International Art And Design Foundation Diploma

UAL Art and Design Foundation Diploma – International with IELTS

The UAL Foundation Diploma in Art and Design is an internationally recognised qualification, which provides a stepping stone from general education to specialist Higher art and design education across the UK. Our UAL Foundation Diploma with IELTS has been specifically designed for International students who need to raise their IELTS score for applications to Degree level study whilst developing a strong portfolio for UCAS applications. Students who choose this programme will follow the same programme of study as home students but with additional weekly IELTS study throughout the course.

Progression and Articulation Routes

Edinburgh College was the first College in Scotland to deliver UAL Diplomas and is the only College in Scotland where you can study the UAL Foundation Diploma.  We have a strong reputation for delivering the Level 3 Foundation Diploma for over 20 years and have strong links with UAL and other major Art and Design Schools and Universities across the UK.

  • Successfully passing the UAL Foundation Diploma will give you UCAS points: Pass 80, Merit 96, Distinction112. 

  • This will allow you to apply for entry to all of our 8 specialist HNDs and Year 2 of a 4 year Scottish Degree or year 1 of a 3 year R.U.K Degree.

  • The IELTS part of this course will allow you to prepare for Degree level study and you will have the opportunity to raise your IELTS score up to level 6.0 by sitting an IELTS test at the end of the year.     

  • Successfully passing the Contextual and Critical Studies part of this course will strengthen your application for HND and Degree applications by gaining 2 SQA units in Communications and English Literature.


Our UAL Foundation students received offers for progression to HND or Degree-level programmes in their chosen destinations. Below is a small selection of some of the offers received from our UAL Foundation students to Degree level study across the UK, with many of our UAL Foundation students receiving multiple offers.

  • BDes Hons Product Design at The Glasgow School of Art

  • BDes Hons Interior Design at The Glasgow School of Art

  • BA Hons Sculpture and Environmental Art at The Glasgow School of Art

  • BA Hons Sculpture at Edinburgh College of Art UoE

  • BA Hons Painting at Edinburgh College of Art UoE

  • BA Hons Art and Philosophy at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design

  • BA Hons Fine Art at Central St Martins UAL

  • BA Hons Fine Art at Camberwell College of Arts UAL

  • BA Hons Communication Design at The Glasgow School of Art

  • BA Hons Contemporary Art Practice Grays School of Art RGU

  • BA Hons Hair and Make-up for Fashion at London College of Fashion UAL 

  • BDes Hons Interior and Spatial Design Edinburgh Napier University

 

Start dates

August

Entry requirements

  • English Proficiency: IELTS 5.0 minimum (no element under 4.5).

  • Qualifications: International equivalent of 1 SQA Higher plus 4 passes at SCQF Level 5 or BTEC /UAL Level 3 Diploma or SQA NC SCQF Level 6. For example, successful completion of High School (year 11 or year 12 depending on native country).

    Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course

  • Visa: as an international student you will need to satisfy UKVI visa requirements

  • Digital Portfolio and Interview: All applicants are required to submit a Digital Portfolio and attend an Interview and Applicant Session. Information on Digital Portfolios, Interviews and Applicant Sessions will be sent to you after completing your International application form.
Art students working on a project in an art studio classroom.

Apply now

Read further course information and apply for your International Art and Design Foundation Diploma.

Person holding a globe with lots of different country's flags on it.

Need help with your application?

Find out more information about applying for our courses if you do not live in the UK.

Learn more

Enquire about International courses and services

Make an enquiry
Enter your full name






Enter your message
This form collects your name and email address so we can contact you with information relating our English Language Summer School. Read our privacy policy to find out how we collect, store and use your data (and for information on withdrawing your consent).