Why choose Art and Design Foundation and why at SMU

The Foundation course provides the basis for the study of art and design. This makes it the preferred route into specialised study within higher education.

The course provides the expertise, time and environment to make an informed choice about the next step (This might be a BA degree course within art and design, or another specialist area, vocational training or employment.)

In recent years the Foundation Art and Design Course at Swansea Metropolitan University has become one of the most successful in the UK with an outstanding record of placements and pass rates.

Our busy studios provide a friendly, enthusiastic atmosphere where students can develop work and gain confidence. The Foundation diploma course offers the time and space to discover where individual students strengths lie, to challenge and confirm skills and abilities, and to successfully identify future directions and careers.

More about the course

The programme is predominantly visual and practical, and develops students' understanding of concept and contexts. You will explore fresh and exciting ideas to develop your individual voice. The course is taught through projects, workshops, lectures and seminars, supported by regular tutorials and group critiques.

The first two parts of the Foundation course are assessed at Level 3, the same level as A levels and equivalent qualifications, and the third part of the course is assessed at Level 4, the same level as the first year of a BA degree course. In this way Foundation provides a bridge between school or college and successful progression onto higher education. For older students the course can be a way back into education or the key to a change of career. Over the last few years there have been a number of recent graduates enrolled on the course, all of whom have been studying outside the area of art and design. One of the strengths of the course is its mix of age and experience.

Full-time students have a timetable that includes 20 taught hours per week, and part-time students 10 hours per week. The expert teaching is intensive and ranges from critiques, workshops and classes with a staff/student ratio of approx 1:20, to small group and individual tutorials. Staff are always available to give advice and support and our full-time technician provides practical help to all.

Students are encouraged to exhibit in local gallery spaces and develop links with artist run projects and local museums and galleries, and to start to engage with the art and design environment within Swansea and beyond.

Facilities/Resources

We are located on Alexandra Road, opposite the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, in the beautiful late 19thC Swansea College of Art building. The purpose-built, light-filled studios are a couple of minutes walk from the Dynevor Centre, our new Faculty of Art and Design building, where we have access to state of the art facilities, lecture theatres, the library and darkrooms.

Within our own building we have an open access computer suite to support student activities from video editing to searching the internet for university places. Workshops on bookbinding, casting and other practical skills take place in both our own studios and the workshops in the Dynevor Centre.

Student experiences & destinations

Students progress on to a variety of degree courses in universities throughout the country such as: Plymouth, Kingston, Bristol, Camberwell, Wimbledon, London College of Fashion, Falmouth and Buckingham. Many stay on to study at Swansea Metropolitan University, or within Wales at courses in Cardiff, Newport and Carmarthen.
A few quotes given anonymously on feedback forms by our students

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course, still overwhelmed by the amount I've been taught and leaned".
" It was a great year, I have learnt a lot and it has given me more confidence".
"I loved every minute of it. Amazing and life changing and inspiring".
"It allowed so much freedom for presenting new and innovative ideas. It has really really stretched me theoretically and practically".
"Anybody who is considering a career in art and design must take this course".
"Had an absolutely fantastic year on the course. Amazing lecturers and an amazing bunch of people".
"Staff were very approachable & helpful, giving good advice & guidance"
"A fantastic course taught by wonderful staff"
"A well structured course"
"Plenty of opportunity for experimenting with different materials & expressions of creativity"
"Thank you for giving me a fantastic and hugely beneficial foundation year"
"Thank you for helping me achieve an ambition which I never thought possible"
"The staff have been brilliant & their encouragement & advice has led me to H.E. in my specialist field"
"I've had an excellent year - thank you"
"Lectures on ‘respect' for other peoples work"
"Thanks to all the staff who have helped make this year such an enjoyable one. I have grown loads".

Course structure & content

Stage One

This is diagnostic in nature and enables you to identify your potential and your own preference for specialist areas of study. You experiment with a variety of materials and methods and are introduced to the five main areas of study:

Fine Art,
Visual Communication,
Fashion/Textiles,
3D Studies,
Lens-based Media. Stage One also provides an introduction to Visual Research and Historical and Contextual Studies, both of which are continued throughout Stages Two and Three.

Stage Two

You produce a personal portfolio of work and carry out research into your chosen specialist area.

Study options may include:

Animation /
Ceramics / Costume
/ Crafts
/ Fashion
/ Furniture
/ Graphics / Illustration /
Interior / Architecture /
Jewellery / 
Painting /
Photography /
Printmaking
/ Product Design / Sculpture / Stained Glass
/ Surface Pattern
Textiles
/ Theatre Design
/ Video

Stage Three

You complete a final major project which you present for assessment and certification in the form of a public exhibition held at the end of the course.

2011 Student Exhibition Catalogue

All three stages of the programme are supported by field trips to galleries and sites of interest both locally and in major cultural centres.

The Foundation Art & Design Course delivers a broad contextual studies programme covering all areas of art and design, through lectures, seminars and tutorials. These are integrated with studio practice - many events taking place within the studios to emphasise the relevance of critical and historical studies to visual research and practice. Lectures are provided by both art historians and practitioners, while seminars consider both the practical and conceptual issues of ‘making' writing.

Student gallery

Entry requirements, How to apply, Open days & Fees

We are looking for students with potential and commitment. Some arrive with a very high level of drawing, painting or other skills, and with a desire to learn more, while others arrive knowing that they must acquire them. We hope that all applicants bring enthusiasm and an open mind.

We interview all applicants (to the Foundation course) and request that they present a portfolio of visual work and an example of written work.

The interview starts with a tour of the studios, usually led by a current student. Two members of staff will then meet with up to four applicants for a group interview, during which portfolios will be viewed and interests and ambitions discussed in an informal atmosphere.

Study Options: 1 years Full Time/ 2 years Part-Time

Information on Entry Requirements, How to Apply and Open Days can be found on our main Faculty Page

Art & Design Foundation should apply direct to the university, for further information please contact registry on 01792 481010 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

To download an application form please click here

The Foundation course is free, no tuition fees are charged. There is an annual studio fee of £70.

(for International fees please click here)

Students are not eligible for higher education loans or grants.

Students already receiving Educational Maintenance Allowance can continue if their situation remains the same. Students under 19 years may consider applying for EMA. Students over 19 years may be eligible for an Assembly Learning Grant. Both are means tested on household income.

Some students may be eligible for a free bus pass/petrol allowance - enquire at interview or enrolment.

Further information on fees can be found here

Contact

Bella Kerr
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
01792 481285