Art Courses
Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art, Design & Media Practice
The Arts and Business College of London Foundation Diploma courses are designed to prepare students for an Arts Bachelor's degree program. This Diploma has been designed from a selection of the UK’s renowned arts institutions which provides students with a significant advantage at application level for progression to top world-class art schools.
At the Arts and Business College of London (or ‘ABC London’ for short), our arts department has links to more than 40 tutors with years of teaching experience from renowned institutions, including the Royal College of Art and University of the Arts London (UAL). All staff are committed to providing high-quality teaching for students around the world, inspiring them to reach their full potential. Click here to read more about our staff.
Our Art & Design Foundation course is fast-paced and provides students with an innovative, intensive, and inspiring experience. The course encompasses a wide and exciting range of skills and knowledge in a creative environment. Alongside thorough preparation for interviews, this prepares students for entry into further studies.
We aim to provide students and parents with peace of mind. Since the course was established in 2020, at least 80% of students per year have received offers to join UAL.
Course Structure
There are two intakes each year: Autumn and Spring. The course will be taught over 9 to 18 months, including the 6 basic modules and 12 weeks of intensive training, either online or at ABC London’s Bloomsbury campus, full-time or part-time. It is a flexible course that can be tailored to the student's needs, giving them the opportunity to develop their personal style and practical skills.
There are three modes of learning:
1. 6 Basic Modules
These enhance students’ skills and knowledge in a wide range of disciplines and can provide a basis for portfolio development for those students who want to explore their options before deciding on their specialist area. The classes cover:
- Informing Creative Practice
- Iterative Experimentation – Concepts And Practice
- Critiquing Creative Practice
- Realising Intentions – Techniques And Principles
- Communicating Through Creative Practice
- Self-Directed Practice
2. Portfolio Development
This enables students to become more specialised and develop strengths and skills in their preferred discipline. Students will be able to consolidate what they have learnt and practised throughout the course. We cover four specialist areas: Architecture, Illustration and Communication, Fashion Design, and Fine Art.
3. Internship
This internship spans one month and focuses on portfolio-relevant skills, providing students with real-world experience.
All three modes will be assessed and evaluated, contributing to the completion of the final Level 3 Foundation Diploma.
Learning and Teaching Methods
The foundation course at ABC London is distinctly unique: it offers a highly individual bespoke program of study where students are given the freedom to explore a range of disciplines and approaches to the arts. The core principle of the course is based on contemporary art practice achieved through developing technical, analytical, and creative skills. Students will be introduced to a variety of different materials and methods of working, encouraged to investigate, research, and develop their ideas, and taught how to evaluate and reflect on their progress.
Our course is taught using a combination of various teaching methods. These include tutorials, seminars, collaborative peer work, practice demonstrations, and guest speaker talks. Some study and research will be self-directed, and students will be asked to present their work for feedback. Students will also visit galleries and museums to complement their learning.
The nature of our college allows us to provide a great degree of personalised teaching. Students will experience a minimum of 50 one-on-one sessions and further small class lessons alongside the basic module teaching. These include tailored portfolio coaching, interview preparation, application work, and more. Students will be fully supported throughout the application process, right from the point of entry to the course until the exchange of their CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) for further study.
Portfolio Development Short Courses
We provide shorter courses in portfolio development for students wishing to study Art, Fashion, Graphics, or Architecture at university. Our tutors have an extensive knowledge of the application process, as well as what makes a good portfolio, as a result of their experience, enabling them to provide invaluable support to students. Courses can be tailor-made and delivered one-on-one or in very small groups if desired. They take place either online or at ABC London’s campus. Please email jane@abclondon.org.uk for more information on course dates. We are flexible and may be able to provide courses on demand as well as within a predetermined timetable.
Tailor-Made Short Arts Courses
In the past we have provided a wide range of short courses tailored to our students’ needs as our tutors are well-qualified in a variety of disciplines. Examples include:
- Creative Coding for Beginners
- Data Art Workshop
- Fashion Management
- Luxury Brand Management
- Parametric Environmental Design and Daylight Modelling
- Furniture Design
If you are interested in any of these, or have a particular specialism in mind, please contact us at jane@abclondon.org.uk.