Foundation Diploma
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the most highly acclaimed and distinctive foundation courses in the UK. The course is situated in the University’s School of Art alongside the art and design degree programmes, and shares exceptional workshops with the undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
As a student, you will experience ambitious creative projects which will allow you to discover the range of specialist areas in art and design. The projects and personal tutorials will help you to distil and identify your main areas of interest and make an informed application to a degree course with the support of an experienced staff team.
You will explore ideas, materials, processes and technologies that serve to develop creative skills, independence, and portfolio to apply to art and design degree courses.
If you wish to stay in Manchester to study your degree, we offer a direct progression route onto Manchester School of Art's degree programmes, available to those who meet the required academic standard.
We welcome national and international students.
Special Features
- —Globally recognised: You will be taught in Manchester School of Art, one of the top 100 schools for art and design in the world (QS World Rankings 2025).
- —Top-rated: This course is consistently rated outstanding by Ofsted, ensuring you receive the best education and support.
- —Build future skills: Gain the key skills and knowledge needed for art and design undergraduate degrees at Manchester Met, as well as similar programmes at other universities.
- —Direct degree access: You'll qualify for direct entry into all art and design courses at Manchester Metropolitan (except Architecture) providing you meet the academic requirements.
- —Creative exploration: Experiment with a variety of techniques and media to discover your perfect creative path for future study.
- —Exclusive opportunities: Get involved in exciting events, exhibitions, and residencies within the School of Art to boost your experience.
Course Content
The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a one year full-time course.
Curriculum
The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a one year full-time course. During this time you will explore a wide range of creative disciplines, develop practical and conceptual skills, refine your personal artistic methodology, and prepare for progression into your chosen degree-level specialisation.
Diagnostic Investigation into Creative Practice
In this module you'll undertake a diagnostic investigation into visual language and creative practices. This exploratory investigation will allow you to become familiar with, and experiment within, a range of creative disciplines (art, design, craft and media) as part of your journey to, or reinforcement of, specialism in module two.
Throughout the module, you will develop your visual language, research methods, contextual awareness and evaluative ability to underpin a broad range of varied creative activities. You will develop the necessary skills in planning, recording, analysis and reflection to support and communicate creative endeavour, while gaining an appreciation of the position and context of your investigations. The diagnostic mode provides you with the opportunity to safely and effectively experience a wide range of art and design materials, methods and technologies within a professional practice.
This could include:
- Studio Practice
- Material Manipulation
- Visual Language: Drawing
- Artists' Research - Library Skills
- Group Construction and Performance Project
- One Day Projects
- Workshop Inductions
- Induction Projects (Product Design and Craft, Fine Art, Graphics, Textiles/Fashion)
- Research Skills and Methodology
Developing Specialist Practice
In this module, you'll be provided the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices you have developed in module one of the qualification, and to define your creative ambitions by encouraging a holistic approach to a range of activities, which will support, contextualise and position your creative endeavour within your chosen specialist practice.
You'll confirm the specialisation that you wish to follow at undergraduate degree level, and progress your application for your chosen degree place. You'll also develop your own personal methodology, enabling you to work with a high level of creativity and independence.
The typical programme of study may include:
- Studio Practice
- Folio Preparation
- Presentation Skills/Documentation
- Interview Preparation
- Workshop Inductions
- Contextual Studies Project
- Personal Projects
- Progression and Pathway Confirmation
Consolidating Practice
You will be provided with the opportunity to take control of your own learning and demonstrate your achievement by independently initiating, researching, completing and evaluating a project proposal and realisation within your chosen professional context. You'll produce an exhibition of your final major project alongside and complete preparation for undergraduate course entry.
While the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design qualification is Level 3 overall, this final module is Level 4, reflecting the level of demand made on students by this unit and its preparatory relationship to higher level study.
Assessment Weightings & Contact Hours
10 credits equates to 100 hours of study, which is a combination of lectures, seminars and practical sessions, and independent study. A three year degree qualification typically comprises 360 credits (120 credits per year). The exact composition of your study time and assessments for the course will vary according to your option choices and style of learning, but it could be—
Study
- Level 3 60% lectures, seminars or similar; 40% independent study
- Level 4 40% lectures, seminars or similar; 60% independent study
Assessment
- Level 3 100% coursework
- Level 4 100% coursework
Student Work
Our Degree Show web sites display a selection of work exhibited by our Foundation Diploma students at the end of year show.
