Overview

The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design programme at Leeds Arts University challenges preconceptions, expands your practice through problem-solving, idea generation, and critical thinking. Originally developed at the University in the 1950s, this course is a respected and nationally recognised qualification, with an ever growing number of notable alumni.The course encourages students to take creative risks, exploring a variety of ideas, media and techniques to develop their own creative style. Learning through playful experimentation will develop lateral-thinking strategies that allow students to approach problems from new perspectives.

Where next?

Career paths students have gone on to study from our different specialist pathways include:

Graphic Communication: Graphic design, illustration, comic and concept art, games art and games design, animation, marketing communications, advertising, photography, and filmmaking

Fine Art: Painting, printmaking, sculpture, drawing, museums, curation, teaching, installation, and performance

Fashion and Textiles: Fashion, fashion photography, costume design, fashion marketing, fashion communication, surface pattern or textile design

3D Design: Product design, interior design, theatre design, design crafts, and architecture

Programme Structure

Curriculum:

Stage One: The course begins with a diagnostic phase, where you will develop your understanding of visual ‘languages’ and technical processes in art and design through a variety of short projects that explore creative problems using different media.

Stage Two: You will be provided with the opportunity to reflect on the knowledge, skills and practices you have developed.

Stage Three: You are provided with an opportunity to take control of your own learning by applying your specialist practice skills to an independently written brief, the final major project.

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-09-01 00:00:00

Application deadline not specified.

Language

English

IELTS

5

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Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Leeds, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Design Visual Arts View 1109 other preparation in Design in United Kingdom

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

IELTS

5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

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AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

At enrolment you should normally have achieved:

A-levels: You are required to achieve a minimum of 72 UCAS points. This is equivalent to two or three A levels (typically DDD). You will also need four GCSE’s including English and Maths at grade 4 or above (or equivalent international qualifications) OR;

International Baccalaureate: An overall score equivalent to at least 72 UCAS tariff points OR;

US curriculum: High School Graduation Diploma with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Your application must be supported by a portfolio of work

You will also need:

Evidence of your English Language ability equivalent to IELTS 5.0 with no component less than 4.5. Please see the English Language Requirements section below for details of accepted qualifications

A short portfolio (application images)

One reference to support your application from an academic teacher, tutor or counsellor

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

13200 GBP / year

≈ 13200 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

5421 GBP / year

≈ 5421 GBP / year

Additional Details

National 16-18 year olds: free

Living costs

Leeds

United Kingdom

637 - 1103 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Where next?

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Leeds

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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