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Foundation Degree 3D Design

Course Code

ARDE515A.HU

Start Date

08/09/2025

End Date

18/06/2027

Location

Ware Campus

Study Mode

Full Time

This two year full time Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Hertfordshire

UCAS Code: W201
Institution Code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)

To apply for the course please click here for the UCAS application form. Please use the above codes.

This course is equivalent to the first two years of a university degree, and you’ll explore a wide range of exciting techniques that are essential for a career in design. This includes designing and prototyping consumer products, creating furniture, jewellery making, and developing both interior and exterior environments. You’ll also get hands-on experience with producing concept models.

The practical work you’ll undertake will cover a variety of techniques and industry-standard software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, 3D Substance Stager, and Adobe Creative Cloud. You’ll also practice hand-rendered drawings and physical model making to thoroughly understand the properties of different materials and processes. Additionally, you’ll have the chance to collaborate on live projects with other departments across the college, bringing diverse perspectives and ideas to your work.

Our two-year full-time FdA Three-Dimensional Design programme offers a nationally recognised qualification and focuses on developing both your creative and technical skills. This strong foundation prepares you for a successful career in the creative industries. The course emphasises personal development and employability, featuring excellent opportunities for employer engagement, live briefs, industry feedback, guest speakers, study trips, and even overseas visits.

The FdA Three-dimensional Design programme is validated by the University of Hertfordshire and you can read more comprehensive course information here.

What will I be doing?

Teaching on the course includes a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, small group tutorials, practical assignment briefs, and written work. We emphasise strong one-to-one teaching, ensuring that you receive the individual attention and support needed to excel in your studies and projects. You’ll have plenty of chances to dive into independent study to reinforce your learning and deepen your understanding of 3D design. Plus, you’ll collaborate on projects with students from other higher education courses, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to your work.You’ll also gain hands-on experience with live industry briefs, working with local businesses, organisations, and even participating in national and international design competitions. The programme includes a dedicated work-based learning module that allows you to apply and expand your skills with local and national employers. And if you’re keen to explore your own placement opportunities, you’re encouraged to independently organise these as well.Level 4 (Year One) Core Modules

WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 1 – 15 Credits
Creative Skills Development – 30 Credits
Vocational Project – 30 Credits
WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 2 -15 Credits
Contextual Studies – 30 Credits

Level 5 (Year Two) Core Modules

WBL Project: Professional Practice – 30 Credits
Critical and Cultural Studies – 30 Credits
Portfolio Development (Three-dimensional Design) – 30 Credits
Final Major Project (Three-dimensional Design) – 30 Credits

For further information on the above modules please click here.

How will I be assessed?

This programme is assessed entirely through 100% coursework, which includes practical assignment briefs and written work. You’ll engage in a variety of assessment types such as individual and group creative projects, pitches, presentations, project management tasks, live briefs, work placements, ongoing reflection and evaluation, essays, and reports. Assessment is continuous throughout the programme, involving tutor, self, and peer assessments, with a final University Exam Board at the end of each semester to approve the final grades. The work is graded using ‘The 19-point scale,’ with final grade classifications of Distinction (UG), Commendation (UG), Clear Pass (UG), and Marginal Pass (UG), according to the University of Hertfordshire School-Level Undergraduate Grading Criteria.

What do I need to bring?

You’ll need to purchase a course kit, which costs approximately £150. We’ll provide a detailed list of kit items to ensure you have everything you need before starting the course. Additionally, throughout the programme, you’ll need to buy general materials and production services to complete your module assignment briefs.

Entry Requirements

48 UCAS points IB – 48 points with a minimum of 1 HL subject at grade 4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).An interview or presentation of portfolio may also be required.The University also accepts a number of other equivalent qualifications including BTEC, IB and Access courses – to find out more about the requirements for these and other equivalent qualifications please visit UCAS.Mature students will be considered on the basis of relevant experience and an appropriate portfolio of work.How to Apply?Applications are via UCAS to the University of Hertfordshire. Please use the below codes:

UCAS code: W201
Institution code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)

Please click here for the UCAS application form.

Fee information

Full-time£6400 for the 2025/2026 academic year.Students are normally eligible for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England. See https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-financeTuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only.There may be opportunities for trips and visits organised, these will be at an additional charge for the students.

Added Extras

You’ll have access to our state-of-the-art facilities at Ware Campus, including woodworking studios, a heavy workshop, a light workshop, a large-scale CNC cutter, a laser cutter, and 3D printers. Additionally, you’ll use design studios, other specialists’ workshops, Mac/PC suites, and industry-standard resources. Our Creative Enterprise Shop stocks products designed by you and frequently pops up at local community events, shops, vacant units, and external exhibitions in both local areas and inner London.The teaching team combines full-time teaching staff with part-time industry professionals who split their time between teaching and working in the creative industries. Throughout the programme, you’ll have exciting opportunities to participate in overseas, residential, and day visits that are both relevant to 3D design and enriching for your personal growth. These experiences are designed to broaden your horizons, inspire creativity, and deepen your understanding of the global design industry. Our students have previously visited fascinating destinations such as Iceland, Budapest, and Helsinki. Please note that these visits are optional, and costs are additional to the course fee. Students will receive sufficient notice to budget for these events.You can follow our current students’ creative exploits on Instagram @creative_enterprise_hub . You will also have the chance to manage and curate your own exhibitions in our stunning David Gentleman Gallery, as well as at external venues. The David Gentleman Gallery has exhibitions digitally as well as physically, you can see our current online exhibitions at https://thedavidgentlemangallery.co.uk.

What can I do next?

Upon successfully completing the course, you have the exciting option to progress onto our BA (Hons) Visual Merchandising, Styling and Promotion (Top Up) programme, which is a one-year course run in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire at Hertford Regional College, or the other option BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design final year at the University of Hertfordshire. This allows you to top up your FdA qualification to a full BA (Hons). Alternatively, you can progress onto an appropriate BA (Hons) programme at another institution.You’ll also have the option to dive straight into a vibrant career in the creative industries. There are many exciting career opportunities in fields such as architecture, interior design, product design, industrial design, jewellery design, model making, exhibition design, props and set production for film and TV, 3D modelling, and design education.Our graduates have also gone on to start their own businesses or work on a freelance, self-employed basis, continuing their professional practice in exciting new ways.

Further information

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