| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-01 | - |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
This Foundation Art and Design course from Oxford Brookes University provides a wide range of creative practices to prepare students for further study or employment in the creative industries. The course includes three units covering diagnostic investigation, specialist practice development, and a personal project culminating in an end-of-year exhibition. With a dedicated personal tutor, studio-based projects, and field trips, this course offers a comprehensive foundation in art and design.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
This Foundation Art and Design course introduces you to a wide range of creative practices. You will experience a broad range of projects to help you prepare for further study or employment. You will develop your independent creative thinking and learn to apply this across a range of disciplines. You will gain a broad understanding of the creative industries and the career paths across the sector. You will be supported to develop a portfolio of work, ready for applications to undergraduate courses or creative roles. This course is based in the School of Arts which is home to a range of specialist facilities including:
- Printmaking workshops
- Letter press
- Video editing
- Photographic studios and darkrooms. Oxford Brookes was rated ‘outstanding’ for Foundation Art and Design by OFSTED.
Outline:
The course is divided into 3 units:
- Diagnostic Investigation: You'll be introduced to a wide range of approaches. How you respond to these projects will help you understand how you work and what you are most interested in pursuing creatively.
- Developing Specialist Practice: You will be supported in making an application to university, creating a portfolio and going through interviews, while also being involved with collaborative projects with employers.
- Consolidating Practice: In this final unit you will write and develop your own personal project and exhibit it in our end of year exhibition.
Assessment:
The Foundation Diploma in Art and Design award is based on passing all three parts of the course, and on completion of 120 credits. Each part should be passed. Students are formally assessed at the end of each part in order to proceed to the next stage. You will participate in reflection, evaluation and assessment. The emphasis is on continual feedback, which ensures a high level of communication between you and your tutors. Contextual work is fully integrated and designed to inform your practical work, this includes theme based lectures, talks from practising artists and designers and field visits to museums.
Teaching:
Teaching includes studio-based projects, one-to-one tutorials, lectures, seminars, practical field trips, skills workshops and demonstrations. All students will be taught by a range of different staff but will have a dedicated personal tutor that you will meet with for both 1-1 meetings and group tutorials. When not attending timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve drawing in your sketchbook, reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and Moodle, the online virtual learning platform.
Careers:
- Induction week: 5 September - 08 September 2023
- Autumn Term: 11 September - 15 December 2023
- Online creative careers week: 23 October - 27 October 2023
- Christmas Break: 18 December - 05 January 2024
- Spring Term: 08 January - 22 March 2024
- Easter Break: 25 March - 09 April 2024
- Summer Term: 10 April - 14 June 2024
- European Study trip: TBC Feb / March 2024
- The learning support tutor meets regularly with students who have a learning need such as Dyslexia or Dyspraxia. All students can request tutorials as required. Topics range from reflective writing to personal statements and understanding the principles of research. All students are screened for Dyslexia when they start the course.
- Field trips also form part of the course. Recent destinations have included the Eden Project in Cornwall, Copenhagen, Tallinn, Berlin and Venice.
- The field trips to Eden Project and a European destination are payable by you to cover the costs of accommodation and travel. In addition you will need to cover the costs of living in Europe and we would recommend a budget of 50 euros per day. In Cornwall accommodation is likely to be full board.
- A trip to London to see museums and galleries will be covered by your studio fee and you will not be asked to cover travel or entrance fees. However, you will need to either provide your own lunch or buy it whilst there and we would budget for approximately £5.
