If you wish to pursue an educational or career progression within the specialist fields of fashion, textiles, or design for performance then this one year course is ideal. You will be able to build upon your previous experience and establish a future direction. The course allows you to develop your intellectual awareness whilst building relevant practical skills.

During the first part of the course you will have a period of exploratory study introducing you to art and design research methods and materials, ideas development, evaluation and reflection. You will also be introduced to the range of specialist pathways available to you.

Pathways include:

• Womenswear/Menswear - including pattern cutting, garment construction and fashion drawing
• Textiles for Fashion - including knitting, embroidery, weaving, screen printing and batik
• Design for Performance - including prototype construction, costume construction, work with plastics, moulding and casting
• Footwear and Accessories - including pattern cutting, mock-up construction and prototype construction
• Fashion Image - including image manipulation, computer aided design, moving image and creating shoot environments

Following this initial introduction you will select your area of specialist study before moving onto the next stage of the course. The emphasis during the second part of the course is on supporting you in identifying, building on and matching your skills to ensure you make the right application to the right discipline at Higher Education level.

Each pathway continues to provide the opportunity to develop your own individual creative potential, within your chosen specialism. Underpinned by a continuing programme of visual and cultural studies. The final part of the course builds on your knowledge and skills, allowing you to work on a self-initiated final project. It is expected that by this stage you will be capable of investigating, developing and realising your ideas with a growing level of professionalism and independence in preparation for studying at degree level or seeking employment in your chosen field.

You will be assessed throughout the course and all subject areas will be assessed as project submissions. The final project is graded and externally assessed.

The majority of successful students use this year of study to progress to specialist higher education courses both within the University of the Arts London and nationally.

You should:

• have 1 A Level at a pass grade as well as 3 GCSE subjects grade C or above, or equivalent qualifications
• show motivation to succeed on the course
• have IELTS level of 5 or equivalent if you are an International/EU student and English is not your first language
  

Preferred subjects include Art, Design, English and Maths.

We welcome applications from mature students.

Home/EU Applicants

All applications to study for Foundation Diploma in Art and Design should be made direct to the College using the Foundation Studies application form for University of the Arts London.

This application form will allow you to apply for one Foundation Diploma course only at one of the colleges within University of the Arts London, which includes:

London College of Fashion
Camberwell College of Arts
Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design
Chelsea College of Art and Design
London College of Communication
Wimbledon College of Art

Alternatively, you can telephone (Automated Voicemail) +44 (0)20 7514 7500 clearly stating the course you wish to apply for.

Download an application form here.  The deadline is 29th January 2010. Please ensure that you send your application to 182 Mare Street, London E8 3RE.

In view of the possibility of postal strikes in the New Year we strongly recommend that application forms for the Foundation Diploma in Art & Design course are mailed by recorded delivery.  In the event of a strike we will accept late forms provided that applicants can prove that the form was mailed in time to meet the deadline date of 29 January 2010. Please retain the printed receipt.

If there are prolonged strikes we will post further instruction on this site. Please check regularly.

International Applicants

Read me: Information for international (non-EU) applicants.

Selection Process

An admissions tutor will review your application and you may be called for a portfolio review. Selection is based initially on academic qualifications and/or previous experience, references and your personal statement. The portfolio review may include a short interview with member/s of the course team.

Selection information for International Students.

If you are accepted onto the course you will be required to pay a minimal studio and materials fee of £45 on enrolment. Whilst on the course you are able to utilise a high volume of materials from a wide range of art and design subject areas in order to create your individual portfolio which you can then use to apply to higher education courses or to enter the industry.

Interview Dates 2010

Applicants who apply before the 29th January deadline may be eligible for early interview dates but may not receive a decision until all interviewees have been seen.

Interviews will run from 15th January 2010 and take place every Friday for 8 weeks.

Portfolio Advice

The portfolio should comprise of examples of investigation, development, and final pieces. This can include drawing (observation and life), colour study work, photography, collage, written notes and presentation sheet. Three-dimensional pieces are best photographed, and presented within the portfolio.

A portfolio can be any size that works for the content - A1, A2, etc. Our advice is to edit the work and compile the portfolio as a series of projects. The sheets do not have to be in plastic covers, as this is sometimes difficult to package and transport. As potential students who attend an interview, you will be asked to talk we will look through your portfolio and you will be asked to select and talk about a particular piece of work so you can compile the work with this presentation in mind. Keep the presentation format uncluttered and relevant. Avoid over decoration - this only detracts from the content.

You will be asked to talk through the portfolio, explaining how the projects were handled and asked questions about relevant issues raised i.e. you may have a particular use of colour, or style of presentation leave your portfolio for inspection and you will be asked to complete a questionnaire We are trying to find out about your interests, and how these influence your work. You may also be asked about general interests/activities, such as hobbies, travel experiences, music, cinemas, magazines, exhibition attendance, etc. You will then be asked to talk to us about a piece of your work.

Also see the general portfolio advice page