Creative degrees like fine arts, design or architecture have always been in demand, but are rising in popularity owing to the increasing recognition in today’s society. If you are interested in an artistic career, you can choose from a wide range of programmes at different levels catering to different art disciplines.
While it is possible to start your art education directly with a bachelor’s degree, it can be quite beneficial to do it after an art foundation programme. You can choose from hundreds of art foundation courses in London that can provide you with the right foundation for an art career.
This blog lets you learn more about an art foundation course through a series of frequently asked questions and delve into aspects such as the subjects you can cover in the programme or its eligibility criteria.
Question 1: What does an art foundation course involve?
Most art foundation courses are one-year programmes that can help you bridge the knowledge gap between a secondary school level and an undergraduate degree level. It elevates your subject knowledge in different art disciplines to a level required for studying them in-depth in a university.
Many universities offer art foundation courses in combination with bachelor’s programmes as a sort of integrated curriculum. However, it is possible to enrol in a stand-alone art foundation programme.
Question 2: Who should pursue an art foundation course?
Art foundation courses are mandatory for all students in the UK who want to pursue an undergraduate degree in art. An art foundation programme can also help international students acclimatise to university settings and settle down before their undergraduate degree.
Question 3: What will you cover in an art foundation programme?
An art foundation programme generally equips you with many generic and transferable skills that can serve you in an artistic career. This can include general English training, research process, business expertise and a general introduction to your preferred art discipline.
Depending on your choice of undergraduate specialisation, art foundation programmes can be categorised as the following.
- Art foundation diploma in architecture
- Art foundation diploma in animation
- Art foundation diploma InDesign
- Art foundation diploma in film
- Art foundation diploma in illustration
- Art foundation diploma in fine arts
Question 4: What can be the general syllabus of an art foundation programme?
The syllabus of an art foundation diploma can vary a lot depending on the type of undergraduate specialisation you have selected and the university offering the course. However, most art foundation programmes include similar subjects such as:
- English for academic purposes
- Introduction to creative business management
- Marketing and branding communication
- Visual culture
- Art practices and techniques
Question 6: What can be the general criteria for applying to an art foundation programme?
Most art foundation programmes in the UK have reasonably relaxed eligibility criteria to allow a maximum number of students to fulfil their artistic career goals. Here are some of the most common entry criteria for art foundation courses.
- A high school diploma or a secondary level school certificate score
- A decent score in an English language proficiency test like IELTS
- Proof of identity and a work portfolio
