Introduction to Art and Design Foundation Studies

The Art and Design Foundation Studies course at Loughborough University is a fast-paced, fun, and creative year during which students can develop and explore their artistic abilities, prior to choosing an undergraduate degree. Successful completion of the year leads to a UAL (University Arts London) Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design Foundation Studies, satisfying the entry requirements for progression to undergraduate courses in art and design.

Overview of the Course

The Foundation year teaches a broad range of skills, enabling students to experience four key disciplines (fashion and textiles, visual communication, fine art, and 3D design) before choosing where they’d like to specialise. It is a transitional course so ideal for students who are unsure which degree course they should progress on to, or for those who don’t quite satisfy the entry requirements for an undergraduate art and design course.

Course Structure

The course is split into 3 parts:

• Part 1: Diagnostic investigation into creative practice (9 weeks), where students will rotate across the key disciplines,
• Part 2: Developing specialist practice (12 weeks), where students will specialise in their chosen discipline,
• Part 3: Consolidating practice (9 weeks), where students will undertake a final major project.

Entry Requirements

To be considered for the Art and Design Foundation Studies course, students must meet the following requirements:

• Typical A level offer: Two passes at A level grade C minimum (excluding General Studies). It is preferred that one of your A level subjects is art or design related but this is not mandatory.
• Typical IB offer: Pass with 28 points overall, including SL or HL English Language A grade 4, HL English Language B grade 5, and SL or HL Maths grade 4.
• Typical BTEC offer: Applicants aged 18 and under on 31 August in the year of entry must have English Language and Maths at grade C minimum. All applicants must have English Language at grade C minimum.

International Entry Requirements

The University accepts a range of international qualifications, including:

• Australia: ATAR score between 85.00 and 94.00
• Austria: Reifeprüfung (Matura) average score between 2.2 and 1.2
• Bahrain: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Bangladesh: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Belgium: Certificat d’Enseignement Secondaire Supérieur (CESS) or Diploma van Secundair Onderwijs (DSO) overall score ranging from 75% to 85%
• Brazil: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Brunei: A Level or IB qualifications
• Bulgaria: Diploma za Sredno Obrazovanie average score ranging from 5.3 to 6.0
• Canada: Grade 12 average score ranging from 80% to 93%
• China: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year or a first year of study at a recognised university
• Croatia: Matura (Svjedodžba o Maturi) average score between 4.0 and 5.0
• Cyprus: Apolytirion average score between 18.0 and 19.0
• Czech Republic: Maturita (Vysvědčení o Maturitní Zkoušce) average score ranging from 2.00 to 1.00
• Denmark: Bevis for Studentereksamen (STX) average score ranging from 8.0 to 10.5
• Egypt: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Estonia: Gümnaasiumi lõputunnistus with the Riigieksamitunnistus average score between 4.3 and 4.8
• European Baccalaureate: Average score ranging from 78% to 88%
• Faroe Islands: Studentsprógv average score between 8.0 and 10.5
• Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / Studentexamen average score between 8.0 and 9.3
• France: Baccalauréat Général average score between 13.0 and 15.5
• Germany: Abitur average score ranging from 1.3 to 2.0
• Ghana: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Greece: Apolyterion average score between 16.5 and 19.0
• Hong Kong: HKDSE average score ranging from 5, 4, 4 to 5*, 5, 5
• Hungary: Matura (Érettségi Bizonyítvány) average score ranging from 70% to 83%
• Iceland: Stúdentspróf average score between 8.0 and 9.3
• India: Standard XII school leaving qualifications average score ranging from 78% to 88%
• Indonesia: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Ireland: Leaving Certificate average score ranging from H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 to H1 H1 H2 H2 H2
• Israel: Bagrut average score ranging from 78% to 92%
• Italy: Diploma di Esamo di Stato average score ranging from 85% to 98%
• Japan: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year or a first year of study at a recognised university
• Jordan: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev Intellectual Schools (NIS) Grade 12 Certificate average score ranging from AAA to BBB
• Kenya: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Kuwait: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Latvia: Atestāts par Vispārējo Vidējo Izglītību average score between 9.2 and 10.0
• Lebanon: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Lithuania: Brandos Atestatas average score ranging from 9.0 to 10.0
• Malaysia: STPM or Matrikulasi average score ranging from 3.0 to 3.5
• Malta: Advanced Matriculation Exam average score ranging from BB to AA
• Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) average score ranging from 6.6 to 7.4
• New Zealand: NCEA Level 3 average score ranging from Merit to Excellence
• Nigeria: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Norway: Vitnemål for Videregående Opplæring average score ranging from 4.00 to 5.25
• Oman: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Pakistan: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Poland: Matura average score ranging from 75% to 85%
• Portugal: Diploma de Ensino Secundário average score ranging from 16 to 18
• Qatar: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Romania: Diploma de Bacalaureat average score ranging from 8.6 to 9.4
• Russia: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Saudi Arabia: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Singapore: A Level average score ranging from BBC to AAA
• Slovakia: Matura (Vysvedčenie o maturitnej skúške) average score ranging from 2.00 to 1.00
• Slovenia: Maturitetno Spričevalo average score ranging from 22 to 30
• South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) average score ranging from 6,6,6,6,6 to 7,7,7,7,7
• South Korea: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Spain: Titulo de Bachillerato average score ranging from 7.50 to 9.50
• Sri Lanka: A Level average score ranging from BBC to AAA
• Sweden: Avgångsbetyg / Slutbetyg från Gymnasieskola average score ranging from 16.0 to 18.8
• Switzerland: Certificat de Maturité or Attestato di Maturità average score ranging from 4.8 to 5.5
• Taiwan: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Tanzania: Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) average score ranging from 3 to 5
• Thailand: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• The Caribbean: CAPE average score ranging from 2, 2, 2 to 1, 1, 1
• The Gulf: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Turkey: Anadolu Lisesi (Anatolian High School Diploma) or Fen Lisesi (Science High School Diploma) average score ranging from 80% to 90%
• Uganda: A Level average score ranging from BBC to AAA
• Ukraine: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• United Arab Emirates: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• United States of America: High School Graduation Diploma average score ranging from 3.2 to 4.0
• Vietnam: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Zambia: Completion of a suitable Foundation Year
• Zimbabwe: A Level average score ranging from BBC to AAA

Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for the Art and Design Foundation Studies course are:

• UK fees: £5,421 per annum
• International fees: £19,500 per annum

Additional Costs

Before starting the Foundation Studies programme, you will be required to purchase a range of essential and useful tools/materials. Exact requirements may vary but will likely include items such as pencils, drawing pads, scalpel and blades, sketchbooks, paints, paintbrushes, set square, cutting mat and similar.

Foundation Course Pathways

Upon successful completion of this foundation course, you’ll be able to progress onto the following courses:

• Design BA
• Fine Art BA
• Graphic Design BA
• Industrial Design BA
• Textile Design BA
• Fashion Design and Technology BA

Assessment

Your progress will be continuously monitored via tutorial, seminar, and critique feedback; studio feedback during projects; and formal feedback at the end of parts 1 and 2. Assessment is conducted using a variety of methods, including portfolios of practical studio work, written research into contemporary art and design practice, and studio-based final project work. Parts 1 and 2 are not graded, students will be awarded either a pass or referral; part 3 is graded and students will either receive a pass, merit, or distinction.

Loughborough University

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Overview:

Loughborough University is a public research university located in Loughborough, Leicestershire, England. It is renowned for its strong academic programs, particularly in sports science, engineering, and business. The university boasts a vibrant campus life and a strong focus on research and innovation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

Loughborough University offers a diverse and engaging campus experience. Students can participate in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, societies, and volunteering opportunities. The university has a strong sporting heritage and is home to world-class facilities. Students can also enjoy a vibrant social scene with numerous bars, restaurants, and events happening on campus.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

World-class facilities:

Loughborough University boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including a dedicated sports village, a modern library, and cutting-edge research labs.

Strong academic reputation:

The university is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK for its academic excellence.

Vibrant campus life:

Students can enjoy a lively and diverse campus community with numerous opportunities for social interaction and personal development.

Focus on research and innovation:

Loughborough University is a leading research institution, with a strong focus on tackling real-world challenges.

Excellent career prospects:

Graduates from Loughborough University are highly sought after by employers, with strong career prospects in various fields.

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Academic Programs:

Loughborough University offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including:

Engineering:

Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and more.

Business and Economics:

Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, and more.

Sport Science:

Exercise Science, Sports Coaching, Sports Management, and more.

Humanities and Social Sciences:

Psychology, Sociology, History, and more.

Science and Technology:

Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science, and more.

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Other:

Loughborough University has a strong commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. The university is actively working towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions and promoting inclusivity and diversity within its community.