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Pre-degree courses

Illustrating in a sketchbook
Illustrating in a sketchbook
Sydney Carty, 2023 Level 3 International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

Pre-degree and foundation courses help you develop the skills, experience and portfolio needed for further study.

What are pre-degree and foundation courses?

These preparatory courses help bridge the gap between secondary school and degree-level study. They give you the chance to:

  • expand your knowledge and skills
  • develop a strong portfolio of work
  • explore lots of subjects to help you decide what you'd like to specialise in.

Who are they designed for?

If you plan to study a practical undergraduate degree in areas such as fashion, art or design, we recommend completing a pre-degree or foundation course first.

We offer a range of options depending on your needs and background:

  • UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design for UK and International students.
  • Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen for UK and International students.
  • Pre-degree courses for International students.

Find out about our students' pre-degree experiences.

Why pre-degree?

A pre-degree course gives you a unique opportunity to prepare for an undergraduate degree. Discover 8 reasons why you should apply.

Where will I study?

Learn more about the UAL Pre-degree Studies site in Lime Grove, West London.

Portfolio advice

You may need to submit a portfolio when you apply to a pre-degree course. Get some tips on how to build a strong online portfolio.

Our courses

Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

The year-long Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course is designed to prepare students for specialist undergraduate degrees in art and design subjects.

It’s a year of exciting projects, new faces and experiences that will inform your future study, career and creative life. You'll try different disciplines from across art and design while being supported to fulfil your creative potential and ambitions.

All students who successfully complete the Foundation Diploma course will be guaranteed an offer of a place on an undergraduate course at UAL. This means that as long as you pass, you’ll have the opportunity to continue your studies at one of our 6 Colleges or our Creative Computing Institute the following year.

More pre-degree courses at UAL

Our pre-degree courses for International students are designed to help you adjust to living and studying in a new country. As well as workshop and studio-based learning, each course provides English language support and academic writing guidance.

Our Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen is open to both UK and international students. It gives you the chance to develop your creative, academic and professional potential in design, media and screen.

  • Digital magazine cover on a laptop screen
    Samantha Yu, 2023 Level 3 International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL | Photograph: Alys Tomlinson

    International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion

    A practical introduction to fashion for students planning to study an undergraduate degree at London College of Fashion.

  • Chiara Vicco, 2023, Pre-Degree online, UAL.
    Chiara Vicco, 2023, Pre-Degree online, UAL.

    Pre-degree: Online

    Taught entirely online, this 6 month pre-degree course will prepare you for an undergraduate degree in Art, Design or Communication.

  • Fashion photography by Rob Phillips

    International Preparation for Fashion (Certificate in Higher Education)

    Develop the skills, knowledge and portfolio needed to progress to a specialist undergraduate degree in fashion.

International students

Find guidance on the application process, immigration and visas, and everything else you need to get your creative journey started.

Accommodation

Find information and advice on living in halls of residence or in a privately-rented property.

Chat to a student

Got questions about studying with us? Our student ambassadors are here to help.

Student stories

  • A woman poses in a red outfit on a red outdoor structure with her leg kicked out straight. The sky is clear and blue.
    Photograph by Petrina Kiti, UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design

    How the diagnostic mode helped Petrina find her dream undergraduate course

    Petrina Kiti studied the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at UAL. Now, she’s an undergraduate student at Central Saint Martins. We spoke to Petrina about how choosing the diagnostic mode helped her to discover her dream course – BA Fashion Communication: Journalism.

  • Jazmine in a classroom smiling and speaking
    Jazmine Roldan, 2024 BA Graphic and Media Design, London College of Communication, UAL | Photograph: Alexandra Kytka-Sharpe

    How Jazmine’s pre-degree course prepared her for undergraduate study

    Jazmine Roldan studied Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen last year before getting an offer to study BA Graphic and Media Design at London College of Communication. She speaks to us about how her pre-degree study helped her prepare for undergraduate study.