Online Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Fine Art

Online Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

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Award: Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
Duration: 1 academic year, part time (October 2025)
School: School of Arts
Campus: Online

This course follows the Online Foundation Certificate in Art & Design, and completes foundation studies for students at level 4.

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

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

You can expect to:

  • Develop your practice, contextual knowledge and understanding of your work
  • Improve the quality of your artwork
  • Gain the education and skills to apply to higher level study

Course structure

There are three terms of 10 weeks across one year. Self-study course content is completed in your own time. Programme content includes:

  • self-paced online workshops with slide presentations and PDFs
  • recorded lectures with links and PDFs
  • live teaching days with specialist subject tutors
  • group seminar discussions, tutorials, and presentations
  • group coaching (optional)

Course units

Term Topics Outcomes
Term 1 - Introduction

  • Overview of the programme

  • Establish a learning community

  • Course technology

  • Knowledge and understanding of the course and technology required to learn and participate

  • Meet tutors and peers
Term 1 - The Body

  • Knowledge and understanding of the body in art: four recorded lectures: four seminar discussions

  • Practical skills in drawing the figure: eight recorded workshops: four live study days; two #group tutorials

  • Personal skills in resistance and flow in creative practice: recorded seminar; 2hr live group coaching

  • Develop a series of figure drawings from a personal line of enquiry.

  • Present a review of an exhibition

  • Reflective writing and drawing

 
Term 2 - Visual Research Frameworks in Practice

  • Advancing drawing for research practice: self study course; four live study days

  • Four additional live days with specialist subject tutors

  • Four guest tutors presenting their research process with Q&A

  • Four seminar discussions

  • Personal practice: barriers and breakthroughs – recorded seminar; 2hr group coaching

  • Visual research demonstrating skills in drawing, experimentation, and development of ideas

  • Establish a visual research practice that is thorough and relevant
Term 3 - Re-Place Individual Project

  • Research and development of independent project: five live group discussions/presentations

  • Define and review research and materials process

  • Student proposal presentations, development, and outcome

  • Artist statement

  • Digital portfolio to make applications to higher level study or other awards and opportunities

Skills development
The year is structured to provide students with skills in practice (drawing, painting, mixed-media including some textiles), visual research, critical and contextual studies, and personal and professional skills. It supports students in establishing a direction and focus in their practice, learning, and career.

Contextual and critical studies
You will develop reflective practice skills by making use of a learning journal and 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 the development of your own work.

Tutorials
In addition to the tutorials in Term 3, each student will receive two individual tutorials. The first tutorial after Term 1, and the second, after Term 2. Tutorials last 30 minutes and provide an opportunity for you to discuss your work, progress and aim 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.

Live teaching & group session dates 2025/26

Three terms of 10 weeks. Self-study course content is completed in your own time. 

Term 1– 27 October 2025 to 13 February 2026
Term 2– 2 March to 5 June 2026
Term 3 – 22 June to 9 October 2026

Summary list of live sessions:

Term 1 - The Figure - released 27 October 2025. Christmas break 12 Dec - 8 Jan

Friday afternoon live sessions  

(R) = These sessions are recorded for students unable to attend.

  • 31 October, 1-2pm: Welcome and induction (R)
  • 7 November, 4-5pm: Seminar One (R)
  • 14 November, 4-5pm: Seminar Two (R)
  • 21 November, 4-5pm: Seminar Three (R)
  • 28 November, 4-5pm: Seminar Four (R)
  • 28 November, 5.15-6.15pm: Personal practice – resistance and flow

Optional - 12 December, 4pm: Drop in Q&A

Live day teaching sessions

  • 15 & 16 November, 9am-4pm: Skills in Practice: Drawing
  • 6 & 7 December, 9am-4pm: Skills in Practice: Drawing

Student presentations of work for discussion/feedback

  • 9 January, times TBC*: Tutor groups (R)
  • 23 January, times TBC*: Tutor groups (R)

Individual tutorial – 30 minutes per student

  • 30 January, times TBC*

Students submit work for formative assessment by 13 February 2026.

