Art Foundation
One Year Foundation Diploma
Most Art, Craft, Design and Photography based degree courses will only accept students if they have completed a one year, Art Foundation Course. During the year students will experience a breadth of practice which will help them determine which area they wish to focus on at degree level. The course also builds in time to specialise in one particular area in order to build up an appropriate portfolio for interview.
Art Foundation Courses are free (unless stated otherwise) if you are still 18 in August 2021
Art Foundation Courses are free (unless stated otherwise) if you are still 18 in August 2021
UAL
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Several universities fall under the umbrella of UAL including Central St Martins and The London College of Fashion. However, not all of these offer Art Foundation courses.
Camberwell College of Arts (UAL) |
The Camberwell Foundation is actually an amalgamation of three UAL institutions: Chelsea, Wimbledon and Camberwell. The course gives you the chance to try different art and design disciplines. It will help you build a portfolio for application to an undergraduate course. This could be within University of the Arts London or beyond.
When applying to the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students must choose from the following two modes of study:
Diagnostic mode
Students will be introduced to all three pathways - Art, Communication and Design, before choosing one specialist option.
This mode is best suited to students who are unsure which pathway they wish to choose and want a broad range of experience to help them decide their future direction.
Specialist mode
This mode is best if you are very confident in your future direction. It allows you to apply directly to one of the pathways. The specialist mode pathways to choose from are:
1. Art
2. Communication
3. Design
When applying to the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students must choose from the following two modes of study:
Diagnostic mode
Students will be introduced to all three pathways - Art, Communication and Design, before choosing one specialist option.
This mode is best suited to students who are unsure which pathway they wish to choose and want a broad range of experience to help them decide their future direction.
Specialist mode
This mode is best if you are very confident in your future direction. It allows you to apply directly to one of the pathways. The specialist mode pathways to choose from are:
1. Art
- Drawing and Conceptual Practice
- Painting
- Photography and Time-Based Media
- Sculpture
2. Communication
- Animation and Film
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
3. Design
- Design for Theatre, Screen and Performance
- Textile Craft
- 3D, Product and Spatial Design
Central St Martins (UAL) |
Starting in 2017/18, all Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students who successfully complete the year will be guaranteed a place on an undergraduate course at UAL. There are two modes of study at Central
Diagnostic Mode allows you to spend time within each of the 4 curriculum areas before specialisation. This mode is best suited to students who are not yet certain of a particular subject.
Specialist Mode is for students who are confident of their future direction. This mode allows you to apply directly to one of the 4 curriculum areas. The 4 curriculum areas are:
1. Dimensional Design and Architecture
2. Fashion and Textiles
3. Fine Art
4. Graphic and Communication Design
Diagnostic Mode allows you to spend time within each of the 4 curriculum areas before specialisation. This mode is best suited to students who are not yet certain of a particular subject.
Specialist Mode is for students who are confident of their future direction. This mode allows you to apply directly to one of the 4 curriculum areas. The 4 curriculum areas are:
1. Dimensional Design and Architecture
- Architecture and Spatial Design
- Jewellery, Footwear and Fashion Accessories
- Product Design and Ceramics
2. Fashion and Textiles
3. Fine Art
- Painting
- Sculpture
- 4D
4. Graphic and Communication Design
- Graphic Design
- Photography and Moving Image
- Illustration and Printmaking
- Fashion Communication
The Art Academy (Fee Paying- 25% - 50% bursary available) |
At the Academy you will choose a programme to best suit your interests and advance your artistic skills. From there you will be encouraged to develop your creativity as well as your conceptual and critical understanding.
'Central to our philosophy is that teaching and learning should be in small, supportive groups: our tutors get to know students individually, and students learn from both the tutor and from each other with tutor to student ratios not exceeding 1 to 15. Our teaching body is second to none. All our tutors are practising artists in their own right. They include prize-winning artists, artists with work in national collections and members of leading arts organisations.'
Part time and Full time options available. If you are interested in studying at the Academy and would like to attend one of our Open Days, please fill in the Open Day form on their Open Day page.
