Art Foundation Diploma: 5 Things To Consider!

I was definitely lumped into that category of A Level students debating the typical uni decisions.. Shall I go? Shall I move away? What course shall I even take? 

During this 2 year period there are many options and possibilities thrown your way, and one that I distinctly remember hearing nothing about from my school was the Art Foundation Diploma option. Honestly, I cant remember how I found out about this course, but it’s one that I feel doesn't get enough mention. Given the number of pros there are to enrolling onto an Art Foundation course, it wasn't an easy chore narrowing them down to just 5. However, in order to give you an accurate idea of what this course is like, and what the benefits are to enrolling, here are my top ‘5 Fabulous Reasons You Should Consider Taking An Art Foundation Diploma!’

Reason 1. Getting Familiar

Depending on where you decide to attend your Art Foundation, whether it’s at a local college or a University, either way you’re getting a year to get familiar with the area, the facilities on offer and of course, perhaps most importantly, the people. Even if you end up leaving the college or uni after the one year course, the contacts and friends you will have made will have been beneficial. However, if you decide to stay on and further your education, you will have already had the opportunity to get to know the tutors on your follow up degree course, and you will have the benefit of knowing the staff that work in the practical areas, such as the Photography department and the 3D workshops. Not only is this super useful when you move up to your degree, but it also makes you feel more comfortable and settled during a pretty daunting time!

Reason 2. Gaining Experience and Decision Making

The Art Foundation Diploma is a great experience for plenty of reasons, the first one being that its an excellent way to focus your creative studies. If you are unsure how to channel your creativity, and ultimately unsure which creative degree course to take, the experimentation and freedom given during this course allows you the time and the environment to explore all of your potential directions. In addition, the guidance from the tutors is invaluable, as you are getting first hand advice on what course would be best suited to your abilities. 

I was pretty set on the fact that I wasn't going to uni. Im not much of the ‘sit down, listen and take notes type’, I prefer being creative, active and actually getting involved in practical projects. Of course my Art Foundation proved that going to uni doesn't necessarily mean that you're in note taking lectures 24/7.. It introduced me to the concept of practical courses, with minimal exams and practical ‘coursework’ style projects contributing to your grades. I probably would never have enrolled onto my degree course had it not been for my year on Art Foundation. I was able to take a year to have fun and be creative, which then lead me to make a super easy decision as to whether I wanted to continue on at Uni, or leave.

Reason 3. Uni/ Life Preparation

I’ve already mentioned the benefits to taking this course and then staying on for a degree, already knowing the right people and the area etc.. However, if you decide not to take on a creative degree and look into other options, such as getting a job or an internship, then this course will not have been wasted. The jump from A Level student straight to Uni student is a huge one; so is the jump from A Level student to employee! The teaching style of this course is much like that of a degree, and the attitude and skills you are expected to have are much like that of in a job. The preparation and skills this course gives you are those that you will use in every day life; not just beneficial if you end up on a degree course. You need to be independent, use your initiative and be driven.. These things can be taught, but they are expected, especially working in the design industry.

Reason 4. Interview Portfolio

Preparing for a University, internship or job interview can be a daunting and stressful process, no matter how many you've already attended! Obviously there are always people you can call on for help, family and friends and all that, but sometimes nothing beats the advice of someone in the industry. Your Art Foundation tutors would have no doubt sat through hundreds of interviews every year, and seen a tonne of stunning, and not-so-good portfolios. So obviously, their experiences and advice will be completely beneficial to you when it comes to portfolio prepping. 

Reason 5. Why Not? It's Free!

The last reason is probably not my best, however it is important to consider the cost. When I began my Art Foundation in 2012, it was completely free to under 18’s. To my knowledge, if you were over 18 the cost of the course for the year was around the £800 mark. However, if you are just out of Sixth Form, then this generally is a completely free course! Typically, most Uni’s or colleges will try and provide as many tools and materials as they possibly can, for free! Although this should not be the biggest deciding factor when considering this course, cost is always an important element!


My Beauty Blog | The Little Pink Blog Of Beauty