 

Term 2 - Visual Research in Practice - released 2 March, 2026. Easter break 3-9 April

Friday afternoon sessions  

  • 6 March, 4-5pm: Introduction to the brief (R)
  • 13 March, 4-5pm: Personal practice: barriers and breakthroughs
  • 27 March, 3-5pm: Methodologies (R)
  • 17 April, 3-5pm: Methodologies (R)

Live day teaching sessions

  • 21 & 22 March, 9am-4pm : Skills in Practice: Visual Research
  • 11 & 12 April, 9am-4pm : Skills in Practice: Drawing with specialist subject tutors
  • 25 & 26 April, 9am-4pm : Skills in Practice: Drawing with specialist subject tutors

Student presentations of work for discussion/feedback

  • 8 May 12,  Group tutorials (R)
  • 15 May 19, Individual tutorials of 30 minutes

Students submit work for formative assessment by 5 June 2026.

 

Term 3 - Personal Project - Re-place - released 22 June 2026. Summer break 24-31 July

Friday afternoon sessions  

  • 26 June, 2.30-5pm Introduction to the brief and getting started (R)
  • 3 July, 4-5pm  - Professional Practice - topic TBC  (R)
  • 17 July, 2.30-5pm - Contextual Studies: student seminars (6 students per session)  (R)
  • 4 Sept, 4-5pm – Professional practice – writing artist statements (R)
  • 11 Sept, 4-5pm – Professional practice – overview of online portfolios (R)

Live day teaching sessions

  • 27 June, 9am-4pm: Getting started continued - developing the project 

Group tutorials - Student presentations of work for discussion/feedback

  • 7 August, 3-5pm  (R)
  • 21 August, 3-5pm  (R)

Individual tutorial – 30 minutes per student starting from 2pm 

  • 4 September – times TBC*

Please note: dates are times are provisional and maybe subject to change.

*TBC – times are to be confirmed as they will vary depending on the size of the group, the aim is to finish at 5pm. Times will be confirmed at the start of the course.

Some sessions are recorded, indicated as (R). Where the teaching is a whole day it is not possible to record due to the number of hours. If you are unable to attend a student group tutorial session, please inform the tutor in advance with a link to the presentation of your work. This will be discussed in your absence so that you can gain some feedback to support the development of your work. Please watch the recording after the session.

Assessment

All work is submitted and assessed online. You will submit an online portfolio and an artist statement.

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

  • 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 work that is relevant and personal
  • An artist statement that communicates your practice and direction
  • Thorough body of research that demonstrates development of creative skills and outcomes
  • Clarity and understanding of your work and future pathway

While not nationally validated, the learning outcomes are aligned to Level 4 study, and provide you with the necessary preparation and portfolio to make a strong application for study at degree Level 5, for example the West Dean College part-time BA in Art and Contemporary Craft.

Entry requirements

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
FDAD Drawing Day Photo by Chris Ison 15

Online exhibition

A selection of work completed by students on each intake of the Online Foundation Diploma 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.

View 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

Course fees are £1,900 paid in advance, or as three instalments of £660 each.
Payment is required once your application form has been accepted by our Admissions team. To make payment, please call the Bookings Office on (01243) 818 300.

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.

How to apply

Applications for this course can be made by submitting a completed application form and emailing it to: [email protected].

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

Apply Now

FAQs

How is the course delivered?
The online course is delivered via a mix of self-paced content with PDFs, PowerPoints presentations, video demonstrations, and task lists. There are also live study days and tutorials via Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

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 release date. Term 1 will be available from 9am on the first day. The first live induction session will be shortly after, details are provided on the website course dates list.

Read more FAQs

What technologies are used to deliver the course?
The course content is accessed through a course website platform called Moodle. The live sessions are delivered through Zoom and Microsoft Teams. The coursework sharing platform is Padlet.

What computer set up do I need?
The course content can be viewed from a web browser. Whilst it is possible to view this on a tablet device, we recommend that students use a computer with a bigger laptop screen or monitor. The device must have a webcam, microphone, and access to strong and reliable Wi-Fi. Technical support is available if needed.

What web browser do you recommend?
Moodle works best on updated versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge. It is responsive and can be accessed on updated computer devices. Moodle apps are not supported for West Dean courses.

Q: What do I do if I experience technical issues?
For any technical issues, students contact [email protected].

Are the live study days held on campus?
All live sessions take place online. 

