Foundation Diplomas in Art and Design are a route into practice-based undergraduate study at University of the Arts London (UAL).
To be considered for a practice-based undergraduate course at UAL, you usually need to have a strong portfolio. Our preparatory courses are one way for you to develop the skills, experience and body of work needed for further study.
The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is a year-long course giving you the opportunity to explore various art and design disciplines, experiment with a range of materials, methods and approaches, and build a portfolio of work.
Starting in 2017/18, all Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students who successfully complete the year will be guaranteed an offer for an undergraduate course at one of our 6 Colleges.
Modes of study
You can choose to study a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design in either ‘diagnostic’ or ‘specialist’ mode.
Diagnostic mode
Most students study in diagnostic mode, benefitting from the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines to help decide their future direction. This mode introduces you to a broad range of creative areas such as painting, sculpture, photography, film, graphics, illustration, architecture, 3D design, fashion and textiles.
Specialist mode
If you are confident in your future direction, you can follow a particular pathway from the beginning of the course and specialise further later in the year.
Our courses
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design based at Camberwell College of Arts
Specialist mode pathways:
- Art - with specialist options: Drawing; Painting; Photography and Time-Based Media; Sculpture
- Communication - with specialist options: Film and Animation; Graphic Design; Illustration
- Design - with specialist options: Design for Performance, Theatre, Stage and Screen; 3D, Product and Spatial Design.
Read the full course description for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design based at Camberwell College of Arts.
Foundation Diploma in Art and Design based at Central Saint Martins
Specialist mode pathways:
- 3D Design and Architecture
- Fine Art
- Fashion and Textiles
- Graphic Communication Design.
Read the full course description for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design based at Central Saint Martins.
Degree preparation courses
As well as the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, we offer other short courses and preparation programmes including some designed specifically for international students.
Browse our Course Finder to learn more.
How to apply
You’ll only be able to apply for one Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at UAL, so be sure to do your research before making your choice.
Full details on how to apply can be found on each of the course web pages. You’ll make your application direct to the College where your chosen course is based.
- Apply for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design based at Camberwell College of Arts.
- Apply for the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design based at Central Saint Martins.
If you’re also considering applying for an undergraduate course at the same time, perhaps because you’re unsure which level of study will be right for you, you can do this through UCAS.
Fees and funding
The fees you may be charged depend on your fee status and your age on the 31 August in the year your course begins. Take a look at our Further Education tuition fees.
There are Further Education bursaries available for eligible students, as well as the Advanced Learner Loan for those who meet the eligibility criteria.
Portfolio advice
Following receipt of your application, you’ll be invited to a portfolio review event. Your portfolio will be considered against your ability to demonstrate the following:
- Visualisation skills.
- Art and design related research and investigative skills.
- Creative thinking and problem solving abilities.
- Use of a range of materials and processes.
- An interest in art, design or related subjects.
Watch our short video and discover some answers to some frequently asked questions on our Portfolio preparation page.
Achieving GCSE English and Maths
If you’re a UK or EU student who is accepted onto one of our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design courses but who did not achieve a grade C or above in GCSE English or Maths, you’ll be given the opportunity to retake the exams as part of your course.
When you enrol, you’ll need to provide evidence of your qualifications. We will automatically enrol you onto a compulsory GCSE study programme if you have not achieved a minimum of a grade C in English or Maths.
The GCSE study programme classes will be closely linked to your Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course, so you’ll be studying things that are relevant and interesting to you.
Here are a few key things to note:
- We will keep a record of your attendance in accordance with the FE Attendance Policy. If you fail to turn up to your GCSE classes regularly and on time, your progress towards your Foundation Diploma could be affected.
- You must resit your GCSE English and/or Maths exams as part of the study programme, but failure to achieve a grade C or higher will not affect your achievements on your Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
- It is highly likely that a degree-level course at UAL or any other institution will require you to have a grade C or higher in English and Maths.
Guaranteed undergraduate offer
Starting in 2017/18, all Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students who successfully complete the year will be guaranteed an offer for an undergraduate course at one of our 6 Colleges.
This means that as long as you pass, you'll have the opportunity to continue your studies with us at undergraduate level the following year.
Which undergraduate course will I be offered a place on?
The offer will depend on the work and interests you develop during your foundation year.
Unfortunately, we can't guarantee that you'll be made an offer for a specific course of your choosing, but if you successfully complete the diploma having specialised in Painting within the Art pathway for example, you’ll be offered a place on a relevant course at UAL, such as BA (Hons) Painting.
Am I eligible?
To be guaranteed progression onto an undergraduate course, you must:
- Successfully pass the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course.
- Be able to meet any other additional entry criteria for the undergraduate course you’re offered a place on.
- Have made your undergraduate application through The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).