Brand New Foundation Degree At Lichfield School Of Art

For the first time ever, students at the prestigious Lichfield School of Art will be able to study for a unique Foundation Degree.

Offered by Tamworth & Lichfield College in partnership with Staffordshire University, the Foundation Degree will be run from the School of Art’s brand new premises at the Friary in Lichfield and will be available to students via two pathways of study.

The first, a Heritage and Culture Foundation Degree, is aimed at students already working in, or hoping to work in galleries, theatres, museums, tourist heritage sites, documents, archives, antiques or other areas of cultural heritage.

The second, a Creative Arts for Employment Foundation Degree is suitable for students already working in a crafts-related position who wish to develop new business skills, or combine a career in creative arts with entrepreneurship. It can encompass diverse elements including, for example, textiles, calligraphy or sculpture, offering the opportunity to explore specialist skills whilst learning about business.

Head of the College’s School of Art Alison Churchill said, “The Foundation Degree is a real trail blazer for us - something we have been working on for a long time and something we are very proud of. It follows on from our excellent Grade One ranking in the Ofsted inspection report of the college, and demonstrates that students can access the very best in education right here in the heart of Lichfield.

“A Foundation Degree is unique in that it is directly related to employment and involves employers at every stage of development. All students will have a work placement which forms an integral part of the two year course and contributes to assessment, and we are already working with a number of employers including Lichfield District Council, through the Lichfield Garrick, the New Art Gallery, Walsall, de Montfort Fine Art and Birmingham Museums and Art Galleries, who will be offering a variety of placements.

“Students will be taught visual skills and for those looking to be employed in the creative industries, this will be supported by the exploration of practical techniques in their chosen area and a background of the history of design. Visual skills for students of the heritage and culture pathway will be supported by the study of how other people have responded to the environment and shaped the culture that we share today, along with a background of the history of heritage and culture.”

The Foundation Degree is a full qualification in its own right, but graduates may progress into the third year of a BA(Hons) at any university, in an appropriate discipline.

For full details on the course and entry requirements is available by contacting the School of Art on 01543 301100, or by visiting the campus.