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Pre-degree

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

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.
College
UAL School of Pre-degree Studies Start date
September 2025 Course length
1 year

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

The next Open Day for this course will be announced soon.

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.

  • 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:

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

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

Contact us

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

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 (40 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 (20 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.

Student work

  • kseniia-osetrova-my-body.jpeg
    Work by Kseniia Osetrova
  • canyu-fang-typography-level3.jpg
  • Hanxiang-Zhou5.jpg
    Hanxiang Zhou, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Maneemas-Wirojsakulchai.jpg
    Maneemas Wirojsakulchai, Elephant and Castle, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Zemei-Wang2.jpg
    Zemei Wang, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Shuman-Chan.jpg
    Shuman Zhan, Chinese Traditional Clothing (Chi-Pao), Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Hanxiang-Zhou3.jpg
    Hanxiang Zhou, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • shuang-li-level3.jpg
  • shuang-li-level34.jpg
    Shuang Li, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen.
  • Cindy-Qu.jpg
    Cindy Qu, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Zemei-Wang.jpg
    Zemei Wang, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.
  • Hanxiang-Zhou6-.jpg
    Hanxiang Zhou
  • Hanxiang-Zhou2.jpg
    Hanxiang Zhou, Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen, London College of Communication, UAL.

Staff

Curriculum Leader

Michelle Lin Braby

Studio Lecturers

Lucy Orr
Paula Nessick

Academic English Language Lecturer

Gemma Whittel

Associate Lecturers

Chris de Selincourt
Kasia Piechota
Dominic Dyson

Fees and funding

International fee

£23,940

This fee is correct for 2025/26 entry and is subject to change for 2026/27 entry.

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 and interview:

  • 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.

Please note: applicants may be invited to an online/telephone interview.

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.

Apply now

Application deadline

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

Apply now

Application deadline

26 February 2025 at 1pm (UK time)

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

If you apply by the deadline, we will get back to you with a decision by 14 May 2025.

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

How to apply

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

Step 1: Initial application

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.

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will 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.

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

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. If your course requires a portfolio and/or video task, we may request these before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

We do not accept any deferral requests for our pre-degree courses. This means that you must apply in the year that you plan to start your course and you will not be able to defer your place to start at a later date.

Careers

If you successfully complete the course, you will gain a qualification and have the opportunity to progress to an undergraduate course at London College of Communication. Provided you meet all entry requirements and the conditions of your offer you will progress.

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 7515

Address

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