This two-year, full-time, Foundation Degree is a highly practical course where you will be introduced to a range of materials, technologies and tools associated with Fine Art Practice. In year one you will build a broad skill set before specialising in year two.

Workshop-based projects have an experimental agenda where you learn to recognise the potential and interactive relationship between materials, media and processes, and between ideas and issues to develop your skills in visual communication.

Contextual / critical studies will underpin your practical learning to ensure you are aware of contemporary practice and have the skills to critically analyse and evaluate your own work and the work of others.

Work based learning is central to the course to ensure you have the opportunity to network with practising artists and designers, and work on live projects which allow you to gain industry work experience.

Upon successful completion, you will be able to apply for a third ‘top-up’ year to convert the Foundation Degree into a BA (Hons) Degree.

Our Foundation Degree is validated and awarded by the University of Kent.

In year one your will study 6 modules at Level 4 totalling 120 credits:

• Visual Recording & Communication (15 credits)
  
  This module places a focus on observational drawing and experimental mark-making by introducing a wide range of media and techniques. Students will be encouraged to practise their visual research skills, sourcing and exploring appropriate materials and subjects as starting points for art and design work. Visual presentation techniques and methods will also form a part of this module.
  
  This module will be taught through practical workshops and assessment will be through a submission of a sketchbook / portfolio of practical experiments (70%) and a reflective journal (30%).
  
  
  
• Digital Applications (15 credits)
  
  This module introduces students to the use of digital technology in the production and application of creative imagery together with a basic understanding of theory to enable informed decisions to be made in respect of appropriate technology and technique.
  
  The module aims to develop skills in a range of creative software through the creation of an experimental portfolio of digital art and design work.
  
  This module will be taught through practical workshops and assessment will be through a submission of a digital portfolio of practical experiments (70%) and a reflective journal (30%).
  
  
  
• Contextual Research & Referencing (15 credits)
  
  This module provides an introduction to the history and theory of art & design. The early phase of the unit includes lectures and seminars on aspects of the historical and contemporary practices of art and design. A strong emphasis is placed upon consideration of contextual influences including social, cultural, economic and material factors. As the module progresses, learners will choose a specialist area of study within their specialist degree pathway to research and examine in greater depth.
  
  Another purpose of the module is to establish the importance of good research habits and organisation skills. It also introduces students to the principles and practice of referencing academic work.
  
  This module is taught through lectures and seminars and is assessed through the production of an essay (60%), and a presentation evaluating the research undertaken and how it enabled students to reach conclusions (40%).
  
  
  
• Work Based Learning: Professional Engagement (15 credits)
  
  Through a programme of visiting industry professionals providing lectures or workshops you will have the opportunity to discuss and explore the realities of employment opportunities and expectations regarding professional practice within different aspects of the creative industries.
  
  In addition to the experiential learning from visiting professionals you will be required to research opportunities to progress, gain employment and access funding in your chosen area of specialist practice.
  
  This module will be assessed through the production of a report which summaries your research findings and your engagement with visiting industry professionals (50%).
  
  You will also be required to complete a reflective journal on your professional skills development, showing how you are responding to your research findings, establishing your identity as a creative practitioner, and developing the skills and attributes required for success as a practitioner in your chosen field. Your reflective journal should include links to any promotional activities you undertake and social media profiles (50%).
  
  
• 2D Processes (30 credits)
  
  This module provides an opportunity for students to develop skills, knowledge and confidence in using a range of 2D media via practical exploration, these will form a strong practical basis to be developed upon over the programme.
  
  A variety of processes will be demonstrated and students will make decisions on which ones to pursue towards an extended practical investigation. An introduction to a variety of 2D processes are covered in previous modules (Visual Recording & Communication and Digital Applications) and further instruction in painting techniques, printmaking, and other fine art disciplines will be explored in this module.
  
  Students will demonstrate independence in their investigation by selecting processes that have been of most interest to them and explore them further. Students will record and show evidence and a raised awareness of the technical elements of the processes used.
  
  This module will be taught through practical workshops, seminars and 1:1 tutorials. Assessment is through the production of a portfolio of investigative practical work (70%) and a reflective journal (30%).
  
  
  
• 3D Processes (30 credits)
  
  This module provides an opportunity for students to engage in investigative 3-dimensional work. The module seeks to initiate a practical engagement with the materials, skills and processes that will develop students confidence and ability to select and use these processes within their developing practice throughout the programme.
  
  Assessment is through the submission of an investigative portfolio of practical work (70%) and a reflective journal, which reflects on, and critically evaluates, your practical experimentation (30%).
  
  In year two you will study 4 modules which will provide you with a further 120 credits at Level 5:
  
  
• Developing Fine Art Practice (30 credits)
  
  In this module students are asked to develop a deeper understanding of their individual studio practice. They are required to add an element of critical analysis into their relationship with their developing practice. Students will produce a body of work that is focused on how a process of investigation can allow them to begin to classify and formally analyse the key ideas and methods underpinning their work in response to a self-set project proposal.
  
  This module will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and 1:1 tutorials. The assessment is through the production of a project proposal (10%), an investigative portfolio of work and critical evaluation (60%) and a resolved body of work (30%).
  
  
  
• Professional Practice and Work Based Placement (30 credits)
  
  This module involves developing a greater awareness and understanding of the commercial and professional creative industries. Students will begin this module during tutorials in the first year, when they will start to develop a reflective log reviewing, reflecting on and recording their own professional and personal skills. Students will research job opportunities and market information to support them in approaching relevant employers. Students will be expected to demonstrate initiative and independence in researching and securing placements to prepare them for this competitive field of work. Work-based placements will be a core requirement of this module. Within this context work-based placements can include working within a design / creative company, working on an employer set brief or project, or working with other professionals or clients on community / outreach projects, or site-specific exhibitions / design.
  
  This module will be taught through seminars, lectures and 1:1 tutorials and assessed through the production of a Professional Practice Report (40%), a reflective journal (40%), employers assessment feedback (10%) and a presentation on placement (10%).
  
  
  
• Critical Studies (30 credits)
  
  Critical Studies builds on the progress made in the ‘Contextual Research and Referencing’ module in Stage 1. Students are encouraged to build on an area of research interest, taking into account developments to inform their own practice and increase their levels of criticality and understanding of the wider context of contemporary art and design. Students will begin to consider topics and debates in contemporary art and design, and explore their interests in a presentation and an academic piece of writing. Students will develop and apply the skills of analysis, evaluation and critical thinking, both orally and in writing, in relation to their specialist field of practice and their subject of interest.
  
  This module is taught through lectures, seminars and 1:1 tutorials, and is assessed through the completion of an essay (60%) and presentation (40%).
  
  
  
• Exhibition and Professional Portfolio (30 credits)
  
  This module requires students to provide evidence of a portfolio of creative work presented in an appropriate way for the field in which they intend to progress. Students are encouraged to collaborate with students on other pathways to ensure portfolios are of a professional standard.
  
  Students will work collaboratively and as part of a team and be assessed on their planning, organisation, marketing and execution of an exhibition as part of the Medway School of Arts End of Year Show.
  
  This module continues to develop work-based learning through the development of understanding how artists and designers promote their own practice through exhibition.
  
  This module is taught through a combination of seminars, group tutorials and 1:1 tutorials.
  
  Assessment is through Final Exhibition (45%), a portfolio of work with critical analysis (45%) and a reflective journal (10%).