Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and Media Practice

This course has been designed to provide post A-level and mature learners with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to progress to higher education [HNC/HND or Degree] and training or employment in the creative industries.

Course Code: P10897
Campus: Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn
Study Type: Full-Time
Education Level Further Education
Department: Art & Design

Available Sessions

We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn.

Why Study This Course

This dynamic, practical, one-year course is ideal for those who have recently completed A Levels or Level 3 qualifications in art related subjects. The course is equally suitable for mature students (over 21) wishing to return to full-time education.

The programme offers learners the opportunity to experiment widely and take creative risks, to develop a new original body of portfolio work whilst applying the professional behaviours required for progression to Higher Education.

You will be encouraged to explore and develop your visual skills in both 2D and 3D media, through a process of investigation, experimentation, self-direction, reflective practice and visual communication.

Disciplines may include:

  • Painting
  • Drawing
  • Illustration
  • Photography
  • Graphic Design
  • 3D/Sculpture
  • Ceramics
  • Printmaking
  • Fashion and Textiles

These combined skills will prepare you for progression to higher level qualifications such as HNC/HND and degree programmes, self-employment or employment within the creative industries.

Course Overview

Over the year there are two phases:

  • Semester One: Exploratory phase
  • Semester Two: Confirmatory phase

The programme offers learners the opportunity to experiment widely and take creative risks in order to develop a broad portfolio of work and professional behaviours required for progression.

It also provides opportunities to develop art and design visual skills in both 2D and 3D over the course of study through a process of self-direction, reflective practice and communication, which are key skills for progression to higher education.

  • BTEC National Diploma in Art and Design or an A Level pass at Grade C, Level 3 Diploma in an Art and Design related subject Grade Merit, plus 4 GCSEs Grade C to include English. Mature students (21 years plus) are welcome to apply with a folio of recent work.
  • At interview, you must bring a portfolio of recent work displaying an interest and ability in Art and Design and other visual arts such as photography. 

Further details will be confirmed in the email invitation at a later date.

Should you not have a GCSE grade C in a Numeracy, Literacy or ICT subject, you will be required to complete an Essential Skills Level 2 qualification in that subject.

There is one Teaching and Learning module with 6 content areas to be addressed.  These are:

  • investigation 
  • experimentation 
  • evaluation and review 
  • realisation 
  • communication 
  • self-directed practice

The programme not only aims to provide opportunities to develop the creative skills in preparation for progression to higher education, but also a skillset of valuable, transferable skills much sought after by employers.

These combined skills will prepare you for progression to Higher level qualifications such as HNC/HND and degrees or self-employment or employment within the creative industries

Available Sessions

We have 3 sessions available for application on this course in Bangor, Downpatrick, Lisburn.

Enquiries Information

For more information or help with this course send us an enquiry and a member of our team will get back in touch.

Available Sessions

Title Campus Start Spaces Apply or get more information
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and Media Practice
Y10897BF1A-25/26-FT
Bangor
01/09/2025
 18
More Info
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and Media Practice
Y10897DF1A-25/26-FT
Downpatrick
01/09/2025
 18
More Info
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and Media Practice
Y10897LF1A-25/26-FT
Lisburn
01/09/2025
 18
More Info

Please select a campus from the list above to view the available sessions.

Customer Enquiries

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Terms & Conditions

Students will be required to comply with SERC's Terms & Conditions of study.

We strive to ensure the description of courses on SERC's website and in publications is accurate. However, for various reasons there may be occasions when the College may need to change arrangements or be unable to deliver classes due to circumstances such as reduced funding. If there are insufficient numbers applying for a course it may not be viable to deliver the class.

Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.

Further Education

Further Education

If you have just completed your GCSEs, Further Education is most likely the option for you. FE covers qualifications from entry to higher level qualifications such as Awards, Certificates, Diplomas, NVQ, BTEC and Apprenticeships.

Explore Further Education