International Foundation in Creative Practices
Program start date | Application deadline |
2025-09-01 | - |
2026-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
International Foundation in Creative Practices
Course Overview
The International Foundation in Creative Practices is a bespoke course designed to help international students prepare for an undergraduate degree in the UK. The course is highly practical and focuses on creative learning, English language development, and cultural discovery.
Course Structure
The course is divided into two semesters:
Semester One
- Exploring Creativity: This unit helps students explore and think about different forms of creative thinking and practice.
- Research, Inspiration and Speaking: English for Academic Purposes: This unit teaches students about research, academic presentations, and written reflections and evaluations.
- Creative Practical Skills 1: This unit introduces students to a range of technical and making practices.
Semester Two
- Creative Practice: This unit builds upon and develops students' knowledge, understanding, and skills of the ideas and practices.
- Research and Writing: English for Academic Purposes: This unit focuses on students' specialist area of study and explores broader cultural and creative work of others.
- Creative Practical Skills 2: This unit enhances students' practical skills, with increased focus on their subject area, in preparation for commencing their undergraduate study.
Facilities
At UCA Farnham, there is a dedicated studio for students on the International Pathway courses. Students also have access to shared facilities, including:
- 3D workshops with machines for working with a range of materials
- Digital media suites with Macs and PCs loaded with design software
- Open access print studios
Key Facts
- Specialist preparation with a student-to-staff ratio of 15:1
- English language and study skills support throughout the course
- Teaching methods include studio work, one-to-one tutorials, lectures, seminars, and practical workshops
- Assessment methods range from presentations and critiques to portfolio reviews
- Academic and student support, including personal tutorials and advice on personal and academic issues
Next Steps
Successfully completing all parts of the course guarantees progression to study one of UCA's undergraduate courses. The course helps students identify the direction of their future studies and prepares them for undergraduate level study.
Fees and Additional Costs
- Tuition Fees: £15,540 for international and EU students (Sept 2025 entry)
- Additional Course Costs: Students may need to budget for books, printing costs, occasional or optional study trips, and/or project materials
Entry Requirements
- Course Entry Requirements: 12 years of schooling (with good grades) and strong evidence of ability to successfully complete the programme and progress onto the chosen degree
- English Language Requirements: IELTS for UKVI test with an overall score of 5.0 and 4.5 in each component
Course Specifications
- Course Information: 2025/26 entry
- Student Regulations: Available on the UCA website
Student Work
- Examples of student work from the UCA International Foundation Show are available on the UCA website.
Program Outline
The program comprises two semesters
- Semester 1: Students explore and think about different forms of creative thinking and practice. They develop key skills in exploring creatively, including observation, investigation, experimentation, interpretation, documentation, and communication of their work. Students learn about research, present projects, and also complete English for Academic Purposes modules.
- Semester 2: Students initiate, research, develop, complete, present, and evaluate chosen specialist projects. They propose and undertake individual projects, explore broader cultural and creative work, and focus on their chosen specialist practice in the creative arts. This semester includes more advanced language and study skills training.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary between projects and presentations
- Presentations and critiques
- Portfolio reviews
- Essays with evaluations
Teaching:
Teaching methods include
- Studio work
- One-to-one tutorials
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Practical workshops
The use of materials, methods, and processes is taught and students develop their English language and academic study skills throughout the course
.
Careers:
Other:
- The program has a student-to-staff ratio of 15:1, enabling a high level of tutor interaction.
- Students develop their English language and academic study skills through an integrated program of critical studies.
- Opportunities for informal discussions are available through personal tutorials.
- Individual support and professional advice on personal and academic issues are offered, including help with next steps in studies or career.
- The program offers support in transitioning to a BA (Hons) degree course and assists with visa applications and other pastoral matters.
- The final projects are presented in a showcase at the end of the year. #
University of the Creative Arts
Overview:
University of the Creative Arts (UCA) is a specialist creative university in the UK, known for its high-quality art and design programs. It is ranked among the top specialist creative universities in the UK, particularly for its world-leading research outputs.
Services Offered:
UCA offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus accommodation options are available across its various campuses.Student Support:
Comprehensive student support services are provided, including academic guidance, career advice, and mental health support.Libraries:
Well-equipped libraries are available on each campus, providing access to a vast collection of resources.Students' Union:
The Students' Union offers a platform for student engagement, social activities, and representation.Galleries:
UCA has galleries on its campuses showcasing student and professional artwork.Fees & Finance:
Information on fees and funding options for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs is available.Student Life and Campus Experience:
UCA provides a vibrant and supportive campus environment for its students. The university emphasizes diversity and inclusion, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for all. Students can expect:
Active Student Life:
Opportunities for social interaction, clubs, societies, and events.Creative Community:
A strong sense of community among students and staff, passionate about the creative arts.Modern Facilities:
Access to state-of-the-art studios, workshops, and equipment.Campus Locations:
UCA has campuses in Canterbury, Epsom, Farnham, and Maidstone, offering diverse learning environments.Key Reasons to Study There:
High Rankings:
UCA consistently ranks among the top specialist creative universities in the UK.World-Leading Research:
The university excels in research, particularly in the field of art and design.Industry Connections:
Strong links with industry professionals and employers, providing valuable career opportunities.Diverse Programs:
A wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various creative disciplines.Supportive Environment:
A welcoming and inclusive campus culture that encourages student growth and development.Academic Programs:
UCA offers a comprehensive range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Programs:
Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees in various creative fields.Postgraduate Programs:
Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc), and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees.Research Degrees:
PhD and MPhil programs in specialized areas of creative research.Other:
International Students:
UCA welcomes international students and provides support services for their transition.Study Abroad:
Opportunities for students to study abroad at partner institutions.Innovation Hub:
UCA has an Innovation Hub that fosters collaboration and entrepreneurship among students and researchers.The provided context does not include information on the following sections:
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions diversity and inclusion, it lacks details about specific student life aspects and campus experiences.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context highlights rankings and research, but it does not explicitly state other key reasons for choosing UCA.Entry Requirements:
International Foundation in Creative Practices:
- Academic Requirements: Completion of 12 years of schooling (with good grades). This requirement may be lower for countries where 11 years of schooling are comparable to this level of entry.
- English Language Requirements:
- Overall IELTS score of 5.0
- **Minimum score of 4.5 in each component of the IELTS test.