'Central to our philosophy is that teaching and learning should be in small, supportive groups: our tutors get to know students individually, and students learn from both the tutor and from each other with tutor to student ratios not exceeding 1 to 15. Our teaching body is second to none. All our tutors are practising artists in their own right. They include prize-winning artists, artists with work in national collections and members of leading arts organisations.'
Part time and Full time options available. If you are interested in studying at the Academy and would like to attend one of our Open Days, please fill in the Open Day form on their Open Day page.
The Prince's Foundation
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The Prince's Foundation Diploma year is a dynamic skills-based course with five days’ teaching per week. The small cohort’s size of up to 60 students allows for targeted one-to-one teaching in a supportive and creative environment. Located at Trinity Buoy Wharf, the programme benefits from its creative and inspiring neighbours in its Thames-side location.
The programme is unique in its focus on the interplay between traditional skills, innovation and creativity – all essential requirements for successful progression to Higher Education and careers in the creative industries.
Fee-Paying- scholarship available
The Prince’s Foundation offers scholarships and fee reductions so that the programme is available to the widest range of students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Up to 50% of the student cohort is awarded a full scholarship or fee reduction each year.
Fees for domestic students for 2021/22 are £6,950.00. You can apply for a reduction of between 25% to 75% off the full fee during the application process, depending on your financial circumstances and potential.
Portfolio
For your digital portfolio you will need to create a PDF containing 20 high-resolution photographs of your work and email it to: [email protected] The works should include:
The programme is unique in its focus on the interplay between traditional skills, innovation and creativity – all essential requirements for successful progression to Higher Education and careers in the creative industries.
Fee-Paying- scholarship available
The Prince’s Foundation offers scholarships and fee reductions so that the programme is available to the widest range of students, regardless of their financial circumstances. Up to 50% of the student cohort is awarded a full scholarship or fee reduction each year.
Fees for domestic students for 2021/22 are £6,950.00. You can apply for a reduction of between 25% to 75% off the full fee during the application process, depending on your financial circumstances and potential.
Portfolio
For your digital portfolio you will need to create a PDF containing 20 high-resolution photographs of your work and email it to: [email protected] The works should include:
- 10 drawings in dry media (e.g. graphite, charcoal, chalk, pastel, Conté, pencil).
- 10 additional works in other media (e.g. painting, photography, sculpture, animation*, print).
Ravensbourne |
Over 40% of foundation students progress to Ravensbourne undergraduate programmes, increasing to 50% on some of our most popular courses through our enhanced internal progression scheme. If you decide to go directly into work, we'll also help you to find out what opportunities are available.
Ravensbourne offer three specialist Foundation Diplomas.
Art and Design (Design and Media) Foundation Diploma
Art and Design (Fashion and Textiles) Foundation Diploma
Art and Design (Media Production) Foundation Diploma
Ravensbourne offer three specialist Foundation Diplomas.
Art and Design (Design and Media) Foundation Diploma
Art and Design (Fashion and Textiles) Foundation Diploma
Art and Design (Media Production) Foundation Diploma
Barnet & Southgate |
The course provides a thorough grounding in four main areas:
- Visual communication (including graphic design, advertising, animation, film, illustration and photography etc.).
- Three-dimensional design (including architecture, interior design, product design, furniture design, model making, prop and set design etc).
- Fine art (including painting, 3D, mixed media, printmaking and photography etc).
- Fashion and Textiles (including fashion journalism, styling, photography, accessories and media make-up etc.
Working Men's College: The Camden College |
The WMC course starts with an initial carousel programme where you will be introduced to all available specialisms as well as core skills in drawing, recording, reflecting and reviewing. You will then take part in a “who am I?” week where you select your specialist pathway.
They currently offer three specialist pathways which, in addition to painting, drawing and mixed media, include the relevant skills development and material studies in:
The College is a small and caring learning community. They attract a diverse range of learners and employ dedicated teaching staff who have the professional expertise to help learners to build their knowledge, skills and confidence to follow their dream. Students regularly achieve places at prestigious Universities such as Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins, Wimbledon College of Art, Goldsmith and Camberwell College of Art.
