Start your creative journey at UAL
Congratulations on your offer to study the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design. We’re excited to welcome you to the UAL School of Pre-degree Studies and support you as you take your next step into creative education.
The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a full-time, one-year course designed to help you explore a wide range of creative disciplines before progressing onto an undergraduate degree.
Through a combination of practical studio work, academic study and industry-facing projects, you’ll develop the skills, confidence and direction needed to take the next step in your creative journey.
With access to specialist tutors, industry connections and UAL’s wider creative community, this course supports you in identifying the pathway that best suits your interests and future ambitions.
"I was able to find out what I really enjoyed. It's really, really fun and engaging. And you'll settle in really quickly."
- Orion Mirza, UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
What will I cover on this course?
On the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, you will:
- be taught by specialist tutors who are active industry practitioners
- work on industry-facing projects, including collaborations through UAL Knowledge Exchange
- benefit from strong progression links across UAL, helping you move onto the right undergraduate course
- become part of the UAL creative community, attending talks from leading figures in the industry
- meet and learn from successful UAL Foundation alumni
- take part in the University Progression Scheme, guaranteeing a place on a UAL undergraduate course.
What does a typical week look like on this course?
You will study a combination of studio practice, contextual learning and independent study across the week.
- Around 15 hours per week are dedicated to tutor-led studio practice in your chosen specialism.
- This includes contextual and theoretical studies, supporting your understanding of research and critical thinking.
- Around 3 hours per week are available for language development, if required.
The rest of your time is spent on independent study, where you can develop your projects with access to academic support, technical facilities, workshops and libraries across UAL.
What does progression look like on this course?
Students on the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design can progress onto over 100 undergraduate courses across UAL.
You’ll receive guidance and support throughout the course to help you make an informed decision about your next step, including opportunities to visit different UAL colleges and explore their environments.
Foundation students also benefit from high progression and retention rates, as they are able to choose a course that aligns closely with their interests and goals.
At the end of the course, students take part in the UAL digital showcase, where their work is viewed globally, reaching audiences in over 200 countries, with more than 1 million views each year.
Will there be offer holder events?
We’re currently planning a series of offer holder events, both online and in person, giving you the opportunity to meet staff, ask questions and find out more about the course before you start.
Explore work by our recent students on UAL Showcase
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Mechamorphic, Maggie Deng, 2025 UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, School of Pre-Degree Studies, UAL -
Colourblind Jockeys, Stella McGregor, 2025 UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, School of Pre-Degree Studies, UAL -
Mis Pajartos Del Dolor, Juan Angelo Almader, 2025 UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, School of Pre-Degree Studies, UAL