Skip to main content Go to Site Map
A portfolio book open showing two pages of work. The book is propped up on top of documents and other pieces of work.

Portfolio Preparation for the Creative Arts (stage 2)

This practical course has been specially designed for young artists aged 16-18 to prepare their artwork and portfolio for applying to study a Foundation Diploma.

To book your young artist’s place today, simply click the 'Book Now' button to be taken to AUB's secure online store, where you can complete your booking. You can also sign up to our newsletter for Saturday Art School updates.

What you need to know

When does it run?

Spring Term

Saturday 27 January – 6 April 2024

(Please note, there's no session on Saturday 30 March due to campus closure over Easter)

How long is the course?

10 Saturdays

What time are the classes?

10.00-13.00

Where does it take place?

Classes will take place on AUB's campus.

Your young artist will be taught in AUB's industry-standard studios with access to professional resources.

Who's this course for?

This course has been developed for aspiring artists aged 16-18.

It’s been developed for artists that are preparing for the next step in their creative journey and are looking to apply for a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

This age range is a guide; please contact us if your young artist is outside this recommended age group and we’ll discuss whether it’s suitable for them. We assess queries like this on a case-by-case basis.

Does my young artist need any qualifications or experience?

No. This is an introductory course, so your young artist doesn't need any previous experience, just buckets of enthusiasm!

Even though your young artist may be considering applying to study a Foundation Diploma, it’s not a requirement for the course to have an application in progress. We welcome any youngsters that keen to prepare their art portfolio.

I’m not sure if this is suitable for my young artist. Can I speak to someone?

Yes of course! If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for your young artist, get in touch with us: email saturdayartschool@aub.ac.uk or call +44 (0) 1202 363222.

Why should you choose this course?

This course is designed for budding creatives to be curious, experimental, and discover their unique creative voice.

Your young artist will learn alongside up to 16 other like-minded youngsters, make friends, and have fun along the way.

At the end of the course, your young artist will leave with a fully developed, innovative and exciting personal portfolio of work which demonstrates emerging ideas, interests, and motivations. Plus, they’ll have the tools to succeed in applying to study a Foundation Diploma and understand what to expect if applying to study at AUB.

They’ll have an increased confidence in their abilities, a wealth of new skills that they can apply to their everyday life and beyond, and an excitement for future art and design studies.

How much does this course cost?

£239

What's included in this price?

  • All course materials and resources

What should you bring to class?

  • Everything your young artist will need to take part in the course will be provided by us – no hidden costs!
  • Classes are practical, so wear clothes that you don't mind your young artists getting messy

About this course

Delivered in our state-of-the-art Foundation studios, on this course aspiring artists have the unique opportunity to experience life as an AUB student. This course will prepare them for applying to study a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, finesse their talent, and consolidate their current creative understanding. They’ll explore the Foundation Diploma application process (or equivalent study level) and develop a robust and impressive portfolio to help them succeed.

Taught by our vastly experienced staff, your aspiring artists will receive direction and support to enable them to develop and complete a diverse body of art, design, and media work. They’ll undertake a series of immersive and challenging project briefs, as well as explore and appreciate the approaches and methodologies required for Foundation Diploma study.

Across the 10-week course, your aspiring artists will take part in a variety of subject specific workshops, to allow them to develop a wide range of skills and techniques. This includes sessions in drawing, painting, 3D, life drawing, and sculpture. They’ll also undertake work in a variety of mediums, allowing them the chance to explore and experiment with their ideas.

Your young artists will be encouraged to harness their natural style and be themselves. In doing so, they’ll develop their unique personal style and creative voice that’ll enable them to express their interests and viewpoints effortlessly.

Students will also receive guidance on interview preparation, techniques and how to self-promote ideas, intentions, and ambitions.

  • Skills in the fundamentals of visual practice and research
  • Subject specific workshops, including drawing, painting, conceptual idea development, 3D, printmaking, collage, life drawing, and sculpture
  • Working with a range of mixed media
  • Fundamental creative techniques and methods
  • Observational and expressive drawing techniques
  • Sketchbook development
  • Independent research, idea development and experimental work
  • Analyse and respond to the work of historical and contemporary artists and designers
  • Continual formative appraisal and critique
  • Guidance on portfolio development and presentation
  • Advice on photographing and digitising work
  • Portfolio review and progression advice
  • Receive support in making an application to study at AUB

  • Possess improved fundamental art and design skills as well as new skills and techniques
  • Feel fully prepared to apply to study a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and approach it with confidence and the tools to succeed
  • Have an improved understanding of the creative processes required for a range of art and design subjects
  • Be the proud owner of a robust and exciting portfolio of work that they’ve completed throughout the course and demonstrates emerging ideas, interests, and motivations
  • Have increased confidence in their own skills and when sharing their work and discussing ideas
  • Have boosted creativity and imagination
  • Untap their potential and talent
  • Appreciate the importance of good time management
  • Be encouraged to experiment and explore their ideas
  • Appreciate teamwork and team building ethics
  • Feel inspired by the new skills they've learnt and from sharing ideas with new friends
  • Have the foundations to continue creating beyond this course

All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Saturday Art School certificate of attendance.

After this course, your young artist could:

  • We’ll equip your young artist with the skills they need to succeed in the next step of their creative journey
  • We understand how important young creative artists are – they've so much potential, untapped abilities, and enthusiasm
  • Your young artist will study at a leading specialist university – we know what we're doing when it comes to providing unparalleled courses
  • We encourage your young artist to be themselves and explore their existing interests; as such we harness their natural style and flair to enable them to develop their unique creative voice
  • Our tutors are industry professionals, so they'll learn from the best
  • We cater for all abilities and have no formal entry requirements for this course, so there's nothing holding your young artist back
  • Your young artist will learn in a safe and encouraging environment where there's no right or wrong way to be creative
  • They'll learn 'by doing' and always feel fully included, respected, and supported
  • They'll benefit from our incredible campus and its industry-standard studios, and use state-of-the-art equipment and software to unleash their creativity
Pink background with yellow squiggle. Black text reads 'Start their creative journey'.

Book your young artist's place today

Book now