AUB, Foundation, International Foundation Diploma

You will study full-time for three to five days a week and have access to the library and AUB campus for independent study on other days of the week. The course is split into three stages – an exploratory stage, pathway stage and final project.

The course is divided into three stages. The first stage is Exploratory, to help you find your areas of interest, strengths and weaknesses. This will help you choose what to focus on in Stage 2, the Pathway Stage of the course. The course culminates in Stage 3, your Final Project and an exhibition on campus.

Stage One – Exploratory

After your induction week, you’ll complete projects in the following subject areas, giving you an introduction to the techniques, processes and skills that you’ll use on the course:

• Fine Art
• Graphic Design and Illustration
• Fashion and Textiles
• 3D
• Lens Based Media

You’ll attend specialist technical workshops to learn techniques and processes related to each specialism and learn about the work of other artists and designers through lectures and educational trips.

You’ll develop your ability to learn independently, as this is an essential skill for further study. During the course, you’ll meet Course Leaders from BA honours degree courses at AUB to help develop your understanding of Higher Education study and progression opportunities.

• Life Drawing
• Experimental Drawing
• Printmaking
• 3D Workshops
• Digital Photography
• Video Production
• Fashion/Textiles Workshops
• Sketchbook processes
• Understanding the Creative Process

At the end of Stage One, you’ll be assessed and receive a detailed review of your work to date, to help you decide which subject area you’d like to focus on at Stage Two.

You’ll also start developing your portfolio and will attend workshop and tutorial sessions to help with this.

Stage Two – Pathway Stage

Here you will confirm your specialist area of practice, carrying out 2 projects within it. Te stage again culminates with a tutorial based Assessment.

The specialist areas are;

• Fine Art
• Graphic Design and Illustration
• Fashion and Textiles
• 3D
• Lens Based Media

Stage Three – Final Project

For Stage 3 you’ll focus on a longer project within the specialist area of your choice. You’ll work in a more independent way, developing your individual interests and working on portfolio material for your progression into Higher Education. Stage Three will culminate in your final assessment which is graded, Pass, Merit or Distinction.

Subjects covered:

• Research practices
• Project development methods
• Specialist workshops
• Ideas development
• Evaluation/Reflection strategies
• Presentation strategies
• Portfolio building

IFD+E Students

The English Language course, for those who need it, will allow you to learn and practise different academic skills relevant to your studies at AUB, while improving your language ability.

You will learn how to write reflective accounts of your project work, how to compose academic essays, how to prepare and deliver presentations and how to improve your reading and listening skills.

The three stages of the course contain regular assessments that test the skills and language studied during the course. Successful completion of both the English and the Foundation part of the course will ensure progression onto your chosen BA pathway.

Completing the course

You’ll receive a Diploma in Art & Design Foundation Studies (Level 4) certificate on completion of your Foundation course.

Successfully completing the Foundation course guarantees you a place on one of our BA Honours degree courses at AUB.* You’ll agree the course that you’d like to study for with your tutor.

*If you would like to study BA (Hons) Film Production, you are guaranteed an interview, but there is no guaranteed progression onto this course.

The three stages of the course contain regular assessments that test the skills and language studied during the course. Successful completion of both the English and the Foundation part of the course will ensure progression onto your chosen BA pathway.