Fine Art

Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design

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Award: Foundation Certificate in Art & Design
Duration: 1 academic year, part-time
School: School of Arts
Campus: Online

This flexible foundation programme in art and design is taught online through a mix of self-directed study, live study days and a student community hub.

Designed to fit around your day-to-day commitments, the programme will help you to establish momentum and resilience in your creativity. Supported by an online community of students and tutors you will improve competence and confidence in the core skills in art and design.

You can expect to:

  • Develop practical and creative skills in a broad range of mediums and subjects, including drawing, painting, printmaking, and sculpture.
  • Find direction in your creative practice and future goals.
  • Complete a portfolio of work suitable to make applications to higher level study, or to show to galleries and other artist opportunities.

Course structure

Programme content includes self-paced online workshops, slide presentations and PDFs with clear guidance given on the tasks and dates. Each self-paced course subject is then followed by a day of live teaching on Zoom with an expert tutor and fellow students. You will also be able to share discussion and work with other students throughout the course in the student community hub, Padlet. Tutors will refer to this work during live study days to inform feedback and discussion.

Modules are released throughout the year, after each release date students have three weeks to complete the self-study tasks before the two live study days, one for each course topic. These are an extension of what you have been learning, students are encouraged to attend as many study days as possible, it is not a requirement to attend all live study days to complete the programme. The teaching takes place during the day on Zoom, it is not recorded.

Skills development

Learn skills in a broad range of subjects and mediums through seven skills development modules, each will take an estimated four days to complete, we recommend you allow additional time to apply what you learn in your sketchbooks:

Module 1 – Sketchbooks & Learning Journals / Introduction to drawing
Module 2 – Portrait drawing  /  Expressive figure drawing
Module 3 – Painting watercolour / Painting oils
Module 4 – Mark-making / Mixed-media landscape painting
Module 5 – Relief printmaking /  Hybrid Printmaking
Module 6 – Colour / Abstraction
Module 7 – Introduction to sculpture  /  Sculpture from the land using found materials
Module 8 – Personal project

Contextual and critical studies

You will develop reflective practice skills by making use of a learning journal, reviewing artwork that is interesting and relevant to you, from a broad range of sources. This will expand your knowledge and understanding of art frameworks that underpin development of your own work. Students can also join the Foundation Art Discussion Forum, each month artworks and themes are introduced to initiate discussion with students from across the foundation art programmes.

Module 8 - Personal project
Working to a set brief, you will develop visual and contextual research skills to identify a personal response to a subject. This module provides a structured approach to achieve this through drawing, mapping, use primary and secondary sources, experimentation, reflective practice, and review to make final artwork. You will be given guidance on how to present the work and complete a written summary statement. This one module includes two group tutorials and one individual tutorial*.

Tutorials

In addition to the tutorials in Module 8, each student will receive two individual tutorials. The first tutorial after Module 2 and second tutorial after Module 5. Tutorials last 30 minutes and provide opportunity for you to discuss you work, progress and aims with a course tutor. You are required to prepare your coursework, sketchbooks, and key points from your learning journal in advance for discussion.

Tutorial dates cannot be changed, times will be confirmed at the start of the programme.

Course dates

 

 

March 2025 - OFCAD12

Module 1

Released

14 March 2025

Live study days

5-6 April 2025

Module 2

Released

18 April 2025

Live study days

10-11 May 2025

Module 3

Released

13 June 2025

Live study days

5-6 July 2025

Module 4

Released

18 July 2025

Live study days

9-10 August 2025

Module 5

Released

22 August 2025

Live study days

13-14 September 2025

Module 6

Released

10 October 2025

Live study days

1-2 November 2025

Module 7

Released

14 November 2025

Live study days

6 - 7 December 2025

Module 8*

Released

2 January 2026

Group tutorials

16 January 2026
23 January 2026

Individual tutorial

30 January 2026

Tutorials

30 May 2025
26 September 2025

Assessment deadline

5pm, 13 March 2026

Live Study Days

Three weeks after the self-study module you are invited to attend two live study days, one for each course topic. These are an extension of what you have been learning, students are encouraged to attend as many study days as possible, it is not a requirement to attend all live study days to complete the programme. The teaching takes place during the day on Zoom, it is not recorded.

*The structure of Module 8 is different and includes tutorials not study days. Appointment times for the individual tutorials will be confirmed at the start of the course.

