City Lit pre-foundation course

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. The course will develop your awareness of contemporary creative practices and enable you to start the Foundation Diploma with confidence and understanding of contemporary creative practices and concerns. Learners will receive an offer of a place on Foundation Diploma upon successful completion of the Pre-Foundation 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

Your Pre-Foundation portfolio will demonstrate your skills, knowledge and creative abilities, and prepare you for progression 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.

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 main Foundation studio and sculpture workshop at City Lit's main building in Covent Garden. The course is taught through a mixture 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 be keen 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 not essential.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Pre-Foundation is intended as preparation for progression onto the UAL Foundation in Art & Design Diploma, 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 for VA654 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and complete the online application and portfolio submission.


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.