Art and Design Foundation Degree (FdA)

Why choose this course?

This two-year course, taught at Kingston College, focuses on 'making as thinking', with studio work at the centre of your studies. You will refine your own art and design work, forming a basis for confident and self-directed practice.

Once you successfully complete the course, you may transfer to our Fine Art, Product and Furniture Design or Graphic Design BA(Hons) degrees.

What will you study?

Through technical knowledge, craft wisdom and analytical thinking, you will develop traditional skills in art and design as well as contemporary practice. You will take part in a series of 2D/3D workshops and studio projects of varying complexity, which involve both individual and group work. To place your own work in a historical setting and support your studio practice, there is also a varied range of lectures, seminars, trips and visits from practitioners.

Where will you study?

The course is based at Kingston College's School of Art and Design, an exciting and vibrant art and design community. Kingston College has excellent links with both the local community and practitioners in the creative industries. Its Penny School Gallery provides opportunities for curatorial experience.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Art and Design: Workshop Practice

• Art and Design: Workshop Practice

  This module explores the relationship between making and thinking by immersing you in material workshop practice. The emphasis on materiality and making - across a range of 2D/3D and fine art/design topics - will focus your attention on what it means to 'make something well'.

  
   
• Art and Design: Studio Practice (Interdisciplinary Focus)

• Art and Design: Studio Practice (Interdisciplinary Focus)

  This module builds on your material workshop practice by re-focusing on visual problem solving in a generic way. Interdisciplinary projects highlight the particular characteristics, similarities and differences that emerge in design studio practice and art studio practice.

  
   
• Drawing, Drawing Systems and Visual Communication

• Drawing, Drawing Systems and Visual Communication

  This module provides one of the core themes in year 1. You will study drawing in its various contexts, uses and as a creative process. This will include an examination of drawing systems and theories of visual communication.

  
   
• Digital Applications

• Digital Applications

  This module provides you with the skills and understanding you need to use current 2D and 3D software in the context of your own art and design. Applications will include, but not be limited to, Photoshop, InDesign, Cinema 4D and Illustrator.

  
   
• Historical and Contextual Studies

• Historical and Contextual Studies

  This module introduces you to a number of historical and contextual themes, which will help you to locate your practice and understanding of art and design issues in the 21st century. We will relate key questions to historical and contemporary practice in art and design, including:

  • how are things are made? (process);
  • what do things mean? (interpretation); and
  • how do we decide what 'looks right'? (aesthetics).
  
   

Year 2

• Art and Design: Studio Practice (Disciplinary Focus)

• Art and Design: Studio Practice (Disciplinary Focus)

  In this module you will be solving discrete visual problems in a series of art and design group and individual projects. We will use emerging live projects that link with work experience and professional practice.

  
   
• Art and Design: Independent Studio Practice

• Art and Design: Independent Studio Practice

  This module focuses on your role as an independent art and design practitioner. We will help you to research and develop your strengths and interests with a view to your continuing role as artist/designer.

  
   
• Professional Practice and Career Development

• Professional Practice and Career Development

  This module develops your understanding of the professional practice skills needed when working in art and design. It provides an overview of the kinds of employment available, with the opportunity to research areas of specific interest to you. You will benefit from visiting professionals in the sector, and tutorials will help you to identify your individual aspirations.

  
   
• Themes in Art and Design: Extended Essay

• Themes in Art and Design: Extended Essay

  The module begins with an orientation in contemporary art and design issues, leading into a submission for an extended essay. The subject for the essay will be discussed and supported in tutorials and will relate directly to your independent studio practice.

  
   
• Portfolio and Exhibition

• Portfolio and Exhibition

  This is an opportunity to present your work professionally and with clarity in various formats. As well as a traditional portfolio and end-of-year exhibition, you will present a functioning website and a short podcast. It is also a moment to reflect on and celebrate your achievements.