International Foundation Diploma (IFD)

Course highlights include:

• Specialist technical workshops
• Small group tuition
• Preparation for Academic Study
• An intensive and compact course spanning 24 weeks
• Regular 1-1 tutor review sessions
• Online feedback sessions
• Online group discussions
• A chance to curate and exhibit in a virtual exhibition

STAGE 1

Diagnostic investigation into creative practice (7 weeks)

This includes orientation and inductions – introducing students to a range of approaches, principles and processes.

You’ll attend specialist workshops either on campus or using our virtual campus to learn analogue and digital techniques:

• Understanding the Creative Process
• Sketchbook Development
• Experimental Drawing
• Painting
• Print and mixed media
• 3D Workshops
• Sound, Lens and Digital Media workshops including: Creating a blog
• Adobe Creative Suite workshops

You will be introduced to different projects and approaches: Art, Media and Design. As well as the creative aspects of the course you will also learn academic skills including researching, thinking critically and presenting your work. During Stage one you’ll start developing your portfolio and will attend workshop and tutorial sessions to help with this

At the end of Stage one, you’ll be assessed and receive a detailed review of your work to date, to help you decide which specialism you’d like to focus on.

At the end of Stage one, there will also be two reading weeks.

STAGE 2

Developing specialist practice (8 weeks)

In Stage two you’ll confirm your specialist area of practice, carrying out two projects linked to your specialism. You will 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 will also complete your direct application to AUB or UCAS application within this Stage. You will be given advice on personal statement writing and Interview technique.

At the end of Stage 2 you will 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

STAGE 3

Consolidating practice/final project (6 weeks)

For Stage Three you’ll focus on a longer project within the specialist area of your choice. You’ll work in a more independent way, developing your individual interests and working on portfolio material for your progression into Higher Education. Stage Three will culminate in your final assessment which is graded Pass, Merit or Distinction as well as your final exhibition.

Subjects covered:

• Research practices
• Project development methods
• Specialist workshops
• Ideas development
• Evaluation/Reflection strategies
• Presentation strategies
• Portfolio building
• Prep for Academic Study

All students will attend Preparation for Academic Study sessions across Stage 1 and 2.

This module will give you the opportunity to practise and build your confidence in a range of academic skills required to succeed in your studies at AUB (e.g. working with academic sources, writing effective essays and evaluations, listening and note-taking, presenting and evaluating your work), 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

The three stages of the course contain regular assessments that test the skills and language studied during the course. Successful completion of both the Preparation for Academic Study and the Foundation part of the course will ensure progression onto your chosen BA pathway.

Completing the course

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

As successfully completing the Foundation course guarantees you a place on one of our BA Honours degree courses, you will discuss your creative aspirations with your tutor and agree the course that you’d like to progress on to. Students who are keen to join one of our degree courses after completing this course are also able to make a Direct Application – proving a simplified and streamlined application route, with support from your course tutors.

PREPARATION FOR ACADEMIC STUDY

All students will attend 11 days of Preparation for Academic Study across Stage 1 and 2.

This integrated module will give you the opportunity to practise and build your confidence in a range of academic skills required to succeed in your studies at AUB (e.g. working with academic sources, writing effective essays and evaluations, listening and note-taking, presenting and evaluating your work), 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. Tutorials will also be available for students who would like more focussed academic support.

The three stages of the course contain regular assessments that test the skills and language studied during the course. Successful completion of both the Preparation for Academic Study and the Foundation part of the course will ensure progression onto your chosen BA pathway.