to an extensive library with a collection of books, journals, and online databases. The program fosters a vibrant community, and students have access to student support services and societies that cater to their interests and well-being.

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UK fees: £5,421 per annum International fees: £18,250 per annum University fees and charges can be paid in advance and there are several methods of payment, including online payments and payment by instalment. Additional costs Before starting the Foundation Studies programme, you will be required to purchase a range of essential and useful tools/materials. Exact requirements may vary but will likely include items such as pencils, drawing pads, scalpel and blades, sketchbooks, paints, paintbrushes, set square, cutting mat and similar. Students are sent a full list of items to purchase before the start of term; there may also be additional equipment, materials, and tools for set workshops across the year, or to replenish old stock/equipment as required.