This course tends to suit people who are aged over 19 at the start of the course or, those who are under 19 but not living locally. The content of this course is identical to the Foundation Year in Art and Design and you will study alongside students on that course. The course is split into three stages: First you will try exciting short projects in different pathways including: fine art, animation, visual communication, glass and ceramics, 3D design, fashion and textiles, and lens-based media. The focus will be on developing practical studio skills and a broad understanding of the creative process. Secondly, you will choose one of these pathways and undertake longer and more developed project work. You are given opportunities to exhibit your work as well as support in constructing portfolios and blogs to showcase your own work and research. Finally, you will pick a theme for your Final Major Project and develop it over nine weeks. This allows you to build on everything you have learned as well as establishing personal interests and processes within the specialism that you will continue to study at degree level. This course will help you develop new ways of working by providing broad exposure to a range of pathways, including Fine Art, Fashion, Visual Communications, Lens-Based Media, and Glass and Ceramics. When you successfully complete the first year of this course, you will automatically be eligiible for a place onto a three-year honours degree course at Sunderland.

Most students progress from our foundation course to an honours degree. If you wish to continue to study at the University of Sunderland, you can choose from our range of courses in: Fine Art Fashion Graphic Design Illustration Multimedia Animation Glass and Ceramics Photography, Video and Digital Imaging Although you are guaranteed a place at Sunderland if you complete the course successfully, you may also choose to apply to other universities. Results at Sunderland are way above the national average, students from foundation at Sunderland regularly gain offers from the most competitive art and design courses in the country.