Art & Design - Foundation

L3 Level 3
Full Time
1 September 2025 — 19 June 2026
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design level 3 offers an excellent opportunity for students to develop and enrich current art and design practice in preparation for degree courses across the visual arts. With a diagnostic starting point leading towards your chosen specialist study of Fine Art, 3D, Graphic Communication, Fashion/Textiles. All students have access to personal and specialist studio space plus workshops facilities in areas such as ceramic, 3d, photography and print making at our dedicated Creative Arts Academy – an artist’s paradise at our City Centre Campus. This fast paced, dynamic course will help you develop and build a portfolio of work and prepare you for progression across a wide range of creative possibilities with many of our students going on to study at prestigious Universities across the UK. 

All students need to be over 18 to apply.

The following UCAS points will be allocated to learners who have fulfilled the requirements of this qualification: Distinction 112, Merit 96, Pass 80.

What you will study

There are 6 units of study which aim to enable learners to confidently progress within the visual creative world of HE or work. You will be introduced to a range of materials and methods of working to research and develop your ideas, learning how to evaluate and reflect on your progress. During the foundation course we encourage ambition, an exploratory approach, a critical analysis of practice and the ability to think outside of the box.


All students need to be over 18 years by the 1st of September on the yea of entry to apply.

The following UCAS points will be allocated to learners who have fulfilled the requirements of this qualification: Distinction112, Merit 96, Pass 80

Course fee per year

Studio Fees: £65.00

Entry requirements

5 GCSEs A* - C including English Language or Maths AND 1 x AS Level working towards a full A Level OR BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or NVQ Level 3. Relevant experience during employment. You will be required to provide a portfolio of work during your interview. You must be 18+ years of age.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18.
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities.
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect.
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice.
  • Course fees are subject to change. Your fee will be confirmed prior to enrolment.
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print.
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers.
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

1 September 2025

End date

19 June 2026

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

18 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

CDCC3F15
L3

Qualification

Art & Design - Foundation

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Career prospects & further study

56,000

The Creative industries is one of the fastest growing sectors with 56,000 people employed in Wales.

After completing this course learners can progress on to courses on to CAVC Foundation Degrees including but not limited to: 

  • Foundation Degree in Product Design
  • Foundation Degree in Graphic Communication
  • Foundation Degree in Film
  • Foundation Degree in Contemporary Artist Designer

View all the courses here. 

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

45a Trade Street, 
Cardiff 
CF10 5DT