A year-long course, designed to prepare students for art, design & media courses in higher education.

The aim of the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is to provide students with the opportunity to explore and experiment within a wide range of project-based art, design and media-based activities in order to prepare them for progression into Higher Education art, design and media courses. The course will enable you to build on your existing skills, and offer new practical, critical and theoretical experiences, with an emphasis on drawing in its broadest interpretation. The course provides a structure to assist you in making informed choices for your future education and career.

Unlike some other Foundation courses, LCC's is specifically focused towards design and media and this is reflected in the curriculum. Students who apply should have a clear idea of their prospective progression aspirations and be able to discuss these at interview. The Foundation course draws on the expertise of staff teaching within the following Pathway areas:

• Graphic design
• Film
• Photography
• 3D Design
• Surface design

See 'Structure' for a full description of all pathways.

This course is taught within the School of Design.

Who teaches the course

David Sowerby is Head of Foundation at LCC, and a principal lecturer at the University of the Arts London. He originally trained at the Central School of Art and Design. He has over 25 years of experience working in the creative industries and education, and has managed a highly successful Foundation course team at LCC for the past ten years.

Leigh Clarke is a Lead Tutor and has a long established teaching position at LCC. His practice is multidisciplinary, crossing print, graphic communication and curating. He has exhibited internationally, including solo exhibitions and residencies in London, The Netherlands, Antwerp, Norway and Barcelona. His graphic and often political projects rely on reprographic techniques that have been manifested through radio, recordings, film, performance, printmaking, painting, sculpture, publications, writing and exhibitions. (http://www.leighclarkeworks.com/)

Bea Denton has taught within the University of the Arts for over 5 years, and has been a Lead Tutor at LCC since 2009. She has a range of experience in Art and Design, and has worked with some high profile design and publishing agencies, including Wolff Olins and Forward Publishing. She is on the board of trustees of Deptford X - London's foremost visual arts festival. Her practice is rooted in photography, installation, print and digital media. She exhibits in the UK and Internationally. Bea Denton has an MA in Printmaking. (http://www.beadenton.com/)

The course draws upon the expertise of many other practitioners and tutors including Salvatore Arancio, Ian Barraclough, Matthew Boyle, Andrew Craig, Graham Diprose, Tim Donaghy, Lynda Doyle, Stephen A Hall, Stephen P Hall, Veronica Hendry, Daniel Holliday, Melodie Holliday, Greg Messiah, Howard Milrose, Ima Abasi-Okon and Chisato Tamabayashi.

What students say about the course

"I really enjoyed my time on Foundation. It is a time to experiment and explore the all things about design that interest you. You are encouraged to work through your visual and conceptual ideas using a very broad range of techniques, which stands you in very good stead for work on your BA and beyond."

"In addition to some brilliant projects, I loved the fact that we were introduced to a whole load of skills, from all the various print processes, to letter press and laser cutting. And I loved the way that drawing was an integrated part of the course, but in such a broad and experimental way that it was fun and not at all as scary as I'd thought it might be!"

"Looking back, Foundation was a transformative time for me as a creative practitioner. Although it was incredibly intense, it was the most rewarding and energising time. My whole approach to problem-solving in design and visual communication became more mature, more experimental and more of an intellectual process than I had experienced before. I literally 'grew up' as a designer!"

"I went straight onto the BA in Typo/Graphic design at LCC, after becoming interested in typography on Foundation. I then went onto the MA Communication Art & Design course at the Royal College of Art." (Paul Tisdell, now co-running Europa, a Graphic Design company)

"I was planning a radical career change and the Foundation course gave me what I needed...before I started Foundation I had a lot (30 years) of work experience but I knew next to nothing about design. I couldn't have contemplated starting out on a Degree course without the Foundation studies."(Jack Hardie, Freelance Designer)

• Part 1 allows you to experiment with a variety of materials, media and ideas, encouraging you to develop research skills through practical assignments and projects
• Part 2 will build on the techniques and skills introduced in Part 1 and integrate these through further exploration and problem-solving activities
• Part 3 enables you to initiate your own research. You will propose and undertake a project which reflects your skills, abilities and interests, as well as your future career or progression route.

