What have Ofsted said about the new course? 

We're very pleased to announce that having recently been reviewed by Ofsted (February 2012) the CCW Foundation course has been given the seal of approval, acheiving  'outstanding' ratings for our new course.  Click here for more information on the Ofsted report.

Course Content

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is designed to enable you to learn through discovery and exploration; this is primarily achieved through your engagement with projects, lectures and study visits. The course is essentially a transitional experience with pathways in Art, Design and Communication preparing you for either a place in higher education or occasionally vocational aims.

The foundation course will enable you to:

• Have a critical and contextual awareness of different perspectives and approaches within art and design subjects of study or work.
• Research, analyse and evaluate relevant information and ideas in order to develop creative solutions.
• Understand, adapt and safely use appropriate and practical methods and skills for creative production.
• Solve complex problems through the application of art and design practical, theoretical and technical understanding.
• Critically review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results.
• Use evaluative and reflective skills in order to take responsibility for your own learning, development and decision-making.
• Take responsibility for your research, planning, time management and actions to access progression opportunities.
• Effectively present yourself and your work to appropriate audiences.

The wide range of specialist options available on the Foundation Diploma reflects the progression opportunities available at Degree level both within the Colleges and the University as a whole. Each pathway offers a range of specialisms which enable you to develop your subject specific portfolios in preparation for degree course applications.

The pathways and the specialims within them are:

Art - Painting, Sculpture, Drawing and Photography / Media.
Communication - Graphics, Illustration and Digital Media.
Design - 3D / Product / Interior, Theatre / Film / TV and Fashion / Textiles.

What changed in 2011?

For the past three years Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges have been working together to enhance the education provision for our students by bringing together each college's best skills, resources and specialist expertise.

As a result we are delighted to tell you about an initiative which launched at Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges (CCW) in September 2011 which involves a change to our Foundation provision across the three colleges.

As of September 2011 we are now offering one Foundation course across CCW. This course is based at our new CCW Progression Centre in South London at Camberwell College of Arts, with some specialist aspects of the course being delivered from Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges.

We made this change in order to strengthen our Foundation programme and to support student progression to our undergraduate courses at CCW and other colleges within University of the Arts London.

The course is structured in three parts, with each part building upon your learning and experience.

Part 1

The first part introduces those aspects of art and design practice, that together form a sound working methodology, enabling you to work independently and with confidence. In this intensive period of study, you will learn research skills, media and materials development, and you will enhance your ability to develop ideas. You will also learn how to evaluate your own working practices and outcomes. During this period of study you will also be introduced to a range of art and design specialisms which will support your choice of pathway. This will be delivered through studio projects, lectures, seminars, tutorials and gallery and museum visits.

Part 2

The second stage of the course allows you to elect to study one of the pathways (art, design and communication), focusing on your interests, and abilities. You will explore your specialist interest in greater depth, and develop your skills of research and evaluation further. Your continued independent investigation of ideas, materials and media will be supported through tutorial advice.

The pathways and specialist areas are as follows:

Art - Painting, Sculpture, Drawing and Photography / Media.
Communication - Graphics, Illustration and Digital Media.
Design - 3D / Product / Interior, Theatre / Film / TV and Fashion / Textiles.

Part 3

The final stage of the course allows you to write your own project proposal, and develop your personal ideas. The emphasis of this stage of the course is on independent study and development. This project culminates in a body of work that will form your final assessment, and the end of year exhibition.

Throughout the course you have a Personal Tutor who ensures that you have the appropriate guidance to prepare you for Higher Education. This involves preparing an application and the development of a portfolio of subject specific work. Typically students go on to take up their first choice place at undergraduate level with a high number continuing their studies at Camberwell or within the University. Other students progress onto courses throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.

• 1 GCE A Level/AVCE/BTEC National Diploma/GNVQ Advanced Diploma supported by 3 GCSEs (grade A-C).
• Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 5.0 and a minimum of 4.0 in reading, listening, writing and speaking. The University also accepts other tests. Please see the University English tests page for the equivalent scores required in these tests.
• Students who are studying the International Baccalaureate need to achieve a minimum of 3 certificates (2 at Higher Level and 1 at Standard Level) with at least grade 4 in each certificate.
• Applications from students returning to education are welcomed. The College takes into consideration alternative qualifications and relevant work experience.
• A Portfolio of work.

Your portfolio will be reviewed against the following selection criteria:

• Visualisation skills (e.g. drawing, photography, 3D work).
• Research and investigative skills.
• Creative thinking and problem solving abilities.
• The use of a range of materials and processes.
• An interest in art, design or related subjects.

We have put together a useful guidance sheet for preparing your portfolio which you can download here. 

For an application form please click on the link below and see the 'Apply' tab for further information .

UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD) Application form 2012/2013 (pdf version) 

UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD) Application form 2012/2013 (word version)

Thank you for your interest in the CCW Foundation Diploma in Art and Design starting in September 2012.

Application for 2012

Home/EU Applicants

Applications closed - We are not accepting anymore applications for the CCW Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course starting in September 2012 as the course is now full.

International Applicants 

International Application form for CCW Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

Please download, print and hand write your application form then send it back to us at the address below.

CCW International Office.
16 John Islip St
London
SW1P 4JU

For further information please contact the CCW International Office.
T: +44 (0)20 7514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

All Applicants

Please note that at Foundation Diploma level applicants can only apply to one Foundation Diploma in Art and Design within the University of the Arts London. This means that you can choose to apply to either:

CCW Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

or LCC's Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

or CSM's Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

To help you make your decision about which one to apply to we encourage applicants to attend the various open days across the Colleges to get an understanding of the differences and which one would be most appropriate for you. 

Please be aware that this does not affect or conflict with your application to any BA or Foundation Degree (FdA) courses.