Assessment

All work is submitted and assessed online. You will submit an online portfolio that includes coursework, personal work, developmental sketchbook work, and a summary statement of 500 words.

To pass the foundation course you will be required to demonstrate:

  • An increased level of skill and competence in core skills evidenced in the portfolio work
  • Enquiring and experimental processes towards developing your ideas as evidenced in the sketchbook research and development
  • An ability to focus your skills and ideas as evidenced in the final personal project.

Completion

At the end of the programme you will have:

  • A portfolio of both sketchbook development studies and final artwork, that could be used for entry into higher education.
  • Experimented with core skills in a range of mediums and subjects.
  • Found resilience and momentum to establish your creativity in your day-to-day life.
  • Begun to develop a focus for your arts practice.

While not nationally validated, the learning outcomes are aligned to Level 3 study, and provide you with the necessary preparation and portfolio to make a strong application for study at Level 4, or degree level in Art and Design.

Gallery

    •

    Mary Dalton demonstrates printmaking
    Learn practical printmaking skills with master printer Mary Dalton
    A close-up of a paint brush moving across a watercolour painting
    Develop skills in painting, including watercolours with Christine Forbes
    A student draws in a sketchbook using an ipad as reference
    Tutorials and live support help align your practice with your goals
    A birds eye view of a artist desk
    Comprehensive videos and camera angles make online learning easy
    View of a smart phone photographing a mandala made from leaves
    Explore sculpture in the landscape with Dan Lobb
    Colourful mixed-media sketches pinned to a white wall
    Experiment with mark-making and mixed media as you find direction in your practice
    A close-up of a colour mixing exercise using watercolour paints
    Develop creative skills in colour mixing and knowledge of colour theory
    A man puts the finishing touches to a pencil portrait drawing
    Draw portraits with artist George Popesco
    A birds eye view of papers and cut out shapes on a desk
    Gain an introduction to using abstraction in your work with artist Nick Bodimeade
    Tutor Jon Edgar moulding a shape in clay
    Get hands-on with sculpture with sculptor Jon Edgar

    West Dean Campus Sussex Credit Mj Dearman

    West Dean campus
    School of Art Facilities Credit Chris Ison

    Facilities
    West Dean School of Arts Alumni Credit Thom Atkinson

    Alumni
    Funding your course

    Funding

    Online exhibition

    A selection of work completed by students on each intake of the Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design is available to view in a new online exhibition. The exhibition celebrates each individual student's work and their experience on the programme.

    Image: 'Restraint' by Sarah Evans, OFCAD 1.

     

    Visit the exhibition
    School of Art Credit Thom Atkinson.jpg

    School of Arts

    Explore and expand your work in a uniquely immersive environment with its own connections to art history. Our School of Arts students enjoy specialist studio spaces dedicated to painting and drawing, sculpture and tapestry and textile-based work as well as exceptional exhibition space.

    School of Arts

    Fees

    OFCAD 12 - March 2025

    • £1,802 when paid in full in advance, or three instalments of £655.

    If you would like to pay the full price of £1,802, please contact the Bookings Office on 01243 818 300 option 2. If you would like to pay in instalments, you can pay the first instalment online. The second instalment will be due after Module 2 and third instalment will be due after Module 5. See dates.

    Fees include all tuition and tutorials, materials are not included.

    We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.

    Entry requirements

    • A commitment to learning practical and creative skills
    • Space and time to complete coursework and attend live study days
    • A webcam and reliable Wi-Fi (see FAQs)

    How to apply

    Spaces on this course are limited. To book a place, you will need to:

    1- Complete the application form and send it to [email protected] 
    2- Pay the first fee installment, via our online booking system below.

    If you wish to take advantage of our reduced advanced price, please contact the Bookings team on (01243) 818 300 to make your payment.

    Any questions?

    Email [email protected]; call us on: (01243) 818 300 and select option 1, or read more about our Admissions processes.

    Apply Now
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    FAQs

    What format does the course take?
    The course is completely online and is a mix of self-paced videos and live sessions. You will also have access to a student hub to share discussion and images.

    How do I access the course?
    Once you have submitted an application form and made the first fee payment you will receive a link and password to access the course by email before the course start date. The first module will be available from 9am on the first day. The first live session with a tutor will be four weeks later.

    Read more FAQs

    What technologies are used to deliver the course?
    The self-paced videos and student hub are accessed through CANVAS, a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is a system for delivering learning materials via the Internet. It offers you flexible access to all the course content, which is available to you for the duration of the course. The live sessions and tutorials are delivered over Zoom. The study hub is Padlet.

