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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
London College of Communication
Start date
September 2023
Course length
15 weeks

The Level 3 International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen is a 15-week online course which prepares international students to apply to undergraduate degrees in Design, Media and Screen at London College of Communication. With practical and theoretical portfolio preparation, you’ll have the opportunity to choose from a range of subjects including graphic design, advertising, public relations, interaction design, illustration, branding, animation, film and photography.

Why choose this course at London College of Communication

  • Trans-disciplinary learning: Explore your creative, academic and professional potential as you develop integrated ways of working across Design, Media and Screen.
  • Flexible entry: You can choose to start the course in either September 2022 or February 2023.
  • Accessibility: Wherever you are in the world, studying online will connect you to a diverse, global community of course-mates and tutors.
  • UAL Library Services: You’ll have 24-hour access to a wide range of digital resources, along with additional support from a dedicated course librarian.
  • Potential for further study: By studying on Level 3: International Introduction to Design, Media and Screen, you’ll be guaranteed an interview for an undergraduate course at London College of Communication.

Open Days

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

Explore life at LCC with our interactive Virtual Open Day.

Please note

This is an online course for international students only. The course is 15 weeks in duration and NQF level 3.

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. With opportunities to discover and test your focus, you’ll match your skillset to the most suitable route for your future development.

Offered online, Level 3: Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen provides increased accessibility for overseas students to engage with an international community, including the ability to connect and engage with others through an online virtual studio.

You’ll be able to experiment and discover your preferred media and pathways, while visiting practitioners will enrich your understanding of design, media and screen in professional contexts.

Reflecting the breadth of opportunity within the global creative industries, you’ll also be able to consider progression opportunities available within undergraduate courses at London College of Communication (LCC).

Progression and opportunities

Level 3: Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen has been designed to help you develop your skills and creative thinking.

As you move through a diagnostic and integrated curriculum, your tutors will provide advice and guidance based on your performance to help you decide which undergraduate course is most suitable for you to apply to.

The course will guarantee you an interview for an undergraduate course at London College of Communication.

Please note that all offers will be conditional on meeting the entry requirements, including holding an up-to-date IELTS test (or equivalent certificate) at a level appropriate to your destination course.

Courses that you can apply to within the Design School include:

Courses that you can apply to in the Media School include:

Courses that you can apply to within the Screen School include:

Language support

English language support and academic writing guidance will be provided throughout the course and are fully integrated into the programme, ensuring that you'll be well-prepared for study at undergraduate level.

Mode of study

This course is for international students only. The course is 15 weeks in duration and NQF level 3.

Contact us

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

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course units

Introduction to Study for Design, Media and Screen (20 credits)

Through a range of interactive online workshops, you’ll be introduced to the course, the academic and support team, and London College of Communication itself.

This unit is diagnostic, and you’ll explore a range of media and processes to help you make an informed decision regarding your specialist studies. You’ll also be introduced to the variety of academic skills required for development on the course, including research (primary and secondary), idea development, reflection, independent study and outcome production.

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

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

You’ll also be encouraged to make connections to wider social and cultural debates, developing necessary academic skills and knowledge in preparation for further study at undergraduate level. This may be through activities such as lectures, seminars, written assignments, and museum and gallery virtual exhibitions.

Specialist Studies (20 credits)

Offering an intensive period of study which enables you to experiment and collaborate while exploring ideas, materials and media relevant to your interests, this unit will ask you to undertake 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, researching, developing and evaluating ideas in ways that help you to build a portfolio of work appropriate for undergraduate applications.

Additionally, by maintaining a comprehensive, online, reflective journal, and by developing a series of sketchbooks, you’ll learn key skills of time management and effective self-directed learning which are essential for successful study.

  • If you choose to focus on design, you’ll explore a range of disciplines such as still and motion graphics, typography, illustration, design for branded spaces and design for art direction. You'll have opportunities to develop your 2D and 3D making skills, and be encouraged to research and develop ideas using sketchbooks.
  • If you choose to focus on media, you’ll explore areas such as journalism, advertising, public relations and photography. You’ll develop their research skills alongside your practical, technical and theoretical knowledge.
  • If you choose to focus on screen-based work, you’ll have the opportunity to explore animation, games design and filmmaking. Set projects will encourage you to explore narrative ideas using photography, storyboards, and film, and with support from your tutors, you’ll have access to digital imaging resources that will facilitate your production of work based in both still and moving image.

Personal Project (30 credits)

You'll be expected to combine all of the learning, skills, and experience that you’ve acquired so far in order to develop a body of work that demonstrates your readiness to progress to a suitable undergraduate course at London College of Communication.

Online Open Day

(Recorded November 2022)

Interim Programme Director Trudi Esberger gives an overview of what it's like to study the Level 3: International Introduction to the Study of Design, Media and Screen.

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.

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

£14,140

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 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.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

English Language Requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.

The level required by the University for this course is:

  • IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 4.5 in any one skill)

Please note: You can take the IELTS Academic Test (not for UKVI) as the course is studied online.

Please check our main English Language Requirements page.

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.

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.

Apply now

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

There are two ways international students can apply:

Apply now to start in September 2023

After you have made your application, you will be asked to upload an electronic portfolio, and you may be asked to show it at an online/telephone interview. Details will be sent via the UAL Portal.

Application deadline

There is no application deadline for this course. Applications are considered throughout the year and until the course is full. or further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Application page.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner. Read our Admissions Policy for details, including how and when to request a deferral.

After you apply

Immigration history check

International applicants, whether applying through a UAL representative or by 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.

Successful applicants will be guided through the rest of our admissions stages and towards enrolment on the course.

Visas and Immigration

Applicants who will need a Student Visa should check the Visas and Immigration page which provides important information about UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) requirements.

Initial application check

All application forms, personal statements and references are read and considered by the academic team against the selection criteria listed in the Entry Requirements and Selection Criteria sections.

Portfolio advice

Applicants to all pathway areas of study will be asked to upload an electronic portfolio of work (maximum of 20 images) - moving images, still images or audio clips.

In your portfolio, you should include any examples of relevant work that you think shows us your interest in and commitment to the relevant pathway area of study.

You can include your visual arts work from school or college, or any other projects you have worked on, for example:

  • Drawings
  • Photographs
  • Visual research images
  • Blogs
  • Digital layouts
  • Research for a written piece

Media pathway applicants

If you are applying to the Media pathway area of study, please submit a combination of both visual images and written work evidencing writing and research activities showing interest and engagement with the area of study.

If uploading written work, this should be saved and then uploaded as an image, or the text can be pasted into an image title text box.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the outcome of your application through the UAL Applicant Portal.

Requesting feedback

This course receives a high number of applications, and we can’t provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you’ve had an interview.

If you would like to request feedback – please email lcc.international@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.

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. You will be interviewed for an undergraduate course and provided you meet all entry requirements and the conditions of your offer you will progress.