The extended route in art and design allows you to make an informed choice of which degree route you want to pursue and give you an introductory experience to different creative areas.
You will have the opportunity to experience the full range of creative art and design subject areas, as well as gaining the research and study skills needed to progress further. You will develop new ways of working by providing broad exposure to a range of pathways including Fine Art, Fashion, Visual Communication, Lens-Based Media, and Glass and Ceramics.
After completing the first year of study, you can choose from our range of courses in; Fine Art, Fashion, Graphic Design, Illustration, Animation, Glass and Ceramics and Photography, Video and Digital Imaging.
The extra year will also help you make the transition into higher education more smoothly. Midway through the course, you will specialise in an area you would like to pursue at degree level. You’ll be helped to gain access to the best course for you.
This course has exactly the same content and timetable as our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. The difference is in the funding arrangements; the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is free for school-leavers aged 18 at the start of the course.
Please note, this course is under review.
Why us?
- This course will allow you to progress onto one of our BA (Hons) Art and Design courses
- We have a broad intake of students from across the UK, EU as well as international students, all offering different perspectives and approaches to art and design
- 93.4% of our graduates are in employment, further study or training within six months of graduating, according to DLHE 2016/17 (based on full-time, first degree, home leavers)
- We are acknowledged as providing innovative teaching and learning, creating opportunities, in university level facilities, for students to work on live projects alongside and with creative practitioners
- Access to FabLab Sunderland on City Campus, part of a global network of digital fabrication spaces that provide 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl cutters and a CNC router
- The end of the first year features an exhibition, in which you can showcase your work to the public
Course structure
Teaching methods include practical studio-based work supported by lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials.
Experienced tutors will give regular feedback and support as your work progresses.
You will progress through this year developing skills that will assist you as you enter your chosen subject specialism.
Successful completion of the extended year leads to an automatic place on University of Sunderland honours degree.
Employment
This extended course gives you a full year to explore different creative areas. It forms the first year of a four-year route towards gaining a BA (Hons) degree with us, providing you with a range of art and design skills. The first year of an Extended Degree is not a qualification in its own right, but when you successfully complete it you are guaranteed a place on our full undergraduate course.
If you want to pursue a creative undergraduate degree but have limited experience of hands-on making, or lack the relevant academic qualifications, our Extended Degree will prepare you to enter one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses.
Further your study
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
Work placement guaranteed
All students studying on-campus undergraduate Art and Design Extended courses can take up a CV-enhancing work placement, a University-led industry initiative, or a professional and business development boot camp.
By the term placement, we mean we are offering you a taste of the industry which might last anything from two days to four weeks on a part-time basis.
