International Art & Design Foundation

Discover your creative potential and build a pathway to success.

What is it? Why choose it? What will you study? How will you be assessed? Why study Art & Design? University progression Programme Overview Degree options Entry requirements Start your journey

What is the International Art & Design Foundation?

The NCUK International Art & Design Foundation is your first step towards a successful and fulfilling creative career. This one-year programme equips you with the skills, knowledge and industry-ready portfolio needed to access top universities and thrive in fields like Architecture, Fine Art, Fashion, Games Design, Animation, Graphic Design and more!

Why choose the International Art & Design Foundation?

A creative and supportive environment – Enjoy studio-based learning, project-focused coursework and independent research to foster creativity, critical thinking and collaboration in a safe, encouraging setting.

Professional-standard portfolio – Develop an industry-standard portfolio that showcases your creative identity and technical ability, giving you a competitive edge for university applications and interviews.

Specialised English language support – The English for Academic Purposes (EAP) for Art & Design module is designed to help you enhance your language and communication skills throughout your studies with NCUK, providing a strong foundation for academic success.

Comprehensive skill development – Gain transferable skills, from creative problem-solving and technical expertise to critical analysis and communication, all of which are essential in the dynamic world of art and design.

What will you study?

The NCUK International Art & Design Foundation consists of 130 credits over five carefully designed modules. Delivered across 30 weeks, the programme blends guided learning, hands-on practice and personal exploration for a truly immersive experience. Modules for this programme include:

  • Introduction to Art and Design (5 credits) – Start your creative exploration by mastering key principles of visual communication, research techniques and studio-based practices.
  • Discovery (20 credits) – Explore a variety of creative fields and develop core skills in materials, techniques and critical thinking.
  • Developing a Specialism (35 credits) – Focus on your chosen creative pathway, refine your artistic process and develop a unique, professional-standard portfolio.
  • Final Major Project (35 credits) Showcase your creativity by designing and delivering an independent project to professional standards, preparing for university-level study.
  • English for Academic Purposes (EAP) (35 credits) Strengthen your academic communication abilities, with dedicated support tailored to art and design disciplines.

How will you be assessed?

The programme is entirely coursework-based, designed to help you demonstrate your creative and academic expertise with practical outcomes and real-world relevance.

Assessment methods include:

  • Portfolio submissions showcasing your artistic and technical development.
  • Creative project assignments with structured briefs to simulate industry expectations.
  • Reflective journals and sketchbooks documenting your creative process and critical reflection.
  • Written essays and presentations as part of EAP to enhance your academic literacy.

This balanced approach allows you to build confidence in your abilities while preparing for the expectations of university-level study.

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Why study Art & Design?

Studying Art & Design empowers you to transform ideas into impactful visual creations. It equips you with the skills to tell stories, solve complex problems, and shape cultural and social landscapes through creative mediums. Whether it’s reimagining spaces, crafting compelling visuals, or designing for the future, Art & Design taps into limitless potential.

Careers in Art & Design span roles including Graphic Designer, Architect, Fashion Designer, Animator, Media Producer, and more.

University progression

Students who successfully complete the International Art & Design Foundation and meet the entry requirements of their chosen university can progress to the first year of an undergraduate degree at one of the following NCUK University Partners*:

Degree options

Click the toggles below to see the list of degree progression options available for NCUK students following completion of the NCUK International Art & Design Foundation:

*University degree courses for these universities will be confirmed shortly. 

 

De Montfort University
  • BA (Hons) Architecture
  • BA (Hons) Arts and Festivals Management
  • BA (Hons) Contour Fashion
  • BA (Hons) Design Crafts
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Buying with Design
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Buying with Merchandising
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Communication and Styling
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Design
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Marketing
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Textile Design
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art
  • BA (Hons) Footwear Design
  • BA (Hons) Interior Design
  • BA (Hons) Product Design
  • BA (Hons) Textile Design
University of Huddersfield
  • Filmmaking
  • Multimedia Journalism
  • Media and Film Studies
  • Photography
  • Architecture/Architecture (International) (RIBA Part 1)
  • Graphic Design
  • Graphic Design with Animation
  • Architectural Technology
  • Fashion Design
  • Fashion Design with Textiles
  • Fashion Marketing
  • Costume with Textiles
  • Interior Design
  • Fine Art and Illustration
  • Fine Art
  • Illustration
Kingston University London
  • 3D Design Innovation
  • Architecture
  • Creative and Cultural Industries: Art Direction
  • Creative and Cultural Industries: Design Marketing
  • Creative and Cultural Industries: Events and Experiences Design
  • Creative Writing
  • Fashion
  • Fashion Promotion and Communication
  • Filmmaking
  • Fine Art
  • Graphic Design
  • Hand Embroidery
  • Illustration Animation
  • Interaction Design
  • Interior Design
  • Media Content and Communications
  • Media Skills
  • Photography
  • Product and Furniture Design
University of the West of England - UWE Bristol
  • BA (Hons) Product Design
  • BA (Hons) Animation
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Communication
  • BA (Hons) Fashion Textiles
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art
  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design
  • BA (Hons) Illustration
  • BA (Hons) Interior Design

Programme Overview

The following document will provide you with an overview of what to expect from the International Art & Design Foundation. This includes information on the aims of the programme, modules offered, course structures, assessment methods and more.

Click the button below to view this document:

Programme Overview

Entry requirements

To apply for the International Art & Design Foundation, you must meet the following criteria:

  • A recognised upper-secondary school qualification equivalent to GCSEs, AS Levels, or the first year of A Levels, depending on the national education system
  • English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 5.0 overall, with no component below 4.5
  • Basic digital literacy skills, including the ability to navigate a file system, use standard productivity software, and engage with online learning platforms
  • A demonstrable interest in a creativity-related subject(s). This can be assessed by submitting one or more of the following pieces of evidence:
    • Short creative portfolio (5-10 pieces) or a visual journal
    • Written or video statement explaining the interest in art/design

Start your journey

The International Art & Design Foundation pathway programme is new for 2025/26 delivery. NCUK Study Centres will be listed on the NCUK website upon confirmation of delivery of the programme.

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