    What computer set up do I need?
    The self-paced courses can be watched on all computers and devices – Mac, PC, Mobile and Tablet – with an Internet connection and a modern internet browser (see "What Web Browser do you recommend" below). You will need an email account and an up-to-date web browser.

    For the live sessions on Zoom you will need a computer or laptop – Mac/PC – with Internet connection, a webcam, microphone and speakers (usually in-built). You need high speed Wi-Fi with full bars signal that doesn’t drop out and a modern internet browser (see "What Web Browser do you recommend" below). Technical support is available if you experience difficulties accessing the course.

    What web browser do you recommend?
    Moodle is compatible with any standards compliant web browser. Moodle developers regularly test the desktop version on Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge, and the mobile version on mobile Safari and Chrome. It is always recommended that you keep your browser updated. This is for both the best experience and for optimum security.

    Moodle is a responsive platform, so you can log in on an up-to-date mobile device. West Dean’s Moodle cannot be accessed through any Moodle apps.

    To access the live Zoom sessions, either download Zoom or join through a browser. You will get the fullest experience if you download Zoom. If you have not done so before, you will be prompted to do so the first time you click the link to join a meeting.

    What do I do if I experience technical issues?
    Support setting up Zoom, including helpful videos can be accessed on their website here and support centre here. We recommend setting up and testing Zoom a few days in advance to ensure you do not have problems on the day.

    If you have checked the technical requirements above and are using a suitable browser but the problem persists, email [email protected] with the details of your problem (including a screenshot if useful) for advice.

    I’ve lost my login details, what do I do?
    If you have deleted your login information please contact [email protected]

    Can I use a College gift voucher towards the course?
    Yes, simply enter the gift voucher code at the online checkout.

    School of Arts news

    •
    20th July 2022

    The Regis School sculpt in the landscape

    Short course tutor Dan Lobb recently visited The Regis School to deliver Sculpture in the Landscape workshops to Years 9 and 10 as part of their Super Curricular day. Pupils were off-timetable for the day, participating in creative activities they wouldn’t normally have the chance to do.  In his introduction, Dan explained that this session was about using materials found naturall...

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    31st May 2022

    Realising the dream of becoming an artist

    By Jo Boddy, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design alumna 2021

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    1st April 2022

    St Philip Howard Life Drawing Day

    West Dean College of Arts and Conservation recently welcomed 30 budding Year 10 artists from St Philip Howard Catholic School for a life drawing lesson delivered by artist and tutor, Chris Gilvan-Cartwright.

    As well as learning new techniques with paints and charcoal and experiencing the freedom of large scale drawing, pupils commented on how they enjoyed taking risks and being brave ...

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    9th September 2021

    6 Tips for getting creative this autumn

    By Tiffany Robinson, Programme Coordinator and Tutor - Foundation Diploma Art and Design & Online Foundation Certificate in Art and Design

    As the long summer days begin to recede comes the autumn light that gives rich intensity at the start or end of the day, I have put together tips focusing on experiencing the light, and the land to make more visceral responses in...

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    26th February 2021

    Studying an object from the Edward James Collection: Silver porringer

    By Finn Banwell, Foundation Degree Arts - Metalwork student I first became interested in metalwork when I visited a Japanese silversmith’s workshop. Whilst exploring Kyoto, I found “Artsmith”, a local shop selling a variety of craft pieces and very detailed, intricate examples of metalwork. Also, in this shop, was a workshop, where the Craftsman and owner of ...

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    15th October 2020

    In conversation with puppeteer and FDAD alumna Sue Cooper

    Over lockdown, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FDAD) alumna Sue Cooper's colourful puppet characters made quite a stir on Instagram and were enjoyed 'live' on the roof of a barge on the Thames Path; with their humorous and heart-warming stories, bringing joy to her local community and challenging stereotypes around ageing.  Here Sue tells us more about her latest project ...

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    Tutors

    Tiffany Robinson - tutor at West Dean College

    Tiffany Robinson

    Programme Coordinator - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

    Tiffany Robinson studied interactive media for her MA (2005) making art films and immersive sci-art installations on perception and nanoscale. She is currently a tutor, mentor (The Art of Enquiry) and walking artist making intuitive drawings using natural and digital media. Her work deals with a post-modern estrangement from nature towards a being more than human through alignment with nature.