Discover your creative potential with the flexible, one-year Online Foundation Diploma in Art and Design from OCAD – the ideal stepping stone to a specialist BA (Hons) degree in the arts.
Whether you’re a school leaver, career changer, or passionate hobbyist, this course offers an inspiring, professionally structured alternative to A Levels. Study from anywhere in the world while building a portfolio that sets you apart.
✅ Gain Up to 112 UCAS Points – Equivalent to 3 full A Levels.
🎓 Specialist Focus – Unlike general A Levels, our diploma hones in on your area of artistic passion.
🕐 One-Year Fast Track – Get to university a year sooner.
💼 University Choice Freedom – Unlike many in-person foundation courses, you’re not tied to one university. Choose the right one for you.
💡 Portfolio-Centric Learning – Build a professional portfolio with guidance from industry professionals, all stored securely online.
🌍 100% Online – Study anytime, anywhere. No commuting, relocating, or pausing your life.
❤️ Supportive Creative Community – Join live sessions, get feedback from tutors and peers, and access a rich archive of student work and inspiration.
🧩 Flexible Around Life – Perfect for carers, mature students, or those balancing work and study.
| Feature | Foundation Diploma | A Level |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year | 2 years |
| UCAS Points | Up to 112 | Up to 56 (per subject) |
| Specialisation | High (Art/Design focused) | Low (generalised) |
| University Prep | Tailored portfolios, interviews, specialist support | General academic prep |
| Flexibility | Fully online | In-person or limited online options |
| Engagement | Practical, project-led | Theory-based, exam-focused |
🎯 The Foundation Diploma is often preferred by admissions tutors for specialist creative degrees. It shows dedication, creative skill, and portfolio readiness.
As pioneers in creative online learning, OCAD empowers learners across the globe. Our unique virtual campus offers:
A vibrant, inclusive community of artists and designers.
24/7 access to resources, feedback, and learning materials.
Showcase opportunities and live Q&A sessions with industry pros.
A dedicated tutor who supports you every step of the way.
The freedom to fit study around real life—without compromising your goals.
Depending on your achieved grade, this course can earn you UCAS points equivalent to 2-3 A Levels. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to university without other A levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
This course is a foundation diploma in Art, Design and Media, specialising in 3-Dimensional Design. This includes theatre design, theatre prop design, product design and model making among others. The course can be studied entirely at home or centre. Depending on your achieved grade, this course can earn you UCAS points equivalent to 2-3 A Levels – up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to university without other A levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
Equivalent to 2 A Levels in terms of UCAS points – earn up to 112, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! The Fine Art aspect of this course teaches our students to become aware of historical and contemporary practice within the visual arts and we encourage our students to respond to critical thinking and popular culture of our time. We help our students to develop their own creative process and to express themselves through original thought provoking art work.
This is a great course for Fine artists with special needs and/or disabilities. Many local authorities fund this course for students with an EHCP. Course fee includes SENDCO support and regular online progress meetings. Equivalent to 2 A Levels in terms of UCAS points – earn up to 112, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels!
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification.. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification.. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
Equivalent to 2 A Levels in terms of UCAS points – earn up to 112, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
Great course for designers with special educational needs and/or disabilities. Students study 100% online from their own home and in their own time – one-to-one tutorials instead of timetabled lessons. Course fee includes SENDCO support and regular online progress meetings. Many local authorities fund this course for students on EHCPs. Equivalent to 2 A Levels in terms of UCAS points – earn up to 112, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
No written essay – 100% online course you can study in your own time. Submit a portfolio of evidence to the examination board online to pass/receive the qualification. Earn up to 112 UCAS points, which means this course can get you to University without other A Levels! Genuine Get To University Course.
Yes! It’s recognised by UCAS and most UK universities. You can earn up to 112 UCAS points, enough for many BA (Hons) courses.
Absolutely. Many of our students are returning to education later in life or balancing study with work or family commitments.
No. This course is entirely online. You can learn from anywhere in the world.
A computer or tablet, internet connection, and basic art materials. We’ll guide you through everything else.
You can focus on fashion, illustration, graphic design, fine art, animation, photography, and more.
Through your portfolio, ongoing project work, and tutor feedback—no exams required!
Here at OCAD, we offer more than just online art classes. Students get access to their own online studio space, where you can work through the course materials and develop your artistic skills.
In our online studio platform, you’ll find your course units and assignments along with supporting resources. Access video tutorials, step-by-step guides, video recordings of live interactive lessons, and other skills development tools.
Our interactive online art classes are taught live by an experienced and friendly teacher. This style of taught course is completely unique to our online curriculum – giving students the opportunity to learn from a live teacher and peers.
You’ll develop an art portfolio throughout the course, uploading photographs of completed work and assignments for constructive, friendly feedback. Not only does this help you progress your artistic abilities, it also means you complete the course with a portfolio to kickstart your creative career or further study.
Furthermore, students also get the chance to speak one-on-one with an experienced and qualified personal tutor. You’ll receive personalised support and feedback to help you progress. Our online studio also allows students to view profiles, comment on each other’s work and communicate with fellow students if they wish.
For more information about our courses, please get in touch.
Free: 0800 612 0439
Intl: +44 (0)1438 488829
Email: [email protected]
Pioneer House, Vision Park,
Cambridge CB24 9NL
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