Are the live sessions on weekends?
Full live days take place on weekends, shorter sessions take place on week days. Please check the course dates on the website.

Are the video modules self-paced?
Yes, the videos can be completed in your own time. A list of live session dates and what is needed to prepare for them is provided to students once the course has started on the Moodle website.

Is the structure of the course similar to the OFCAD course?
No, there are three terms of 10 weeks across the year and each term is structured slightly differently. With Year 1 - OFCAD, the pattern of releasing self-study content each month followed by live study development days runs throughout the year. With Year 2 - OFDAD, the structure is made to fit the content of each term. Refer to the dates list and contact the college with any further questions on this.

When do we receive the materials list?
The list of materials and equipment for Term 1 is emailed with the notification a few weeks before the start of the course.

How much time should I dedicate to the course?
Term 1 self-study: 13 days
Live sessions: 2 full days; 2 group presentations; 1 individual tutorial; 6 x 1hr sessions.

Term 2 self-study: 10 days
Live sessions: 6 full days; 1 group presentation; 1 individual tutorial; 3 x 1hr sessions

Term 3 self-study: 10 days
Live sessions: 1.5 days; 2 group presentations; 1 individual tutorial; 6 x 1hr sessions

What if I can’t make a live session?
Live study days are an important part of the course, but we recognize that one or two may be missed due to unforeseen circumstances. It is not possible to record whole live study days, but PowerPoint PDFs used on the day may be available on request if you ask the tutor in advance. Students mostly catch up through shared notes from peers and reviewing posted student work. If you miss a presentation session, students can upload a recording of their presentation which can be discussed in their absence by the group and recorded. As the course is online and can be accessed anywhere with WiFi, we find students attend most sessions.

What’s the difference between the Certificate (OFCAD) and the Diploma (OFDAD)?
The Certificate (equivalent to Level 3) is the first of the two year online foundation course, it builds foundational art and design skills in set media and topics. The Diploma is the second year (equivalent to Level 3/4) and focuses on further development and application of skills to establish confidence in independent arts practice. 

How do I know if I should apply for the Certificate (OFCAD) or the Diploma (OFDAD)?
If you already have experience across a variety of media including drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, and have developed a project of your own choice, you may be ready for the Diploma. Otherwise, we recommend you start with the Certificate to build your foundation skills.

If I have a City & Guilds Certificate in craft (not art), can I apply for the Diploma?
Applications are considered case-by-case. You will need to share a digital portfolio demonstrating some experience in painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, and project work.

What do students go on to do after this course?
Some progress to the part-time BA (Hons) in Art & Contemporary Craft, while others pursue further short courses, apply to other BAs, or simply continue to establish their personal arts practice through skills development and exhibitions.

What’s the difference between this course and the BA (Hons) in Art & Contemporary Craft?
The Foundation courses (OFDAD & FDAD) help develop practical and conceptual skills needed for the BA. The BA is more self-directed, so students are encouraged to build a solid base first through the foundation diploma courses.

When is the deadline to apply?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the available places are filled. There is one intake a year in the Autumn, interviews begin in January of each year.

How much freedom is there in choosing the subjects of our work?
In this second year there is more freedom to choose your media and subjects. Term 1 focuses on the figure with drawing and mixed-media, students can develop this further in other media such as textiles, collage, sculpture.  This balance supports confidence in independent practice and ideas development.

Can I mix this online course with in-person short courses at West Dean?
Providing that students complete the set coursework, they can attend additional courses and add some of that work to their final portfolio if relevant.

Is the work formally assessed?
Yes, you'll submit a portfolio at the end including work from all modules and your final project. Tutors give feedback throughout, including on video coursework, during live sessions, and through two 30-minute tutorials.

Is the OFDAD graded?
Yes, it's formally assessed with outcomes of distinction, merit, pass, referral, or fail.

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

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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.

    Rachel Larkins Art and Design Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation

    Rachel Larkins

    Core Team Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
    Short Course Tutor

    Rachel Larkins is a tutor on the FDAD program and has been teaching short courses at West Dean since 2017. Rachel holds a distinction level Masters in Sequential Design/ Illustration from Brighton University following an early training in Textile Art (BA Hons). Rachel's work encompasses drawing and narrative sculptures and is held in numerous private collections.