The course is supported by lectures that aim to increase your awareness and understanding of the visual arts and that will support areas of research relevant to project briefs. There is a requirement for the submission of a number of written pieces of work during your period of study with us.

Students pursue their chosen Pathway from the beginning of the course, and are asked to specify their Pathway choice at interview stage. Drawing is an integral part of each pathway area, and is seen as an exploratory and analytical activity that supports students in their creative practice. Drawing is explored and interpreted in the broadest sense and is related to areas of activity such as research, communication, exploration of materials and methods and reproduction.

Pathway options are:

Film

As part of collaborative production teams, Film pathway students work on a number of projects which begin by examining key genres and film styles to focus their creative output. Students are introduced to key elements in the production process, from project research and proposal development to scriptwriting, storyboarding, post-production and editing using Final Cut Pro. Students develop an individual portfolio of film work as well as developing skills and knowledge across a range of production roles. The course offers hands-on learning with a range of digital equipment, the support of tutors who are industry practitioners, and a screening programme of important historical and contemporary movements in global cinema and video practice. Students progress from the film pathway to enter Higher Education at all levels, and some go into work in the industry.

Photography

The Photography pathway enables students to experiment within lens-based media within a series of set projects. Students are encouraged to use research to explore and extend ideas using digital and traditional methods of photography, and have access to a range of resources including wet and dry darkrooms, digital imaging and studio lighting. Photography students are also encouraged to experiment in cross-disciplinary processes such as printmaking, letterpress, bookbinding and moving image. Many students within the Photography pathway progress on to Higher Education courses in Photography, Photojournalism and Fashion Photography and related subject areas at Universities throughout the UK.

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design pathway offers students the freedom to explore extensively within a range of materials, media and methodologies in order to seek solutions to design problems in challenging brief-based projects. There is an emphasis on research, and students are introduced to a variety of creative processes such as photography; printmaking; letter press and typography; bookbinding; 3D and IT.

Students will develop professional skills that underpin the transition to a range of Design courses in Higher Education in order to become broad ranging and creative visual communicators.Graphic Design pathway students have historically progressed to BA and FDA courses in all aspects of Graphic Design including Illustration, Information Design, Advertising and Typography.

3D Design

The 3D Design pathway offers students an environment in which to investigate the notion of space, function and form. Students will develop a range of practical skills in order to explore and create 3-dimensional and spatial forms in response to set projects. Students are encouraged to develop individual skills and are supported by access to well equipped workshops and a comprehensive range of tools and equipment. Instruction will be given in a range of techniques such as laser cutting, vacuum forming and model making. Students are also expected to experiment broadly within this discipline, and capitalise on exploration within a range of other processes, such as printmaking, letter press, bookbinding and IT. Extensive research and an exploration of materials, media and methodologies underpin problem-solving, and students are expected to initiate personal solutions supported by a sophisticated understanding of spatial design. Progression routes typically include Product Design, Graphic Product Innovation, Interior Design and Architecture.

Surface Design

The Surface Design pathway provides an environment in which students can learn to develop creative skills and technical knowledge for the design and production of decorative printed surfaces. Projects are research based, and students are encouraged to conduct extensive experimentation within a range of materials, media and methodologies in order to develop ideas into printed surface design solutions, such as surface decoration on paper and textiles; ceramics and glass-ware; accessories; wallpaper and wrapping, laminate and floor coverings. Students are introduced to a range of print techniques, in addition to practices relating to Book Arts and Bookbinding. Students can also draw upon the broad range of process areas that the LCC offers such as wet and dry darkrooms, digital imaging and studio lighting, relief and intaglio print, letter press and typography, 3D workshops and IT. Students tend to progress to Higher Education courses in Surface Design, Book Art & Design, Textile Design and Illustration.