If you would like any advice and guidance about the course, please contact the Course leader Anna Marlen-Summers at [email protected]
They currently offer three specialist pathways which, in addition to painting, drawing and mixed media, include the relevant skills development and material studies in:
- Applied Art and Design
- Visual Communications
- Fine Art & Film
The College is a small and caring learning community. They attract a diverse range of learners and employ dedicated teaching staff who have the professional expertise to help learners to build their knowledge, skills and confidence to follow their dream. Students regularly achieve places at prestigious Universities such as Royal College of Art, Central Saint Martins, Wimbledon College of Art, Goldsmith and Camberwell College of Art.
If you would like any advice and guidance about the course, please contact the Course leader Anna Marlen-Summers at [email protected]
City & Islington |
This preparatory art and design course will help you build a strong portfolio of work you can use for your university application.
You will get an opportunity to try many aspects of art and design within the fine art pathway. The broad experience and skills you acquire on this course will help you to explore your own potential. You will study traditional skills combined with experimental techniques, as well as contemporary art theory and practice.
You will also participate in an end-of-year exhibition of work.
You will get an opportunity to try many aspects of art and design within the fine art pathway. The broad experience and skills you acquire on this course will help you to explore your own potential. You will study traditional skills combined with experimental techniques, as well as contemporary art theory and practice.
You will also participate in an end-of-year exhibition of work.
Kingston University |
The Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course focuses on four main areas:
Please note
Places are limited and the number of applicants is extremely high. We expect applicants to have attended one of our open days. You'll hear more about the course, meet staff, visit the ground-breaking workshops and studio spaces at our Knights Park campus, where many art and design courses are based, and receive guidelines about how to apply and what to include in your portfolio.
- Visual communication - graphic design, advertising, packaging, bookbinding, art direction, social design, film, illustration, animation, model making, curation
- Three-dimensional design - architecture, landscape architecture, interior, product, furniture, prop and set design
- Fashion and fabrication - menswear, womenswear, costume, fashion journalism, fashion photography and constructed textiles
- Fine art - painting, mixed media, printmaking, installation, sculpture, performance and photography
Please note
Places are limited and the number of applicants is extremely high. We expect applicants to have attended one of our open days. You'll hear more about the course, meet staff, visit the ground-breaking workshops and studio spaces at our Knights Park campus, where many art and design courses are based, and receive guidelines about how to apply and what to include in your portfolio.
London College of Contemporary Arts (Fee paying) |
The Foundation in Design and Creative Business course is divided into three stages and is designed to equip students with key industry knowledge and creative business skills. Taught by a team of expert practitioners, you’ll cover the key areas of creative business, marketing, fashion, art and design as well as having the opportunity to develop your own creative portfolio of work.
City and Guilds: (Fee Paying) |
The year begins with a general introduction to art and design, starting with a variety of approaches to drawing and research and continuing with workshop inductions, introductions to painting, photography, sculpture, design communication, 3D design, printmaking and art and design history and theory. This part of the course sets out to help you to recognise where your strengths lie and supply you with the experiences you need to make informed decisions about your future study options.
Once you confirm your specialist subject area you will be allocated a personal working space that will be the base from which you will work throughout the remainder of the course. You will continue to have access to the Art School’s range of technical workshops and facilities to support you to test out and ultimately produce a body of work
Once you confirm your specialist subject area you will be allocated a personal working space that will be the base from which you will work throughout the remainder of the course. You will continue to have access to the Art School’s range of technical workshops and facilities to support you to test out and ultimately produce a body of work
City Lit (Fee Paying) |
Over four terms you will be taught a wide range of specialist disciplines including 2D/painting, 3D/sculpture, printmaking, digital moving image and video, visual communication, ceramics, creative textiles and fashion. These areas will be combined with developing core skills in drawing, project work, creative methodology, basic photography, critical studies and colour work.
Architectural Association: School of Architecture
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The AA Foundation Course is a one-year introduction to an art- and design-based education that uses architectural language as its vehicle. Students develop their conceptual ideas through experimenting with a wide range of media and creative disciplines in an intimate, studio based-environment.
The course seeks to develop the intellectual and process-based abilities of each participant, while simultaneously introducing each individual to themselves; to their own interests, passions, aspirations and inspirations. Once confident and articulate about a particular approach, students can readily galvanise their own self-critique, drive and skills to more successfully pursue education in var- ious creative disciplines.
