A pre-degree or foundation course is a common route onto a UAL undergraduate degree, such as a BA (Hons), because they help to bridge the gap between secondary school and university.
Some of our practical undergraduate courses in areas such as fashion, art or design may recommend you take a pre-degree or foundation course first. Even when this isn't the case, pre-degree courses prepare you for undergraduate study in all sorts of ways.
Here are 8 reasons why taking a UAL pre-degree or foundation course will benefit you:
1. Explore different subject areas
Explore, experiment and try new things – that’s what our pre-degree courses allow you to do.
For example, a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design course when studied in diagnostic mode will introduce you to a wide range of subject areas – including fashion, textiles, painting, sculpture, graphic design, film and animation, architecture, jewellery, product design, theatre design – to name a few! You’ll explore a range of these areas and understand where your skills and interests fit within art and design before you commit to a specialism.
“I chose to specialise in sculpture after starting the course in diagnostic mode, which meant I tried all the different pathways and disciplines. I think this was the first time I'd really worked with my hands. We had a short workshop in sculpture, and I was really excited by what I could do and the potential to learn new skills and crafts.” Harry Wilson, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, UAL
2. Build your portfolio
Many UAL undergraduate degree courses ask you to submit an online portfolio as part of the application process.
Before taking a pre-degree or undergraduate course, your portfolio is likely to be made up of work you’ve created at school or in your own time. Our pre-degree and foundation courses help you to build and develop your existing portfolio further, ready for an undergraduate course application.
“By the end of my pre-degree course, I could clearly see the improvement in my work. My early work no longer impressed me but it gave me confidence. I could see how my work and skills have grown enormously during my time on the course.” Heeya Shewani, Level 3 International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
Check out our portfolio advice webpage and videos for information, hints and tips.
3. Broaden your knowledge
Not all UAL degrees require you to have a portfolio to apply, but all courses expect you to have considerable knowledge of your chosen subject area. Our pre-degree courses help you to develop this knowledge and build on skills such as critical thinking.
“Compared to my time at high school, I’ve gained more professional knowledge through experimentation in practical units. The course provided workshops and lectures to explore so I could decide the area I’m most interested in. This helped me prepare for the first year of my undergraduate degree.” Chengxuan Li, Certificate of Higher Education: Preparation for Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL
4. Collaborate on projects
Being part of a creative community, from course friends to those you meet across UAL, will inspire and influence you and the work you create. Working with people with a variety of interests and skills will give you the chance to create projects you may never have thought possible.
“You get a chance to collaborate with other people on the course with different skills and interests. This allowed me to create some amazing projects with students who were interested in areas like make-up, photography and design.” Heeya Shewani, Level 3 International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
5. Meet new people
Becoming a UAL student is so much more than choosing a course to study. It’s a life changing experience. You’ll grow in confidence and meet new people from across the globe.
“I did an international pre-degree course, so I really enjoyed the connections I made with such a diverse group of people that I wouldn’t have met outside of the course. I made a lot of good friends and had interesting discussions that gave me a better understanding of the world around me.” Aniena Simone, Level 3 International: Introduction to the Study of Fashion, London College of Fashion, UAL
6. Settle into London
And you’ll be doing all this while living in London – a centre of culture and creativity. Inspiration is found in every pocket of the city with globally recognised arts institutions alongside independent cultural venues.
A pre-degree course not only gives you the chance to meet new people, but to settle into life in London if you’ve moved from a different part of the UK or from abroad.
And if you’re an international student, our international pre-degree courses will give you language and academic guidance throughout the course to help support you while you accustom yourself to life in the UK.
7. Decide on a degree
And how do you decide on a degree? It’s not easy when haven’t experienced the full range of creative subject areas during your time at school and there are over 100 undergraduate options available at UAL alone! Our pre-degree courses give you the opportunity to make an informed decision about your next steps.
“After I finish my foundation course, I’m going to the Graphic Communication Design course at Central Saint Martins. I was already interested in graphic design at high school, but I wasn’t quite sure. Once I did the graphic design pathway on the foundation course, we learnt about things like typography and creating publications. I really liked those projects. I think doing the foundation course really helps to solidify your decision. For people like me who have only done fine art in high school, it’s really helped.” Pun Vacharavithayakorn, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, UAL
8. Prepare for an undergraduate course
“I really appreciate how on the course, the tutors give you a great balance of direction and space to understand what your interests are and what you're drawn to. It almost felt like one huge experiment over these nine months where there wasn't a sense of parameters or boundaries. Going onto an undergraduate course now, I feel I have a lot more direction and self-initiative.” Harry Wilson, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, UAL
Above all, a pre-degree course is designed to prepare you for an undergraduate degree. You’re given the time, space and guidance to work out where your interests lie. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to begin an undergraduate course with confidence and self-belief.
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Explore our pre-degree and foundation courses to learn more.