Staff
- Ben Greenhalgh
Programme Leader
— - Caitlin Akers
Lecturer
— - Laura-Jane Atkinson
Lecturer
— - Rachel Hoyle
Lecturer
— - Martha Lineham
Senior Lecturer
— - Clare McGarrigle
Senior Lecturer
— - Jo Vickers
Senior Lecturer
—
Nick Sharratt spoke to students about his expansive career, iconic style and influences
Student's work reflects important causes in large scale installation.
Manchester Metropolitan the first university in the UK to gain an 'Outstanding' in every category, including Education Programmes for Young People and Apprenticeship Provision
University staff and students have written and illustrated 'The Invisible King'
Graduates
Foundation graduates go on to study a wide range of BA (Hons) courses at Manchester School of Art and other institutions across the UK. Following completion of a degree programme our graduates then go to establish themselves within a wide range of professions in the art and design world. These include careers as creative consultants, artists, curators, gallery owners, textile designers, fashion designers, product and furniture designers, illustrators, retail buyers, theatre and set designers, graphic designers, art critics and journalists, photographers, film-makers, animators, game artists, game designers, stylists, interior designers and architects.
Our Alumni include:
Sarah Burton: Fashion Designer and Creative Director at Alexander McQueen, Dean Hughes: Artist and Head of Undergraduate Study at Edinburgh College of Art, Andy Soup: Film-maker, Animator and Music Video Production, Nick Sharratt: Children's Book Illustrator, David Hoyland: Director of Seventeen Gallery, Amy Thomas: Artist, Nabil El Nayal: Fashion Designer, Oliver East: Illustrator and Artist's Book publications, Bruce Bell: Construction Designer and Architect, Genevieve Bennett: Interior Textiles Designer and Colour Consultant, Mike Mercer-Brown: Graphic Designer, Paul Harfleet: Artist and Garden Designer, Zoe Hitchens: Art Director and Fashion Film Director, Charlie Lightening: Documentary Film Director, Chantelle King: Tablet Designer at Vanity Fair Magazine, Nicolas Byrne: Painter, David Longshaw: Fashion Designer, Louise Giovanelli: Artist.
Making an Application
Entry Requirements
| UCAS Tariff Points/Grades Required | 48. 48 UCAS Tariff points from 3 A Levels or equivalent Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma – PPP Access to HE Diploma - Pass T Levels - We welcome applications from students undertaking T Level qualifications. Eligible applicants will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of Pass as a condition of offer. Equivalent qualifications and combinations will be considered, including Extended Project. Other Level 3 qualifications equivalent to GCE A level are also considered. A maximum of three A level-equivalent qualifications will be accepted towards meeting the UCAS tariff requirement. AS levels, or qualifications equivalent to AS level, are not accepted. The Extended Project qualification (EPQ) may be accepted towards entry, in conjunction with two A-level equivalent qualifications. Please contact the University directly if you are unsure whether you meet the minimum entry requirements for the course. |
|---|---|
| Specific GCSE Requirements | GCSE grade C/4 in English Language or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills English and GCSE grade C/4 in Mathematics or equivalent, e.g. Pass in Level 2 Functional Skills Mathematics |
| Additional Requirements | This course is available to anyone aged 18 or over. |
| International Baccalaureate | IB Diploma with minimum 24 points overall or 48 UCAS Tariff points from three Higher Level subjects. If you plan to meet the Level 2 course requirements through your IB Diploma you will need to achieve Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 5 in English and Higher Level 4 or Standard Level 4 in Mathematics Points |
International Students
A minimum IELTS score of 5.5 with no less than 5.0 in any section is required.
There’s further information for international students on our international website if you’re applying with non-UK qualifications.
How to Apply
Apply directly to the University.
You will also need to provide a digital portfolio with your application.
Tuition Fees 2026 Entry
The fees for 2026 entry are still to be confirmed.
Additional Costs
Specialist Costs
£75* plus optional £600* —£75 materials fee is a compulsory cost, to cover basic studio materials and paper throughout the year. Estimated additional costs - there are costs associated with producing a portfolio such as print out costs and the cost of an A1 folio case. Some students wish to also have their own laptop and books. Campus printing costs start from 5p per page. Estimated costs are £300 for a laptop up to £100 for books and printing. Total optional cost: £600.
* All amounts shown are estimates.
