Skip to main content
Pre-degree

Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen

Start date:
September 2027 Application deadline:
27 January 2027, 1pm (GMT) (International) College:
UAL School of Pre-degree Studies Fees:
£25,155 (International) Fee details Course length:
1 year
Computer-generated typography in orange and blue
Canyu Fang, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.

The Level 3 International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen is a preparatory and diagnostic course designed for international students who want to progress to an undergraduate course in the Design, Media or Screen School at London College of Communication.

Course summary

Why choose this course at UAL School of Pre-degree Studies

  • Supported learning: Specialist tutors will help you to develop the skills and portfolio required for progression, underpinned by contextual and theoretical understanding and academic English language development.
  • Creative connections: Visiting professional practitioners and study trips to galleries and museums will enrich your understanding of our dynamic, multicultural capital and its creative industries.
  • Potential for further study: By studying on Level 3: International Introduction to Design, Media and Screen, you’ll be guaranteed an offer for an undergraduate course at London College of Communication.

Open days and campus tours

Book onto an upcoming Open Event at Lime Grove.

International applicants only

This course is for International students only. Please apply using the International applicants tab.

Course overview

This exciting and comprehensive course offers an integrated and supportive period of study where you can develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed for future academic success.

What to expect

  • Practical emphasis: Workshop and studio-based learning will enable you to explore a range of media. You’ll be encouraged to take a multidisciplinary approach and have the opportunity to experiment and discover your preferred pathway.
  • Outstanding facilities: Make the most of the facilities at UAL School of Pre-degree Studies. You will have access to a Loan Store where you can borrow equipment to support your learning and making.
  • Learning progression: Successful completion of the course will provide you with the opportunity to progress to an undergraduate course at LCC.
  • Language support: English language support and academic writing guidance are fully integrated into the programme, ensuring that you’ll be well prepared for study at undergraduate level.

Mode of study

Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen runs for 30 weeks in full time, in-person mode.

Progression

This course has been developed to help you develop your skills and creative thinking in preparation for undergraduate study in the Schools of Design, Media or Screen at London College of Communication.

Successfully completing the course will guarantee you an offer for an undergraduate course at London College of Communication.

  • Your tutors will provide advice and guidance based on your performance on the course and will support you in deciding which undergraduate course is most suitable for you.
  • Whilst we cannot guarantee that you will be made an offer on a specific course of your choosing, we will ensure you are offered a place on a relevant course at LCC. This course will depend on your portfolio and the interests you develop during the year.
  • Any offer you receive will be conditional on meeting the entry requirements, including holding an up-to-date IELTS test (or equivalent certificate) at the right level for your destination courses.
  • This course guarantees you an offer for a course at London College of Communication. It does not guarantee an offer for a course at other UAL Colleges. The course team will be able to direct you to information on applying for courses at other UAL Colleges.

Examples of courses that you can progress to within the Design School include:

BA (Hons) Design for Art Direction
BA (Hons) Design for Climate Justice
BA (Hons) Design Management
BA (Hons) Graphic and Media Design
BA (Hons) Graphic Branding and Identity
BA (Hons) Illustration and Visual Media
BA (Hons) Interaction Design Arts
BA (Hons) Service Design
BA (Hons) User Experience Design

Examples of courses that you can progress to within the Media School include:

BA (Hons) Advertising
BA (Hons) Contemporary Media Cultures
BA (Hons) Commercial Photography
BA (Hons) Journalism
BA (Hons) Media Communications
BA (Hons) Magazine Journalism and Publishing
BA (Hons) Photography
BA (Hons) Photojournalism and Documentary Photography
BA (Hons) Public Relations

Examples of courses you can progress to within the Screen School include:

BA (Hons) Animation
BA (Hons) Computer Animation and Visual Effects
BA (Hons) Film Practice
BA (Hons) Film and Screen Studies
BA (Hons) Film and Television
BA (Hons) Games Design
BA (Hons) Games Art
BA (Hons) Immersive Media and Mixed Reality
BA (Hons) Music Production
BA (Hons) Sound Arts

Find out more about progression from pre-degree to undergraduate study.

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Register your interest

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Academic Study Skills for Design, Media and Screen - Inductions (20 credits)

This diagnostic unit provides an introduction to the course and will support you to begin learning your way around the College, the area where you live and around London itself.

You’ll explore a range of media and processes to help you make an informed decision regarding your future progression and be introduced to a variety of academic skills that you’ll need to develop such as primary and secondary research, idea development, reflection, independent study and outcome production.

Academic English Language for HE Study (20 credits)

This unit will support you to acquire and develop your academic English language skills in areas such as academic writing, research and presentations to prepare you for undergraduate study. You’ll be supported to develop your language proficiency, along with your understanding and practice of both UAL and UK academic conventions and standards.

You’ll be required to complete a series of written assignments, and also have the option to take the UAL Progress Test at the end of Term 3 if required in order to meet the minimum entry requirements for undergraduate study at UAL.

Cultural and Contextual Studies for Design, Media, and Screen (20 credits)

This unit will require you to undertake a personal, independent study where you’ll investigate the work of others from both historical and contemporary specialist fields. You’ll be supported to explore a range of research methods, and to develop your written and spoken communication skills.

Through a series of workshops, visits, seminars and written assignments, you’ll be encouraged to make connections to wider social and cultural debates, developing academic skills and knowledge in preparation for study at undergraduate level.

