Pre-Foundation Preparation

Ages: 15-18
Dates: 4-15 August 2025

Overview

This 2-week intensive summer course is perfect for students aged 15-18 who are intending to apply for future Foundation studies in the Creative Arts, such as a Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

To book your 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 short course updates.

What you need to know

Monday 4 August – Friday 15 August 2025

Weekdays (Monday – Friday), 09.00-17.00

Saturday 9 August, 10.00-16.00

Age

Suitable for aspiring artists aged 15-18.

Experience or qualifications required

There are no formal academic entry requirements or qualifications needed to study this course. We only ask that you come with a passion for the creative arts and plenty of enthusiasm!

English language

This course will be taught in English. We don't require you hold an English language qualification, however we recommend you have an intermediate level of English in order to benefit fully from your experience, and be able to communicate with your tutors and fellow students.

If you'd like to discuss if this course is suitable for you, get in touch with us: summercourses@aub.ac.uk or +44 (0) 1202 363222.

All course materials and equipment/resources are included in the course fee.

Optional extras

You can choose to add the following optional extras to your course fee:

Accommodation and full-board catering
Accommodation and full-board catering plus Private taxi transfer to/from any London airport

See below for further details about our residential package.

Deposit

You can secure your place on the course today with just a 25% deposit of your total fee. Choose this option when you book your place. Refer to the table below for prices.

Package	Price	25% deposit
Course fee only	£1,699	£425
Course fee, accommodation and catering	£2,645	£662
Course fee, accommodation and catering plus airport taxis	£2,965	£742

Residential packages for 2-week summer courses (15-18yrs)

Experience life as an AUB student by booking a residential package as part of your Summer Course. Stay in AUB's halls of residence.

Six lengths of fabric of different patterns and colours hanging next to each other.

FAQs for 2-week summer courses

These FAQs have been carefully curated to answer any questions you may have about studying a creative summer course with us here at AUB.

Man kneeling on beach at sunset, holding a flaming torch above his head as a light shines down on him from the sky.

Terms and conditions for Summer Courses 15-18

Please read our terms and conditions before booking a summer course and contact us if you have any questions.

About this course

This course has been designed specifically to support students who are considering or plan to study a Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media. A Foundation Diploma is an excellent stepping stone between high school or college and an undergraduate degree; it gives you the opportunity to experiment, find your specialism, and grow as an artist.

On this course you'll develop a comprehensive understanding of Foundation studies at AUB, including what studying at this level involves, and how to best prepare a winning portfolio to accompany your application, that reflects your potential as a creative artist.

This summer course will support you to prepare a captivating portfolio that expresses your personal creativity and individual potential. You'll receive assistance preparing for the Foundation application process, including interview techniques, portfolio reviews, and personal direction to fully prepare you for successful application to AUB's Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

Across the two weeks, you'll be taught by dedicated AUB Foundation staff and specialist visiting tutors. You'll take part in a series of inspirational talks, portfolio workshops, and personal portfolio reviews with your tutors as you go along.

You'll explore the study programme of AUB's Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and will gain hands-on experience working in an environment identical to AUB’s Foundation course. In doing so, you'll come to appreciate the approaches and methodology needed for this type of study, fully preparing you to embark on this course at AUB.

You'll investigate a variety of creative areas and experiment with many different art forms, mediums, and techniques to develop your skills, talent, and personal potential. You'll focus on practical elements that'll be underpinned by research, exploration and imaginative experimentation. The whole process will show you the different opportunities and methods available to you to express yourself as a creative artist.

At the end of the course you'll take part in a special showcase to celebrate your imagination, skills, and creative abilities, alongside your fellow classmates.

Practical workshops and themed projects.
Analysis and response to the work of historical and contemporary artists and designers.
Creative idea and concept development.
Observational drawing.
Typography and design.
Experimental composition and collage.
Drawing and illustration.
Graphic design.
Fashion and textiles.
Photography and film.
Architecture and 3D design.
Mixed media and print making.
Project briefs.
Layout and portfolio showcase.
Portfolio reviews.
Application interview techniques.
A full itinerary of extracurricular evening and weekend activities, including a weekend cultural excursion at no additional cost.

Develop confidence in your creative skills and abilities.
Develop team participation and collaboration with your peers.
Provide experience and appreciation of connected creative subjects including art, design, animation, film, visual effects, graphic design, illustration, and visual communication.
Develop a varied portfolio of creative work to demonstrate your skills, ability, personal potential and creative identity.
Provide extended practical sessions to experiment with personal ideas and creative processes in a professional Higher Education setting.
Develop your observational and drawing skills to enhance your aesthetic awareness and inform your research activities.
Provide opportunities to experience a wide variety of media and mediums, in which to express yourself artistically.
Develop your understanding of research methods and idea development and cultivate your personal visual voice.
Provide opportunities for self-evaluation and critique to enhance your confidence and reflective skills when considering your own and your peer group work.
Support you in preparing a winning portfolio for successful application to Foundation level studies – take a look at the entry requirements for AUB's Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media.

Work produced during the course will be collated into a digital journal for you to add to your portfolio or for future development.
Your course tutors will offer guidance and support you with your creative applications, as well as feedback on your work and offer advice for your future creative studies.
All students with 100% course attendance will be issued with an official AUB Summer Course certificate detailing course contents and study hours.

Banner reads 'join our summer community' with a sun in the background

Book your place today

Book now

Future options to study at AUB

This summer course will fully prepare you to study AUB's Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media and become a #AUBMAKER. We'll guide you to create a winning portfolio and successful application.

Take a look at the entry requirements for AUB's Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Media and how to apply.

Each year, we’re proud to offer many of our summer students places on AUB’s incredible full-time creative courses. Explore courses that you may wish to consider below.