Preparation for BA Online Short Course

Course description

This course sets out the fundamental principles of the subject around which a BA (Hons) course is built. A series of key ideas lectures will introduce you to several important debates and theories that underpin contemporary art and design. Access to staff and the learning resources of the course, college and university will be explained. You will be introduced to a range of strategies to help you develop a research methodology and a reflective approach to your studies.

Course objectives:

To build upon an applicants technical skills through developing their contextual understanding of their chosen degree
To analyse the critical factors and key ideas influencing contemporary art, design and communication
To focus on visual strategies and approaches to research to improve creative, imaginative visual thinking
Introduce self-reflection and a critical analysis as an integral part of the creative learning experience
To build upon an applicants skills in communicating ideas, verbal and written

Additional features:

Tuition from the University of Arts London tutors
Research skills
Regular tutorials and feedback on portfolio progression

Who should attend?

Preparation to BA is designed to prepare International Students applying for a UAL undergraduate course. During the six week course, students will participate in a variety of projects and research activities. Regular group discussions and tutorials will build on communication skills and will support and prepare students for study in further education in art and design.

Course outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to demonstrate:

Knowledge of underlying concepts and debates associated with the subject
An approach to research in accordance with theories and concepts of the subject
An ability to evaluate the appropriateness of processes and skills in order to realise, select and present your intentions
The use of reflection and self-evaluation as learning tools
Transferable skills in communication, initiative and problem solving

All our online short courses include

Live online lessons with the same tutors
Lesson recordings, for review, so you never have to miss a class
Access to the virtual learning environment with course content
Forums for support
2 weeks online access to the recordings of the live classroom session

Activities will be scheduled between the hours of 09:00 15:00 (UK Time) and will include a mixture of live classes, one to one tutorials, crits, peer learning and independent study.

If it is not possible to attend classes at this time, due to your location and time zone, classes will also be available to attend between 16:00 to 19:30 (UK Time).

Entry requirements

If English isnt your first language you will need an intermediate level of English. If English is not your first language you should have IELTS 5.0 (or equivalent English language qualification) with at least 4.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
A portfolio of 15-20 examples of your work, for more information please visit the UAL's Portfolio Advice webpage.
Or, a conditional offer to study a full-time BA course at UAL

Making your application**

To apply for this course directly (if you do not already have a conditional offer to a BA course at UAL) please complete the Application Form. You will require:

A short statement (no more the 150 words) outlining your educational qualifications and reasons for applying to this course
15-20 high resolution images of your work
An IELTS (or equivalent English language qualification) of level 5.0 or above with at least 4.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Other certificates may be accepted

If you are progressing to a full time course at UAL after completing your programme and have English language qualifications as part of your offer, you are still required to meet these conditions. These will be listed in your offer letter.

We have added to the list of English language qualifications that we accept as proof of your English language ability. For example, we now accept the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma, TOEFL iBT at Home and LanguageCert English tests, as well as many more qualifications from secondary or high school education in certain countries.

Read our English language requirements webpage for the latest guidance.

**Submitting an application does not confirm you have booked a place. Please wait to receive an email confirmation that you have a place.

If you wish to apply to a full-time BA course at UAL, please note that a separate application must be made. For further details please visit the UAL Undergraduate course page.

Contact

E: portfolioprep@arts.ac.uk

Please note that all courses are taught in UK time.

Online courses are closed to all new bookings 48 hours prior to the course starting.

Available dates

Enquire about this course and we will contact you when new dates are published.

Details

Learning environment for full-time study in art and design.

Lectures
Group seminars and discussions
Group critiques
Workshops

Assessment

Assessment Records
Student Log
Evaluative Report (500 words, word processed)
Practical outcomes of set projects
Practical support work
Written Assignment (500 - 800 words, word processed)

Course Schedule

Week One - Two: Briefs comprised of a series of short introductory tasks followed by a longer brief to prepare you for methodologies used within UAL BA study. These weeks are preparatory for the final 3 weeks of the course.

Week Three - Six: Individual Study For the final three weeks of the course you are asked to define your own area of study. It is suggested that you work in a discipline that is challenging and exploring your intended BA specialism. You are expected to be exploratory and experimental in your approach. The work you produce will be assessed and shown in the final week of the course. As a starting point you are asked to write an individual programme of study, this will set out your aims for the project. A copy of this will be handed in at the start of the project, when you will also make a short presentation of your intentions.

During the project you will keep a ‘student log’ of your progress, reflecting on your decisions and your progress. You will also write an assignment that supports your work, in that it is related in subject matter, though not necessarily about your work. Your ‘student log’ will provide much of the information for the evaluative report that you will upload along with evidence of your practical outcomes and support work in the final week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make a booking?
Online via our website. Or, if paying by BACS, you will need to complete the online booking form.

Do I need an offer before applying to the Preparation course?
No, you can also apply to the Preparation course if you do not have an offer to a full time UAL course, you can make a direct application* by submitting the following documents to portfolioprep@arts.ac.uk. For more guidance on preparing a portfolio, please visit UAL’s Portfolio Preparation webpage.

A personal statement (maximum 50 words) outlining your educational qualifications and reasons for applying to this course.
An IELTS (or equivalent English language qualification) of level 5.0 or above with at least 4.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking. Other certificates may be accepted.*

Submitting an application does not confirm of your booking on the course. We will assess your work and email to inform you of our decision.

What documents must I provide with my booking?
Once we receive the following documents, we will check that you are eligible to study this course and send you an email confirming your place.

A copy of your passport
A copy of the required IELTS (or equivalent)

Read our English language requirements webpage for the latest guidance.

When is the deadline to submit my booking?
Bookings will be accepted up to one month before the start of the course. Please read section 8 of our terms and conditions carefully with particular attention to our refund policy.

When is the final date of enrolment?
The final date for enrolment is on the first Monday, one week after the start of the course.

Do I receive an accredited certificate on completion of the course?
No, a certificate of attendance will be issued on completion of the Preparation course.

Materials

We advise you to gather the following materials before starting the online course.

A4/A3 sketchbook
Glue stick
A selection of tape, including masking tape 
Drawing pencils Drawing pens
A selection of cutting tools such as: scissors, cutting knife with retractable blade
Cutting mat/ cutting surface such as thick card
Metal ruler
Access to colour media such as paint, pastels or coloured markers

Other materials that could be useful:

Sewing thread
Cotton string
Metal wire
Magazines
Mixed paper types
Any other found objects or materials that would be useful for image making and collage work.

The tech requirements:

A laptop or computer (a mobile phone will not be suitable)
An up-to-date web browser. (It would be advisable to ensure you have access to two separate web browsers, we recommend Safari and Google Chrome)
Microphone and headphones (a headset with a microphone function is recommended. The built-in microphone in your advice would also be suitable).
Webcam
Strong Internet connection - we recommend a minimum of 2 Mbps download, and 1 Mbps upload, faster if possible. You can test your network speed here - https://www.speedtest.net
Table (or wall) space that allows you to work to at least A2 size (420mms x 594mms) or bigger.

Meet the Tutor:

Preparation to BA is designed to prepare International Students applying for a UAL undergraduate course. Students will familiarise themselves with life in London during the six week course.

Qty:

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