Admissions Policy: Level 4 Art and Design Foundation Diploma

The following policy relates to the College’s Art and Design Foundation Diploma course.

Distinctive features of the course are as follows: • The year has been planned from June to May (with a six week Summer break) so that students will have continuity from their studies in Year 2 and a gap in studying between the Diploma and university • Learning has been planned specifically to meet the needs of students who have recently completed A Levels, or students who have taken an Applied Art and Design course, who need to take the Foundation Diploma before progressing to university • Students taking the course will be 18 years old in most cases and will have just completed their Level 3 study.

Most students on the course will be eligible for fee remission as their places will be funded by the Education Funding Agency. Students who are aged 19 and over at the start of the course may be required to pay a fee which is currently set at £2200 June 2016). Please contact the Admissions office for further details.

Applications from students with learning difficulties or disabilities will be considered favourably. An Academic Support booklet is available on request.

We will offer places to students whose applications have the support of their present college or school, who are predicted to qualify for the course they intend to study (see below) and who submit a supportive academic reference. The reference should demonstrate a good record of attendance and progress on the applicant’s current courses of study.

If the course is over-subscribed by the application deadline of the last Friday in February, priority will be given and interviews allocated first to existing students of Long Road Sixth Form College who are following Art and Design, Design and Technology, Graphic Design or Photography courses in Year 2 and second to students who have studied at another institution within the Cambridge Area Partnership, or live in the catchment area of one of the Cambridge Area Partnership (CAP) providers. A complete list of CAP providers is given in the main College admissions policy. Other post-16 providers within CAP are currently Cambridge Regional College, Comberton Village College, Ely College, Hills Road Sixth Form College, Impington Village College, The Parkside Federation and The Netherhall School.

After this, interviews will be allocated to students who live outside the CAP area and who have previously followed courses at providers outside CAP, only if there are sufficient places remaining.

If the course is still over-subscribed following interviews, the quality of the portfolio submitted together with applications and references will be used to decide a priority order for the offer of places.

Applications from students residing overseas

Applications from students from overseas will not normally be considered unless the student is moving to the region for the duration of the course applied for with their family. Students from outside the European Economic Area may have to pay tuition fees and they should contact the Admissions Office for further details.

Entry qualifications

Applicants should meet the following entry qualifications:

1. A Level Art and Design, Design and Technology or Photography at minimum grade D, or a Level 3 Diploma in Art, Graphic Design or Photography (60, 120 or 180 credit) with a Merit or above 2. At least 5 GCSE subjects (or equivalent) at grade C or above, including Art, English and Mathematics

A portfolio of work must also be submitted at interview which demonstrates evidence of having achieved a standard which will enable you to benefit from the course.

Applications and Interviews

An application form will be available to complete on request and via the College website.

The deadline for applications is the last Friday in February.

The interview has two main purposes:

- to provide advice and guidance in order to ensure that the programme and courses of study are suitable - to enable you to discuss and comment on your portfolio to show that you would benefit from taking the Art and Design Foundation course.

You will also be able to find out more about the College, if you have not previously studied at Long Road.

Interviews will occur in the summer term. Written offers will be made within four working weeks of the interview.

Students will enrol and complete a formal induction at the beginning of the Art and Design Foundation Diploma course.

Appeals Procedure

Applicants have the right to appeal against our decision if they are not offered a place. Appeal applications should be made in writing to the Vice Principal within 10 days of the applicant receiving the admissions decision and must give grounds and particulars for the appeal. The Admissions Policy criteria will be used to determine the outcome. The applicant will be informed of the outcome in writing.

Withdrawal of courses

The College will try to ensure that students are able to follow their first choice of programme and courses. However, the College reserves the right to withdraw a course, for example, if there are insufficient numbers of students or unforeseen circumstances. The College also reserves the right to suspend applications for courses which are full after the closing date for applications.

October 2016