International Foundation Diploma (IFD)

Our International Foundation Diploma sets out to help you discover a preferred area of practice. You'll develop core learning skills and extend your understanding of creative processes in preparation for undergraduate study or employment. This is an intensive course that gives you insight into contemporary creative practices and the potential to focus your studies into specialist areas.

During the course you’ll work in our purpose-built Foundation building and studios, developing a sound understanding of the creative processes, techniques and practical skills needed to study at undergraduate level.

During this online part of the course, there’ll be a series of creative sessions and tutorials every week. The course will introduce you to the style and level of learning needed at foundation level, covering aspects such as understanding the creative process, critiquing your work, research, and inspiration. It also provides a chance for you to meet course staff, and fellow students and find out more about life at AUB.

During stage one, you'll explore broad core principles and working practices in Art, Design and Media which will lead you to discover your preferred area of study. At the same time, you'll start to improve your critical comprehension and creative skill sets. The course also provides insight into the range of options available to you at Stage two.

The course offers multiple 'specialisms' giving you the opportunity to choose your creative pathway.

The specialism for Stage two are:

• Graphic Communication
• 3D – Art, Craft and Design
• Fashion, Costume and Textiles
• Photography
• Fine Art
• Film and Animation
• Illustration

During Stage two, you'll engage with several projects and begin to focus your portfolio towards your specialist areas. You'll also make your Higher Education application through UCAS.

Stage three consists of a self-initiated project, which is discussed and agreed with your tutor and managed more independently. In this stage, you can put into practice all the skills that you've learned from the first two stages. Your final outcomes creative outcomes will be exhibited in TheGallery and campus studios as part of AUB’s annual summer shows.

In Stage two you’ll confirm your specialist area of practice, carrying out two projects linked to your specialism. You'll be supported by tutorials and reviews and encouraged to expand your specialist knowledge and awareness of practitioners as well as relevant skills and techniques.

You’ll continue developing your portfolio within Stage 2 and will attend workshop and tutorial sessions, either virtual or on campus to help with this.

You'll also complete your direct application to AUB or UCAS application within this Stage, with advice on personal statement writing and Interview technique.

At the end of Stage 2, you'll be assessed and receive a detailed review of your work to help you to form your plan for Stage 3. You must pass this stage before you can progress onto Stage 3.

The specialist areas are:

• Fine Art
• Graphics and Communication
• Illustration
• Fashion, Costume and Textiles
• 3D
• Photography
• Film and Animation

This module will give you the opportunity to practise and build your confidence in a range of academic skills needed to succeed in your studies with us at AUB, while also improving your ability to express yourself in an academic way.

All content is tailored to studying at an arts institution and will involve interactive, student-centred learning. Some sessions will be dedicated to students who need to meet the language requirements for direct entry into a degree, to help them improve their general language skills.

Tutorials will also be available for students who would like more focused academic support.

You’ll receive a UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3) on completion of your Foundation course.

Successfully completing the Foundation course guarantees you a place on one of our BA Honours degree courses at AUB.* You’ll agree the course that you’d like to study for with your tutor.

*BA (Hons) Acting and (BA Hons) Dance are audition-based.

All students who successfully complete this IFD course are guaranteed progression onto one of undergraduate courses.*

AUB Progression Bursary: IFD students who progress onto an AUB undergraduate course are eligible for a Progression Bursary of up to £9,000 (£3,000 per year).

This is a fast track 24-week preparatory qualification in Art, Design and Media; you'll explore different creative approaches before choosing the specialism you wish to pursue at degree level. Delivered through a blended learning approach, the course includes practical workshop and studio sessions as well as online lectures, creative tutorials, self-guided study projects and group discussions. The course aims to develop your ability to learn independently – an essential skill for further study – so you'll be encouraged to experiment, take risks and be ambitious in your thinking and ideas. Your tutor will support you with regular feedback and mentoring sessions to develop your confidence and help you decide upon your artistic direction.

The course also includes a supportive programme of preparation for academic study sessions alongside the creative aspects of the course, giving you the opportunity to develop your academic English language skills in the context of art and design.

*With the exception of BA (Hons) Acting and (BA Hons) Dance which are audition-based.

Applicants will need to meet our academic entry requirements for Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

• Students need to have completed their secondary education qualification in their country. We're looking for the equivalent of a minimum of two GCE A Level passes at Grade C or above. More specific requirements are listed on our academic entry requirements for Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

All applicants will need to meet our English language requirements for the IFD/Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

• We're looking for Academic IELTS with an overall score of 5.0 and a minimum score of 4.5 in each band or an equivalent. The alternatives that we accept are listed in our English language requirements for the IFD/Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

If you have any questions about our entry requirements then please contact admissions for help.