Why choose this course at UAL?
- Context. Develop your contextual understanding of the background of your chosen degree at UAL.
- Communication skills. Build up your skills in communication to explain your ideas, both verbally and in writing.
- Flexible learning. Learning entirely online gives you the flexibility to fit your studies around your lifestyle.
- Preparation and confidence. You'll gain the knowledge and skills needed to confidently progress to undergraduate-level study.
- Diverse workload. Online learning is complemented with practical tasks to develop your core creative skills in drawing, photography, model making and more.
- Global perspective. Learning with students from across the world will expose you to new perspectives and expand your creative outlook.
Course overview
This exciting and comprehensive 6-week preparation course is taught entirely online. Lively, creative workshops give you the chance to experiment. You’ll build up your skills ahead of starting your undergraduate studies at UAL. By the end of the course you’ll understand the basic principles that form the foundation of a BA course.
Regular group discussions and tutorials will strengthen your communication skills. Through lectures, you'll explore various debates and concepts related to art and design. The course also guides you to in developing your research methods and a reflective approach to your studies.
Course objectives
- Help you develop a contextual understanding of your chosen degree
- Analyse the critical factors and key ideas influencing contemporary art, design and communication
- Focus on visual strategies and approaches to research
- Improve your creative visual thinking
- Introduce self-reflection and a critical analysis as a key part of the creative learning experience
- Build up your skills in communicating your ideas, both verbally and in writing
Course features
- Tuition from University of Arts London tutors
- Research skills
- Regular tutorials and feedback on portfolio progression
Dates and times
- Course dates: 29 June - 6 August 2026
- Application deadline: 29 May 2026
- Enrolment day: 29 June 2026
- Induction day: 29 June 2026
- Teaching start day: 29 June 2026
Activities will be scheduled between the hours of 9am - 3pm UK time (British Summer Time) and will include a mixture of live classes, one to one tutorials, crits, peer learning and independent study.
Course fees
The fee is £5,495 for summer 2026.
Contact
Course schedule
Week 1: Hello project
A series of engaging tasks that allow us to establish an online community where you will learn about the tools and platforms you will use on the course.
Weeks 2-3: Circle project
You will develop an understanding of the importance of primary and secondary research and how it informs your practice and helps us to find our voices as artists and designers.
Weeks 4-6: Personal project
You will take part in various skills workshops and develop a proposal for a personal enquiry into a subject of your choice. Discussions, tutorials and critique sessions will support your progress.
Assessment
- Practical support work - Coursework from two main projects designed to prepare you for Higher Education
- Practical outcomes of set projects - Resolved work that demonstrates your ability to meet deadlines and present your work
- Student log - An analytical account of your progress that will support you in becoming a reflective practitioner (a minimum of 600 words)
- Evaluative report - A review of your learning experience and goals for your future progression (minimum of 500 words)
Prep for BA award
For our Prep for BA programme we offer 1 full tuition fee waiver.
To apply for the Prep for BA award, you must hold an offer for this programme.
How to apply
We're looking for a video introducing yourself and your creative practice. Maybe it will be showing us where you get inspiration, or the space where you work. It could be your favourite artwork. Feel free to be creative!
The video should be a maximum of 90 seconds long. Entries can be as creative as possible but must meet the brief above.
Email your video to PrepforBAAdmissions@arts.ac.uk with:
- your full name
- your UAL application reference number
- 'Prep for BA award' in the subject line.
Videos can be sent in portrait or landscape format. You can send the video by:
- attaching it to the email
- using a file sharing website
- uploading it to YouTube or Vimeo and sharing the link.
Deadline
Deadline is 1 May.
Award winners
Awards will receive a full tuition fee waiver.
Award winners will be presented a certificate on arrival in London.
Winners will be asked to act as ambassadors for the Prep for BA programme, with the choice to create social posts or blogs introducing their studies. Some examples include a:
- day in the life of your course
- what you do on your time off
- blog post about settling into London
Tutor information
Tommaso Gorla is an Italian artist and researcher based in London since 2012. Trained in Fine Art in Italy and Anthropology of Images in France, his practice spans from drawing to editorial research. He is interested in how images and artworks affect thought and behaviour. He has taught at universities in the UK and abroad, and edits and co-curates platforms dedicated to walking arts, drawing practices, and research on space and place.
Entry requirements
- Either: a portfolio of 15-20 examples of your work. Explore UAL's portfolio advice for more information.
- Or: a conditional offer to study a full-time BA course at UAL.
If English isn’t your first language you’ll need an intermediate level of English. You should have IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent English language qualification) with at least 5.0 in each of the 4 skills.
Progression to a UAL degree course
If you're progressing to a full-time course at UAL after completing your programme and have English language qualifications as part of your offer, you are still required to meet these conditions. These will be listed in your offer letter.
Read our English language requirements webpage for the latest guidance.
If you wish to apply to a full-time BA course at UAL, you must make a separate application. For further details please visit the UAL Undergraduate course page.
Visas
Preparation for BA Online is delivered remotely and does not require a visa. Students will attend online sessions from their home country.
Apply now
If you hold a conditional offer to study a full-time BA course at UAL, apply online. Log in to the UAL Applicant Portal using your existing account details.
Application deadline
Make sure to apply before 29 May 2026. We won't accept applications submitted after this date.
Course terms and conditions
Read the full Course Terms and Conditions alongside UAL's Privacy Policy.