Introduction to HE Studies in Design, Media, and Screen (20 credits)

This unit is an intensive period of study which will enable you to experiment, collaborate and explore ideas, materials and media relevant to your interests by undertaking a series of practical projects that focus on your chosen area of study within design, media or screen.

You’ll be encouraged to work in a multidisciplinary way, and to research, develop and evaluate ideas, building a portfolio of work appropriate for undergraduate interview while being expected to maintain a comprehensive online reflective journal and to develop a series of sketchbooks. You’ll learn the key skills of time management and effective self-directed learning, both of which are essential for successful undergraduate study.

Personal Project (40 credits)

In this unit, you’ll propose and undertake a personal project agreed with your tutor. You’ll be expected to synthesise all the learning, skills, and experience that you’ve acquired so far to develop a body of work that demonstrates your readiness to progress to a suitable undergraduate course at London College of Communication.

Meet the course director

Student work

  • An image comprised of rows of bright, colourful gaming graphics on screens
    Jiayu Yang, 2026 Level 3 Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • A digital rendition of tower bridge on a black blackground overlaid with block text 'Graffiti', a serial number and the artist's name.
    Minghe Zhang, 2026 Level 3 Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • Two young people in a drama-style scene with block white caps text overlaid: 'STRANGERS'
    Mobina Hozhabri, 2026 Level 3 Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Fashion, UAL
  • A digital collage featuring people and objects around a table and the word 'Connection' in red text across the centre
    Yuxin Feng, 2026 Level 3 Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Fashion, UAL

Explore more student work on UAL Showcase

Staff

Academic English Language Lecturer

Mateusz Galka

Associate Lecturers

Dominic Dyson

Alize Sotelo Gutierrez

Visting Practioners

Zhongting Sun
Fanyan Kong
Tripoom Chongpanisook

Fees and funding

International fee

£25,155

This fee is correct for 2027/28 entry and is subject to change for 2028/29 entry.

You will also need to pay an Awarding Body Registration fee. This was £175 for entry in autumn 2026.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Additional costs

You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees, such as materials and equipment specific to your course. For a list of general digital equipment you may need (and how you can borrow equipment), visit our Study costs page.

Accommodation

Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost, and other living expenses you'll need to consider.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.

If you’re based in the UK and plan to visit UAL for an Open Event, check if you’re eligible for our UAL Travel Bursary. This covers the costs of mainland train or airline travel to visit UAL.

How to pay

Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.

Scholarship search

Or view all

Entry requirements

Successful completion of school education including a certificate of achievement to at least Level 2 (GCSE equivalent).

APEL (Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases. 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.

English Language Requirements

All classes are taught in English. If English isn't your first language you must provide evidence at enrolment of the following:

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.

We cannot accept any non-SELT tests. Please check our English Language Requirements page for a full list of SELT tests accepted by UAL.

If you speak English as an additional language, we encourage you to join one of UAL's language development classes to continue improving your language skills during your studies.

Selection criteria

In addition to meeting the entry requirements, we are looking for you to demonstrate through your portfolio:

  • Evidence of interest in media, design, and screen as a future career.
  • Motivation to engage and succeed in the course.
  • Potential and motivation to progress to an undergraduate course at LCC.
  • An interest in increasing your skills through personal and professional development (PPD).

How we assess your application

Your application form is reviewed when you apply to the University. If you have achieved or expect to achieve the standard entry requirements you will be invited to submit a portfolio. Your portfolio is then assessed by our academic team who will make a decision on your application.

Information for disabled applicants

UAL is committed to achieving inclusion and equality for disabled students. This includes students who have:

     
  • Dyslexia or another Specific Learning Difference
  • A sensory impairment
  • A physical impairment
  • A long-term health or mental health condition
  • Autism
  • Another long-term condition which has an impact on your day-to-day life

Our Disability Service arranges adjustments and support for disabled applicants and students.

Read our Disability and dyslexia: applying for a course and joining UAL information.

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

For a general guide to applying to our courses, read our pre-degree application advice.

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 500 words and include:

  • your reasons for choosing the course
  • your current creative practice and how this course will help you achieve your future plans
  • any relevant education and experience, especially if you do not have any formal academic qualifications.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

Once you have completed your initial application, we will usually ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit these via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 20 pages
  • include examples of relevant work that demonstrates your interest in your chosen pathway. If you’re applying for the Media pathway, please submit a combination of visual images and written work to demonstrate your writing and research skills.
  • include visual arts work from school/college or any other projects such as drawings, moving images, photographs, visual research, audio clips, written work, research, digital layouts etc.

Please follow these practical guidelines:

  • If you're including written work in your portfolio, copy and paste it into the Title box. There is no character limit for this box.
  • You cannot upload PDF files.
  • If you're sharing work hosted online, such as a blog or website, make sure you provide a clickable link.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Final step: After you apply

Find out how we'll communicate with you and see what happens after you apply.

Apply now

Application deadline

This course is only open to International students. Please apply using the International applicants tab.

Apply now

Application deadline

27 January 2027, 1pm (GMT)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applicants until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

Careers

UAL Alumni Association

Our alumni association offers graduates support and a number of benefits.

Student Jobs & Careers

Find out how careers and employability helps our students and graduates start their careers.

UAL School of Pre-degree Studies

Contact

Telephone

+44 (0)20 7514 7637

Address

UAL Pre-degree Studies
40 Lime Grove
London
W12 8EA