Drawing on a number of pedagogical practices, experienced tutors and visiting practitioners, the Foundation Course offers a unique, cross-disciplinary education within the context of an architectural school.
The course seeks to develop the intellectual and process-based abilities of each participant, while simultaneously introducing each individual to themselves; to their own interests, passions, aspirations and inspirations. Once confident and articulate about a particular approach, students can readily galvanise their own self-critique, drive and skills to more successfully pursue education in var- ious creative disciplines.
Drawing on a number of pedagogical practices, experienced tutors and visiting practitioners, the Foundation Course offers a unique, cross-disciplinary education within the context of an architectural school.
Application Process
Apart from Central St Martins and Camberwell, different institutions have their own application processes, they rarely use UCAS. Central and Camberwell share the same application process which means you can only apply for one of them. Check the different websites for details how to apply and to access on line applications or download forms.
Which ever process it is, you will almost definitely have to write a personal statement of between 300 and 500 words.
Check closing dates for every institution you plan to apply to.
They may differ and you do not want to be caught out.
Which ever process it is, you will almost definitely have to write a personal statement of between 300 and 500 words.
Check closing dates for every institution you plan to apply to.
They may differ and you do not want to be caught out.
Personal Statements
Your personal statement should:
- Be 500 words (Institutions do require different lengths so you can always adapt this)
- Tell us why you have chosen the course and how it will help with your future plans
- Describe aspects of your current work that support your mode of study choice
- Discuss your preferred way of working (make sure that you say you are also open to learning new techniques etc)
- Outline recent exhibitions, favourite artists without it sounding like a list. focus on what you drew from the exhibition.
- Talk about the type of work you want to make whilst on the course or how you see the course supporting your development / future plans.
- You could also talk about other interests, societies and groups you are part of and your other subjects.
An example by a students studying Art and Design Technology
I am a skilled drafts-man. I love to draw and enjoy literally putting pencil to paper. Drawing, for me, is a way to explore my ideas, re-imagine the world around me and develop concepts. During my GCSE and A level Art courses I have explored other approaches and techniques which have enriched my practice and led to me becoming a well- rounded artist. However, it is drawing that is at the core of everything I do.
My exploration into sculpture has been supported by studies in two dimensions. In year 12 I created a clay head sculpture directly from the model. This was a culmination of several weeks of life drawing and research into the physicality of the body. I enjoy manipulating sculpting media and the processes involved with ceramics or plaster work. I have an ability to visualise something and realise it in three dimensions, a skill that I have exploited within my A level Product Design course. I enjoy the design process, working out potential alternatives and using drawing to develop my ideas. I explore and research widely even when working to a brief and really enjoy creating products for a client. I have experience of CAD and 3D design and used this to great effect when creating my standard lamp for my AS major project. This year I have been given the freedom to create my own brief: compact furniture for a real client. Managing my own project and deadlines has helped me develop independence and time management.
I regularly visit museums and galleries and recently went on an Art study visit to Berlin. Whilst I was there I saw an exhibition of the work by Dali. I have always admired the Surrealists and have chosen to study it in greater depth for my A level dissertation. Within my study I have presented Bosch and Goya as precursors to the movement and discussed the movement itself. However, it is my research into more contemporary artists that has inspired developments in my practical work specifically the work of Zdzisław Beksiński. I admire the way his scenes can transport the viewer and evoke a tangible emotion. I am currently developing work that also conveys a particular mood by distorting the familiar and using media and mark making to create an atmosphere.
The Art Foundation will create new opportunities to develop skills and build upon the areas I currently enjoy. I hope to pursue a career in Art and Design and see this route as the best way to develop as a practitioner. I am excited by the prospect of mixing with like-minded people and discussing ways to develop my approach and outlook.
My exploration into sculpture has been supported by studies in two dimensions. In year 12 I created a clay head sculpture directly from the model. This was a culmination of several weeks of life drawing and research into the physicality of the body. I enjoy manipulating sculpting media and the processes involved with ceramics or plaster work. I have an ability to visualise something and realise it in three dimensions, a skill that I have exploited within my A level Product Design course. I enjoy the design process, working out potential alternatives and using drawing to develop my ideas. I explore and research widely even when working to a brief and really enjoy creating products for a client. I have experience of CAD and 3D design and used this to great effect when creating my standard lamp for my AS major project. This year I have been given the freedom to create my own brief: compact furniture for a real client. Managing my own project and deadlines has helped me develop independence and time management.
