Pre-Foundation: summer intensive

What is the course about?

This course is designed and structured to provide the best possible intensive preparation for our year-long Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (course code VA654), in an intensive 4-week mode.

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 your application and progression to 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 intensive mode is designed to develop your skills in the fundamentals of visual practice and research. It includes workshops in drawing, sketchbook work, 3D and conceptual ideas development as well as analysing, reflecting on, and talking about your work.

During the course you will work in a range of media, and explore a number of fundamental creative techniques and methods, in our studios at City Lit. 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 observation, 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 produce brief supporting documentation.

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 discussions, seminars and personal tutorials.
Students on this course are expected to devote additional time to research and sketchbook work outside of classes, to visit galleries and museums in their own time, and to conduct independent research online.

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?

This course is intended as preparation for progression onto the UAL 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. As such, the expectation is that you will apply to the Foundation Diploma at the end of the course. Your tutors will provide the necessary advice and support to apply for Foundation as part of the course curriculum. Please search for VA654 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design for more information regarding the Foundation Diploma.