Graphic design/illustration - diploma or not?

[BrambleyHedge]

If you have a child who has recently had an offer for Graphic Design or Illustration - did the Uni prefer or require the foundation diploma. DS is doing A-level and will probably get A or A*. He also does a lot of art in his free time. Just wondering if this is enough? I actually work for a university but I don't want to use my university approach if it isn't the norm.

When I did a graphic design degree many moons ago I applied for a degree and foundation courses as a back up if I didn't get any degree offers. As it turned out it really came down to the strength of my portfolio. I was offered a degree place on the base of it. If the Uni 'sees' something in his portfolio - you'll get an offer.

Ah thanks- didn't think about the fact he could apply for both!

Is DS Y12? His teacher should guide him whether his portfolio is strong enough for direct application, though it's early yet as he will grow a lot in his art over the next few months.
There are other reasons to do a foundation year. My daughter isn't ready to leave home and wants a sort of bridge between school and uni. A year to grow up.
Doing a foundation can also help solidify his direction, and may introduce other paths he hadn't considered or has the opportunity to explore during A levels. There are many cases of students set on one area but falling in love with another during their Foundation year. But if he is certain and his portfolio is strong then apply for a degree.

I got degree offers at A level but did a foundation diploma, and it really helps to explore different disciplines and pushed me onto get onto a more prestigious degree course. That was decades ago though! Times may well have changed.
A good foundation course will have tutors and equipment which a school will not. In fact it was best and biggest learning curve of my life.

I think it varies from university. You can ask admissions what their views are. My DD did a different course but had A in art and Astar in Photography and didn’t do foundation.

Thanks for the advice

My DD is studying illustration. In her cohort, most were direct entry to the degree (including her). However it is a very small group, which might mean it isn't representative.

Be aware that many unis offer a Foundation Year (not the same as a standalone diploma) and so it's not unusual for someone who applies for the direct entry degree to be offered the foundation instead. Also as you probably know, the stand-alone diploma doesn't attract student loans so is normally done locally; but integrated foundation years do get tuition/maintenance loans.