City Lit pre-foundation course
Choose a starting date
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 02 May 2025End Date: 11 Jul 2025This course is fullTue+Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 21 sessions (over -11 weeks)Course Code: VA650Full fee £899.00 Senior fee £719.00 Concession £629.00
- Start Date: 26 Sep 2025End Date: 12 Dec 2025Tue+Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 21 sessions (over -12 weeks)Course Code: VA646Tutors: Marcus RichardsFull fee £949.00 Senior fee £759.00 Concession £664.00
- Start Date: 09 Jan 2026End Date: 27 Mar 2026Tue+Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 21 sessions (over -12 weeks)Course Code: VA648Tutors: Marcus RichardsFull fee £949.00 Senior fee £759.00 Concession £664.00
- Start Date: 24 Apr 2026End Date: 10 Jul 2026Tue+Fri (Daytime): 10:30 - 16:30In PersonLocation: Keeley StreetDuration: 21 sessions (over -12 weeks)Course Code: VA650Tutors: Marcus RichardsFull fee £949.00 Senior fee £759.00 Concession £664.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This course is designed and structured to provide the best possible preparation for our Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (course code VA654).
It is a practical course which will enable you to develop a portfolio of works in both digital and traditional formats, to assist you in preparation for the Foundation Diploma. On the course, you will develop your awareness of contemporary creative practices, questions, ideas and concerns, so that you will be able to start the Foundation Diploma with confidence. Learners who successfully complete all elements of the Pre-Foundation course will receive an offer of a place on our Foundation Diploma course.
What will we cover?
Pre-Foundation is designed to develop your skills in the fundamentals of visual practice and research. It includes workshops in drawing, painting, sketchbook work, conceptual ideas development, 3D and sculpture, for two days per week.
During the course you will work in a range of media, and explore a number of fundamental creative techniques and methods, both in our studios at City Lit as well as in London's museums and galleries. The course is taught in its entirety by practicing artists, designers and thinkers, who bring their professional insights to their teaching and workshops.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- use and apply observational and expressive drawing techniques
- design and produce creative work in a range of materials
- analyse and respond to the work of historical and contemporary artists and designers
- develop a sketchbook with records of gallery visits, independent research, idea development and experimental work
- build and formally present a portfolio of creative project work
- reflect on and evaluate your creative work and development
By demonstrating your skills, knowledge and creative capabilities, your Pre-Foundation portfolio should provide evidence of your ability to progress onto the Foundation Diploma course.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
You will need a level 2 in English or be working towards a level 2 to enable you to follow written and verbal instructions, to support demonstrations, hand-outs and health and safety information, to take part in group discussion, and to complete a brief written assignment.
Self-reflection is an important part of art education and practice. You will be encouraged and expected to evaluate and review your own learning, ways of working and progress.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught by an experienced team of practicing artist-educators, designers and theorists in our studios and workshops at City Lit's main building in Covent Garden. The course is delivered through a blend of practical workshops, creative exercises and project briefs, illustrated talks and discussion seminars, personal tutorials, and museum and gallery visits.
Pre-Foundation students are expected to devote additional time to research and sketchbook work outside of classes, and to visit galleries and museums in their own time.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All essential materials are provided, but we do recommend you buy an A4 sketchbook and some basic art materials depending on your creative interests. Tutors will advise on what you may need as the course, and your creative interests, develop. A good camera is highly recommended, but is not essential.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
The purpose of Pre-Foundation is to prepare students for progression onto our UAL-validated Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, which will equip you with the skills, knowledge and creative portfolio to progress into higher education at degree level, advanced level practice courses at City Lit, or employment in the creative industries. Please search on our website for VA654 to see more information about our Foundation Diploma.
General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Student Centre and Library on Monday to Friday from 12:00 – 19:00. See the course guide for term dates and further details.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.