|
|
|
|
 |
Many young people opt to take A-levels and a Foundation Diploma before applying to a degree course but there are lots of alternative paths into Art and Design. The UCAS website www.ucas.ac.uk will give you information and links for Higher Education courses in the UK. Lots of young people choose to take a BTEC National Diploma or Foundation Degree as well as other Art and Design based options after school.
The reason why more people are going down the BTEC route is because they’re more aware of it. A BTEC National Diploma allows you to immerse yourself for two years in a programme that is Art and Design only and that’s its strength. We do National Diplomas in Graphics, Fashion and other disciplines and we get a high proportion of students going into London Colleges. About 90-95% of students apply to degrees at our college.
- Richard Lorriman, Fine Art tutor, BTEC National Diploma
Westminster Kingsway College
I did a double award AVCE at College which meant I spent twice the amount of time on Art than at A-level. It was different from A-level, much more like a University practice – you could be more ambitious - create work on huge planks of wood for instance.
- Tristam Adams, Graduated BA Fine Art
University of Reading
Foundation Art and Design was useful in terms of explaining the choices out there in the creative industries. If you’re a student who wants to work out where you could channel your creative skills then Foundation helps you find your feet.
- George Law, 23, Foundation Diploma, Chesterfield College
BA (Hons) Graphic Design, Nottingham Trent School of Art and Design
No. People often get the Foundation Degree confused with the Foundation Diploma. The Foundation degree is a two year work-related higher education qualification that offers students the possibility of progressing on to other professional qualifications or an honours degree with a ‘top up year’.
- Simon Thompson
Lecturer, University College Falmouth
There are many organisations and studio groups that support emerging artists and offer alternatives to formal art education. Keep a look out in your local press, search for artists’ blogs or get out and visit exhibitions in your area.
Other useful websites:
www.naln.ac.uk/advice
www.careersinarts.org.uk
