Course Ethos

The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design is a part-time, two year course giving students the opportunity to explore various Art & Design disciplines, experiment with a range of materials, methods and approaches and build a portfolio of work. The course allows you to study a broad range of creative arts disciplines, with a key focus on Fine Art. You will also acquire key transferable skills such as effective communication, teamwork, time and project management. The Project-based course allows learners to develop their ideas, designing and making skills to give them progression opportunities in HE to degree or HND level and other areas of the creative industries. This course will build on learners’ existing skills as well as introducing them to new ideas, media and ways of learning. They will explore a broad range of disciplines in art and design - including fine art, drawing and painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, fashion, textiles, 3D design and illustration - with increasing independence and refinement towards a specialist focus within which they may complete their final major project and end of course exhibition.

Course Details for Year 1

Attendance is for 9 hours per week with between 3 – 5 hours of study at home. There will be an Induction Day on Wednesday 10 September 2025 The 2 core sessions of:

Core 1 - Visual Studies on Mondays (10am-1pm) (Year 2: Tuesday 10am-1pm)

Core 2 – Project Work on Wednesdays (10am-1pm)

In addition, you will take a further subject each term (Specialised Study) on Fridays (2-5pm) in block subjects including Photography, Contextual Studies and Life Drawing.

Assessment of progress

All course work is assessed at the end of each term and in both years will culminate with an End of Year Show. In the 2nd year, students will continue with Core 1 and 2 and choose an option each term from across the PSAD curriculum as well as completing a Final Major Project. Students will be encouraged to organise an external Exhibition as well as the show at the school. Assessments are provided in writing and require students to organise and present their work ready for submission. The Diploma certificate is awarded on the basis of completed units, student portfolio, exhibition and tutor assessments.

Entry Requirements

Entry is by written application followed by an interview with a small selection of current work, which can be sent electronically. The interview enables you to discuss your previous experience and review your artwork and you will be asked to describe your reasons for applying for the course. Your enthusiasm, some previous experience and commitment will be an important factor as this part-time course will become an important focus for the two years you will be attending. How many students are accepted?

We take up to 15 students each year, so each student will receive individual attention throughout the two years with smaller class sizes compared to other foundation colleges. Additional support tutorials with the Diploma Co-ordinator.

What do students’ progress onto?

Most students continue to develop their own practice and they do this either by attending a course at PSAD and/or sharing studios/apply for a full time BA course in Art or Design and very occasionally a student has progressed to an MA. Advice is available for students who would like to consider these routes.

How do I apply?

Please contact Belinda Bates, Curriculum Manager, for an application form or from our website: bbates@enablelc.org www.psad.org.uk or call 020 3959 0110

The Diploma Year 1 show runs from 22 June – 4 July 2026 at PSAD

The Diploma Year 2 show runs from 6 July – 18 July 2026 at PSAD and then onto an external exhibition organised by the students.

If you wish to proceed you will need to complete an application form (which will be emailed to you) and attend an interview by arrangement.

How much will it cost?

Standard fee: £1,025 per term £2,975 per year if paid in advance

Resident in Wandsworth/over 60 years: £769 per term £2,232per year if paid in advance

There will be a deposit on acceptance of a place of: £400 - (your full deposit will be deducted from your final term’s fee)

N.B Deposits will not be subtracted if students exit the course before the end of the two years.