Program Overview

Introduction to the Arts Foundation Year

The Arts Foundation Year at Lincoln is the first interdisciplinary year of a four-year degree programme for a wide range of degree courses, including Animation and Visual Effects; Architecture; Creative Advertising; Fine Art; Graphic Design; Illustration; Interior Architecture and Design; Photography; and Product Design.

Program Description

All students follow the same dynamic curriculum, expanding their knowledge of the creative industries through practice, workshops, research, and theory. Whilst students need to apply for a named degree, they have the opportunity to explore alternative disciplines before progressing onto their degree. It is ideal for students who are not completely sure of their degree specialism, haven't had the opportunity to study art and design at school, are returning to education, would benefit from time to gain confidence and adjust to degree-level studies, or have achieved lower than expected grades.

Programmes and Entry Requirements

The Arts Foundation Year is designed as a pathway to undergraduate study for those who are not sure which subject to study at degree level, may have had a break in education, or perhaps do not have the standard entry requirements for a degree. The standard entry requirements for each degree programme can be found on the relevant course pages. Foundation Year requirements for these programmes are shown below:

• Course Title | UCAS Code | A Level Requirements | GCSE Requirements | T Level Requirements | BTEC Extended Diploma
• Animation and Visual Effects with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W271 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Bachelor of Architecture (Hons) with Arts Foundation Year | K104 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) above including English and Mathematics | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Creative Advertising with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W215 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Photography with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W232 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Fine Art with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W103 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Graphic Design with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W292 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Illustration with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W224 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Interior Architecture and Design with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W252 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Photography with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W602 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP
• Product Design with Arts Foundation Year - BA (Hons) | W202 | 64 points from 2 A Levels at grade C or above or equivalent qualification | 3 GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above including English | Pass (D or E on the Core) | MPP

How You Study

The Arts Foundation Year is taught in studios by highly qualified academics, creative practitioners, and professional support staff at the University. Students will be taught through a combination of studio-based projects, workshops, lectures, seminars, group and individual tutorials, and have access to specialist teaching facilities, equipment, and purpose-built workshops.

Modules

All students study the same four modules:

• Studio Practice 1: This module is comprised of lots of short projects to introduce students to alternative processes, materials, techniques, and approaches.
• Studio Practice 2: This module consists of a number of longer projects with a more conceptual focus.
• Advanced Studio Practice: The Advanced Studio Practice module provides an opportunity to undertake a six-week extended project in response to a 'typical specialist' brief.
• Contextual Studies Module: This year-long module will introduce students to some of the key ideas, theoretical concepts, practices, creative approaches, and a variety of historical and cultural contexts relevant to art, design, and architecture.

Special Features

As part of the course, students may have the opportunity to take part in activities and creative projects. Additionally, all students can access talks from visiting speakers from a broad range of disciplines throughout the year.

How You Are Assessed

As this course aims to develop a wide range of practical and intellectual skills, assessment is varied and includes individual and group practical work and portfolios, presentations, and academic essays. There are no formal end-of-year examinations. Throughout the degree, students are assessed through their production of practical and written work.

Course Fees

• 2026/27 | UK | International
• Full-time | £9,535 per level* | £18,300
• Part-time | £79.00 per credit point† | N/A
• Placement Year (optional) | £1,850 | £1,850
• Studying Abroad (full year) | £1,385 | £1,385

Additional Costs

Students on the Arts Foundation programme will incur some additional costs for specialist art materials throughout the duration of their study, trips, exhibition fees, entry fees, and printing. Students will need to provide their own drawing materials, paper, pencils, and sketchbooks. A materials list is provided at the beginning of the academic year. Equipment and some specialist materials and printer credits are supplied by the University. Adobe Creative Suite access is also provided.