I regularly visit museums and galleries and recently went on an Art study visit to Berlin. Whilst I was there I saw an exhibition of the work by Dali. I have always admired the Surrealists and have chosen to study it in greater depth for my A level dissertation. Within my study I have presented Bosch and Goya as precursors to the movement and discussed the movement itself. However, it is my research into more contemporary artists that has inspired developments in my practical work specifically the work of Zdzisław Beksiński. I admire the way his scenes can transport the viewer and evoke a tangible emotion. I am currently developing work that also conveys a particular mood by distorting the familiar and using media and mark making to create an atmosphere.
The Art Foundation will create new opportunities to develop skills and build upon the areas I currently enjoy. I hope to pursue a career in Art and Design and see this route as the best way to develop as a practitioner. I am excited by the prospect of mixing with like-minded people and discussing ways to develop my approach and outlook.
More of an Architecture focus but an interesting opening.
During a recent trip to the Bauhaus museum in Berlin I was thrilled to see the model for Farkas Molnar’s ‘Charnel House’. I loved the clean lines, clever and playful manipulation of form and the free flowing plan, especially of the external spaces. I was astonished at how such a simple and elegant structure could create complex spatial relationships. In the Summer I visited the Barcelona Pavilion. I was greatly impressed by how Mies van der Rohe pushed the boundaries of design and architecture beyond what was mainstream at the time, influencing so many other architects then and now. His use of natural light and sparing use of form created incredibly beautiful and sophisticated spaces whilst his use of natural materials made the pavilion feel luxurious.
My interest in architecture, the environment and structure extends to my practical work. Scale is also important to me as I want the ‘viewer’ to move around my work and experience it from different viewpoints or feel that the piece is integral to their surroundings. For example, I created a city scape, paper sculpture that projected out from a portrait. The light interacted with the separate elements making the portrait visible or invisible depending on the viewpoint.
One of my favourite artists is Shephard Fairey, particularly his use of pattern. As a graffiti artist, Fairey makes politically motivated work that can be found all over the world, I even came across a piece in residential area in Berlin earlier this year. For my AS exam I created a multi layered piece that discussed the conflict in Syria and the version that is presented to us via the media. I used Photoshop to develop my own repetitive patterns from drawings of weapons and incorporated these into images of the main protagonists.
I am highly proficient in Photoshop and am currently using it to create the stencils for a piece I am working on in response to the president elect, Donald Trump. I hope to create a piece that is at least eight feet wide and installed in the school.
Whilst I do have specific areas of interest, I look forward to the opportunities that will come as a result of studying different disciplines during an Art Foundation course.
My interest in architecture, the environment and structure extends to my practical work. Scale is also important to me as I want the ‘viewer’ to move around my work and experience it from different viewpoints or feel that the piece is integral to their surroundings. For example, I created a city scape, paper sculpture that projected out from a portrait. The light interacted with the separate elements making the portrait visible or invisible depending on the viewpoint.
One of my favourite artists is Shephard Fairey, particularly his use of pattern. As a graffiti artist, Fairey makes politically motivated work that can be found all over the world, I even came across a piece in residential area in Berlin earlier this year. For my AS exam I created a multi layered piece that discussed the conflict in Syria and the version that is presented to us via the media. I used Photoshop to develop my own repetitive patterns from drawings of weapons and incorporated these into images of the main protagonists.
I am highly proficient in Photoshop and am currently using it to create the stencils for a piece I am working on in response to the president elect, Donald Trump. I hope to create a piece that is at least eight feet wide and installed in the school.
Whilst I do have specific areas of interest, I look forward to the opportunities that will come as a result of studying different disciplines during an Art Foundation course.
Portfolio
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of your work, or a 'visual diary', showing how your skills and ideas have developed over time. Why do I need a portfolio? Your portfolio helps us to assess your suitability for your chosen course. It shows your ability to work with different materials and themes and to select your most successful pieces. Your portfolio will be considered against your ability to demonstrate the following:
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