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Foundation
Diploma

Manchester School of Art

Edexcel Level 3 BTEC
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

A one year full-time course

Top facts

  • Recognised as one of the best courses of its kind in the UK and has been awarded an Ofsted grade 1 report in the most recent report.
  • Gives you the skills and knowledge for most degree programmes in art and design at this university as well as similar programmes at other universities.
  • As a student of this course you are eligible for direct entry onto most of the MMU art & design courses providing you have achieved the required academic standard.
  • Gives broad experience of creative techniques, disciplines and media, to develop your abilities and skills and help identify your preferred area of study at degree level.
  • Gives you the chance to take part in faculty events, lecture programmes, artist residencies and exhibitions.
  • The course can also be used as a creative foundation for alternative academic and practical courses, such as dance, theatre, science, English and history of art.

You will study

In Term 1 you will be introduced to a wide range of creative activities to develop your practical and conceptual skills, helping to make choices for your future area of study. Through various practical projects you will investigate ideas, materials, processes and technologies, which will give you an awareness of historical and theoretical contexts and develop your independent learning skills. You will also begin preparation for BA course entry.

In Term 2 you will move towards the specialisation that you wish to follow at degree level, and apply for your chosen degree place. Individual guidance is given from an experienced range of staff on the options best suited to your work and future ambitions.

In Term 3 you will produce an exhibition of your final major project alongside the BA Faculty Show and complete preparation for BA course entry.

Assessment

Continuous assessment, advice and feedback. Assessed final major project.

Graduates

90%* of art, design and architecture graduates go straight into employment and/or further study.

*Source: DLHE survey 2009 for all respondents available for employment or further study and whose destinations are known.

Location

All Saints Campus, Manchester

Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff Points/Grades to be obtained from full A levels or equivalent

120 at A2 or equivalent (such as BTEC National at Level 3 or Advanced Diploma).

Specific subjects required

GCSE grade C in English Language

Interview requiredYes
Portfolio requiredYes
International Baccalaureate24

Tuition Fees

Students who start the course in September 2012 and will be 18 or under on 31 August 2012, do not pay any fees.

However, if you will be 19 or over on 31 August 2012, you will be responsible for paying your own fees. Please note that because the course is classified as further education, there are no student loans available.

For 2012/13 the tuition fees for home students will be £1190.

Accommodation

Foundation students are eligible to live in University halls of residence. More information about this will be sent out should you receive an offer of a place on the course next year. In the meantime you can visit www.mmu.ac.uk/accommodation for further information.

How to Apply

Applications are through the University application form and not through UCAS. Forms are available from the Manchester School of Art or can be downloaded via the link below.

After completing the application form, please e-mail to direct@mmu.ac.uk or post to:

Direct Admissions Team
Manchester Metropolitan University
All Saints Building (GMS)
Manchester M15 6BH

Candidates who are applying for September 2012 entry should return their applications by 16 December 2011 to ensure an interview.

Interview

If you are invited for an interview we will also send you details of a test project which you should bring with you. The project brief can be downloaded below.

Please contact the Art & Design Admissions Team if you require any additional infomation.

Telephone: 0161 247 5922
Email: adm.artdes@mmu.ac.uk