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Online Foundation Diploma Courses

🎨 Online Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Accredited & UCAS-Recognised)

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.

Why Choose the Online Foundation Diploma at OCAD?

  • 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.


What Makes This Better Than an A Level?

FeatureFoundation DiplomaA Level
Duration1 year2 years
UCAS PointsUp to 112Up to 56 (per subject)
SpecialisationHigh (Art/Design focused)Low (generalised)
University PrepTailored portfolios, interviews, specialist supportGeneral academic prep
FlexibilityFully onlineIn-person or limited online options
EngagementPractical, project-ledTheory-based, exam-focused

🎯 The Foundation Diploma is often preferred by admissions tutors for specialist creative degrees. It shows dedication, creative skill, and portfolio readiness.


Study with OCAD: Online College of Art & Design

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.

Art

Foundation Diploma Art & Design

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.

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Art

Foundation Diploma Art, Design & Media, specialising in 3-Dimensional Design

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.

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Art

Online Foundation Diploma in Fine Art

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.

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Art

Foundation Diploma in Illustration

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.

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Foundation Diplomas

Online Foundation Photography 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.

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Design

Level 3 Diploma in Design with SEND Support Package for schools and local authorities

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.

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Design

Online Foundation Diploma in Textile Design

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.

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Design

Online Foundation Diploma in Fashion Design

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.

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Design

Online Foundation Diploma in Architectural Design

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.

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Design

Online Film and Animation Foundation Diploma 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.

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Design

Online Interior Design Foundation Diploma

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.

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Design

Online Foundation Diploma in Graphic Design

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.

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FAQs

Can I use this qualification to apply to university?

Yes! It’s recognised by UCAS and most UK universities. You can earn up to 112 UCAS points, enough for many BA (Hons) courses.

Is it suitable for mature students?

Absolutely. Many of our students are returning to education later in life or balancing study with work or family commitments.

Do I need to travel or attend in-person sessions?

No. This course is entirely online. You can learn from anywhere in the world.

What equipment do I need?

A computer or tablet, internet connection, and basic art materials. We’ll guide you through everything else.

What kind of art or design can I specialise in?

You can focus on fashion, illustration, graphic design, fine art, animation, photography, and more.

How is it assessed?

Through your portfolio, ongoing project work, and tutor feedback—no exams required!

Apply now - limited places!

How the Online College of Art & Design Works

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 
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Pioneer House, Vision Park,

Cambridge CB24 9NL