2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time £5,800; FREE (if aged 18 or under on 31 Aug 2023) International full time £15,800
2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time £6,100; FREE (if aged 18 or under on 31 Aug 2024) International full time £16,600
Additional Costs
Compulsory costs
Additional costs Amount (£) Consumable art materials and printing costs in addition to what is provided in order to extend your projects. £10 per week The Materials Fee is payable when you enrol. This will include basic paper and drawing supplies for the year, specialist materials for workshops in unit one and two of the programme, and the cost also of two gallery visits during the academic year. £160 Final Major Project £30-200
Optional costs
Additional costs Amount (£) Cost of photography and mounting materials in the preparation of your portfolio for UCAS interviews. £45-100 European or international field trip £350-600 UK field trip Typically £150-400 It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online. From £30 You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. £20-60 per book Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills) £94-265 per week Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs) £122-180 per week Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey. From £10
Oxford Brookes University: A Summary
Overview:
Oxford Brookes University is a public university located in Oxford, England. It is known for its strong academic reputation, particularly in areas like business, law, and health sciences. The university boasts a diverse student body and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Services Offered:
Oxford Brookes University provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:
Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options are available to students.Support and Wellbeing:
The university offers a variety of support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health resources.Student Life:
Students can participate in a variety of clubs, societies, and sports teams.Library Services:
The university library provides access to a vast collection of books, journals, and online resources.IT Services:
Students have access to computer labs, wireless internet, and other IT support services.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Oxford Brookes University offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience. Students can enjoy:
Oxford City:
The university is located in the historic city of Oxford, which offers a wealth of cultural attractions, museums, and shops.Campus Activities:
Students can participate in a variety of clubs, societies, and sports teams.Brookes Union:
The student union provides a range of services and activities, including social events, volunteering opportunities, and representation for students.Sports:
The university has a strong sports program, with facilities for a variety of sports.Key Reasons to Study There:
Strong Academic Reputation:
Oxford Brookes University is consistently ranked highly in national and international rankings.Diverse Student Body:
The university attracts students from all over the world, creating a diverse and enriching learning environment.Excellent Career Prospects:
The university has a strong track record of preparing graduates for successful careers.Location:
Oxford is a beautiful and historic city, offering a unique and stimulating environment for students.Academic Programs:
Oxford Brookes University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various faculties, including:
Business and Law:
The university is known for its strong programs in business, finance, and law.Health Sciences:
The university offers a variety of programs in nursing, midwifery, and other health-related fields.Arts and Humanities:
The university offers programs in subjects such as English, history, and creative writing.Science and Technology:
The university offers programs in subjects such as engineering, computer science, and environmental science.Entry Requirements:
- Specific Entry Requirements:
- GCSE: GCSE Maths and English grade 4/C
- The program welcomes applications from individuals with equivalent alternative qualifications and mature students.
- Selection Process:
- Portfolio Guidelines:
- Research and idea development: This includes sketchbooks, research on artists and designers, studies, and preparatory work. Applicants should showcase all stages of their creative process, highlighting the journey taken to achieve the final outcome.
- Range of materials, media, and approaches: Applicants should demonstrate experimentation with materials using mixed media, sample making, models, etc. Evidence of both 3D and 2D work is required.
- Inspiration, references, and research: Applicants should include details on any galleries, exhibitions, or events that have influenced their work. They should also explain how they stay updated with contemporary art and design. Applicants should share their aspirations for studying the Foundation Diploma course and their future goals.
- Creativity and problem-solving: The portfolio should showcase a range of media, techniques, and processes, including drawing, painting, collage, photography, model-making, textiles, or printmaking. Applicants should demonstrate how they develop their ideas, identify problems, and make decisions to solve them. This can be shown through sketchbook pages, idea/design development work, trials, samples, and experiments (2D & 3D).
- Portfolio Preparation Course:
- The university offers short courses to provide insights into the Foundation course through taster experiences. These courses also provide guidance on selecting and presenting a portfolio for interviews.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- International Students:
- English Language Requirements:
- Applicants are expected to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. The required IELTS score is 5.0 with 5.0 in all skills. Applicants must also have a UKVI-approved SELT.
- International Qualifications and Equivalences: The university provides a list of countries and their corresponding qualifications.
- English Requirements for Visas: If a student visa is required to enter the UK, applicants need to meet both the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements and the university's requirements.
