
This course is now closed to applications for entry in September 2021.
The Diploma in Art and Design - Foundation Studies course at Central Saint Martins offers both specialist and diagnostic modes of study. If you’re confident about your future direction, the specialist mode lets you apply to one of four curriculum areas. The diagnostic mode allows you to explore all four specialist curriculum areas as part of your preparation for BA application.
Starting in 2017/18, all Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students who successfully complete the year will be guaranteed a place on an undergraduate course at UAL. View the 'Guaranteed undergraduate offer' section for more details.
UAL offers two foundation courses, you can apply to only one of them. Find out more on the UAL foundation page.
Virtual Open Days:
The Foundation online open days are now finished for the September 2021 intake.
At Central Saint Martins, the safety of staff, students and visitors is our priority. Following government guidance on social distancing due to the Coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak, we’re currently unable to run physical open days at the College.
Virtual Tours:
Instead you might be interested in checking out the College’s outstanding facilities and technical spaces in the through our virtual tours
Due to the coronavirus lockdown, many of our Foundation students finished their studies away from the College. Looking across disciplines, here we share some projects which explore the meaning and impact of social isolation.
Due to coronavirus lockdown, many Foundation students finished their studies away from the College, living in differing degrees of isolation with their families. Looking across disciplines, here we share a few of the projects that look to home and
As our 2020 Foundation students head to the next stage in their creative education, we catch up with them and their tutors to hear about their final projects and look back over a year unlike any other.
As our 2020 Foundation students head to the next stage in their creative education, we catch up with them (and their tutor) to hear about their final projects and look back over a year unlike any other.
The Diploma in Art and Design - Foundation Studies course at Central Saint Martins is based at the Archway campus, which is where all studio teaching sessions, technical workshop access and additional study support sessions are delivered.
Foundation students have access to and are expected to use the library, learning zones, loan store, student centre, lecture theatres, digital print facilities and the Lethaby Gallery via the King’s Cross campus.
This course is part of the Access and Progression to Higher Education Programme.
There are two modes of study:
The four curriculum areas are:
Each curriculum area is sub-divided into pathways. Please see curriculum area pages for further information about the curriculum areas and their pathway options.
Whichever mode you choose, over the first 10 weeks (Part One of the course) you will rotate through a series of projects that will ask you to experiment with a range of materials and processes that support ideas development within art and design. After this initial period of investigation and experimentation you will be guided, through tutorials and assessment, to the specialist pathway that best suits your interests and abilities.
The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design runs for 32 weeks full time over one year and is divided into three parts.
Each part is made up of units and each unit has a credit value. Units are the basic building blocks of your course and can be described as a self-contained package of learning defined in terms of learning time. This includes taught time, independent study, access to resources, and assessment.
Each part is made up of 40 credits. Part One consists of 40 Level three credits and Parts Two and Three consist of 40 Level four credits each.
To progress to part two you're expected to complete the units of Part One successfully.
To progress to part three (i.e. unit seven) you're expected to complete all previous units successfully. To be awarded a Foundation Diploma you must accumulate 120 credits in total. This means you'll need to complete all units of the course in order to gain the Foundation Diploma.
You’re expected to attend Monday to Thursday 10.30am – 4.30pm, and occasionally on a Friday for workshop inductions and additional classes.
The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is designed to enable you to learn through discovery and exploration by engaging with projects, lectures and study visits. The foundation course is essentially a transitional experience in art, design and communication, preparing you for a place in higher education or for employment.
The wide range of specialist options reflects the progression opportunities available at degree level within the college and the university. The foundation course's pathways allow you to build a subject-specific portfolio in readiness for degree course applications.
Through studio and workshop projects you'll be introduced to a range of materials and methods of working. You'll learn how to research and develop your ideas and how to evaluate and reflect on your progress.
The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is designed to help you build a portfolio and to prepare you for interview to enter higher education and subsequent employment. Building on skills from Part One you'll integrate your research, ideas and methods of working to produce a body of work that allows you to analyse your interests and ambitions and to investigate directions to pursue.
The focus of Part Three is on further development of your individuality and independence as you propose and realise your final major project integrating planning, research, ideas, methods, evaluation and reflection. Your project is displayed in the foundation exhibition - open to the public, family and friends.
Throughout The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design you'll learn new skills to enable you to progress successfully. These skills, which are also appropriate to higher education and employment, include the use of machinery and materials, presentation skills for articulating your ideas to your peers or at interview, and presenting your work in a portfolio or at an exhibition. Most importantly you'll gain study skills in order to 'learn how to learn'. This kind of independent learning builds the self-motivation, commitment and initiative that allows you to develop your projects independently, guided by a supportive tutorial structure.
Starting in 2017/18, all Foundation Diploma in Art and Design students who successfully complete the year will be guaranteed a place on an undergraduate course at UAL.
This means that as long as you pass, you will have the opportunity to continue your studies at one of the six colleges, the following year.
Which undergraduate course will I be offered a place on?
The offer will depend on your work and the interests you develop during your foundation year. Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that you will be made an offer for a specific course of your choosing, but if you successfully complete the diploma, you’ll be offered a place on a relevant course at UAL.
How does it work?
To be guaranteed progression onto an undergraduate course, you must:
Curriculum Leader: Jo Simpson
Curriculum Leader: Oonagh O’Hagan
Curriculum Leader: Adrian Scrivener
Curriculum Leader: Lucy Alexander
Curriculum Co-Leader: Karla Newell
Curriculum Co-Leader: Gabriel Birch
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
One or a combination of the following accepted full level 3 qualifications:
And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*-C).
Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio.
Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
* Related academic or work experience
* The quality of the personal statement
* A strong academic or other professional reference
* OR a combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
IELTS level 5.0 or above, with at least 4.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English Language requirements webpage).
Applicants who require a Student Visa must take a Secure English Language Test (SELT) which is approved by the UK government for your UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) application. No non-SELT tests can be accepted.
Under existing funding regulations, if you are a UK or EU student who is under 19 and has been accepted onto one of our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design courses, but did not achieve a grade C/4 or above in GCSE English or maths, you will be given the opportunity to retake the exams as part of your course. This is Government Policy (post 16 Study Programme) and UAL are obliged to undertake this and ensure that GCSE teaching is provided and that students attend. At present we are awaiting guidance on this requirement for EU students post Brexit. Please check this web page for updates.
When you enrol, you will 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/4 in English or maths.
If this applies to you, it is important to note that attendance is mandatory and you will have to attend the sessions alongside your FAD course.
In addition those students who are taking the GCSE maths and English retake programme will ultimately be withdrawn from the Foundation Art and Design course as well if their attendance falls below the 85% level required, and this can happen at any point throughout the academic year. A separate attendance record is kept for these classes.
Here are a few key things to note:
We will keep a record of your attendance in accordance with the FE Agreed Absence and 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.
We offer English Language Development for Overseas students. See how we can help you with your studies.
Learn MoreWe select applicants according to their potential and current ability in the following criteria:
Include evidence that demonstrates your commitment to, and enthusiasm for, art and design as well as your potential to achieve the Foundation Diploma. Evidence may be in the form of ideas, notes, research, photographs or sketches, including work you've made outside of your school course work.
This course is now closed to applications for entry in September 2021.
You should apply by clicking on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.
You may choose either the Diagnostic option or ONE of the Specialist pathways on the online application. Please note, in some cases we may offer you a place on the course but on a different pathway to the one you originally applied for.
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
You can only apply to the Central Saint Martins (CSM) Foundation Diploma OR the Camberwell Chelsea Wimbledon (CCW) Foundation Diploma. Any duplicate application will be withdrawn.
The deadline for submitting your application is 13.00 (UK time) on 31st March 2021. The deadline for uploading your digital portfolio is 23rd April 2021.
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
Please add csm.ukeu@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL. Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.
This course is now closed to applications for entry in September 2021.
There are two ways international students can apply:
If you are applying directly you click on the link to the direct form below. The application form can be saved as you fill it out, so you do not need to complete it all at once. You will also have the chance to review all the information and make any necessary amendments before you submit the application form.
You may choose either the Diagnostic option or ONE of the Specialist pathways on the online application. Please note, in some cases we may offer you a place on the course but on a different pathway to the one you originally applied for.
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
The deadline for submitting your application is 13.00 (UK time) on 31st March 2021.
Whether you are applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
Please add csm.international@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL. Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you meet the entry requirements you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.
You should upload 30 pages of your work for consideration against our entry criteria. Please note that these can include photographs of worksheets or short videos of sketchbook pages and that you might lay out multiple works in one page as long as they are clearly visible (for example: presentation boards). You can also include links to blogs or other online sites.
Please read the following advice carefully:
Successful applicants demonstrate this through their sketchbook pages, worksheets, drawing, photography, textural or 3D work etc. and there is no prescribed way to submit the evidence.
Successful applicants demonstrate this in a variety of ways and there is no prescribed way to submit the evidence.
Successful applicants demonstrate this through sketchbook pages, worksheets, drawing, photography, model making etc. and there is no prescribed way to submit the evidence.
Successful applicants demonstrate this through sketchbook pages, worksheets, drawing, photography, textural or 3D work etc. and there is no prescribed way to submit the evidence.
Successful applicants can demonstrate this through their personal statement, in sketchbook pages and notebooks and there is no prescribed way to submit the evidence.
The only files that can be uploaded as part of the portfolio are:
Your portfolio should contain a range of visual material, including sketchbooks, research and photographs of 3D pieces or work of scale.
Having prepared your portfolio, check it against these recommendations. Please remember that a poorly prepared portfolio makes it difficult for the admissions tutors to judge your suitability for the course.
For more portfolio advice please visit: https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/apply/portfolio-advice
Following the review of the portfolio, we may select a small number of applicants to attend an online interview.
You are likely to receive the final outcome of your application through the UAL portal before 15th June 2021.
Please note that applications made to this course may be given an alternative pathway offer. This decision will be based on our assessment of your creative and potential interests.
This course receives a high number of applications, and unfortunately we cannot provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you have had an interview.
If you would like to request feedback – please email csm.ukeu@arts.ac.uk. We are only able to provide feedback to you directly, or to someone you have told us in writing can receive it on your behalf.
Each and every application is carefully considered by a member(s) of our academic team. With so many strong applicants to choose from, it is often a very difficult decision to make. If you are unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply to us again in the future.
£5,280
(if you are aged 19 or over on 31 August of the year you start your course)
Free
(if you are under the age of 19 on 31 August of the year you start your course)
These fees are correct for 2020/21 entry and are subject to change for 2021/22 entry.
Home fees are currently charged to UK resident nationals. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. Read more advice for EU students.
£18,300 per year
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry.
Students from countries outside of the UK are currently charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. Read more advice for EU students.
You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees. These could include travel expenses and the costs of material. Find out more about additional costs.
Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost.
Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.
Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.
Most students go on to study at degree level at Central Saint Martins or at other UAL colleges. Some go on to study at colleges nationally or internationally. Others choose postgraduate study or enter the world of work directly.
For details of the wide range of careers support provided for students, please visit our Careers support page.