The Foundation Diploma at LCC is designed to provide students with a clear progression route to BA (Hons) Degree courses, Foundation Degrees (FdAs) and other higher level art and design qualifications throughout the UK, Europe and worldwide. A significant proportion of our students continue their studies at LCC or within the University. Throughout the course, you will have the necessary guidance and encouragement to build a Portfolio to prepare you for Higher Education. Foundation is more than simply a qualification. It enables you to build confidence as a creative thinker and to broaden your approach to research and experimentation within a supportive environment. These transferable skills provide the essential basis that help to foster successful creative careers.

Enterprise and employability at UAL

We know what it takes to be successful in your chosen field. Your tutors are professionals in their own right and understand what you need to help you establish your career. Staff in our Centre for Student Enterprise and Employability (SEE) are dedicated to helping you build up work-relevant skills, knowledge, experience and networks throughout your time here. You will also benefit from our many relationships with industry, which give our students exclusive opportunities and access to networks and funding.

Artists and designers tell us they value UAL's informed engagement with their career and professional practice development and our ability to offer them practical advice, guidance and opportunities across the wide spectrum of possible professional pathways - as entrepreneurs and employees. Staff value the resources and skills UAL makes available to help them deliver effective professional and career development through the curriculum.

Find out more

ArtsTemps (SEE) is the UAL in-house recruitment agency placing students and graduates in paid temping roles within the University. 

Creative Opportunities (SEE) is the UAL job vacancy and work placement website for students and graduates and advertises hundreds of creative job and placement opportunities each month.

Get more information and advice on employment and creative careers for all UAL students and graduates.

W require one A level (or equivalent) plus three GCSEs (A-C) plus a portfolio of work, or relevant professional experience, or exceptional aptitude or interest.

Portfolio advice

All candidates called for interview are required to submit a portfolio of creative work. Ideally your portfolio will contain a range of recent work. This work should be generated by you whilst following an A level programme or perhaps an NVQ Advanced Art and Design vocational course or similar. You may be a mature student returning to education.

We look very closely at your sketchbook activity, searching for indications that you are able to work independently and have a keen personal interest in the subject. So think about how you organise your sketchbooks. Ask yourself a number of questions. Are they visually interesting? Have you used and experimented with a range of media and mark-making techniques to express your ideas? What does your work say about you, rather than the course you have been following?

There should be evidence that you have researched the work of other artists, designers and creative practitioners and that your research skills are well developed. Look at the work generated by contemporary artists, film makers, photographers and designers etc. and be aware of current exhibitions that are taking place (include references to these in your sketchbooks).

The course at LCC is interested in people who have a wide creative base, who are capable and enthusiastic about creating their own work. We are looking for people with an enquiring mind and a desire to engage in creative problem solving. Does your portfolio reflect this ethos? Have you explored an extensive range of image and ideas generation possibilities? Does it include examples of photography, typography or printmaking for instance? If not, it should!

In essence . We are looking for interesting and interested people who are prepared to challenge expected norms, to explore ideas, take risks and be creative and inventive. Remember that this is a very popular and successful course, which attracts students from all over the world who are interested in developing their understanding in a variety of creative disciplines. We are looking for dedicated, hard working and highly motivated individuals. We offer places to people, not portfolios, so find a way of putting yourself in there!

English Language Requirements

All classes are conducted in English. If you are an international or EU student and English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability when you enrol.

International and EU students: If your first language is not English you should check you have achieved the correct IELTS level in English.

Equivalent language qualifications will be accepted.

UK and EU students should apply using this Foundation application form (PDF - 273KB) . The form should be sent to:

Central Administration Office
FE Section
London College of Communication
Elephant & Castle
London
SE1 6SB

International students should use the international application form which is available to download on the international office's web pages.