University of the Arts London (UAL), Foundation Diploma, Art and Design

• Passes in 1 GCE A Levels or a twelve Unit AVCE
• Passes at GCSE level in 3 other subjects (grade C or above).

You can demonstrate this educational level by:

• Having the qualifications named above
• Having equivalent qualifications
• Prior experiential learning, the outcome of which can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required
• A combination of formal qualifications and experiential learning that, taken together, can be demonstrated to be equivalent to formal qualifications otherwise required.

English Language

• All classes are conducted in English. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability in order to apply for your visa, enrol and start your course. The standard English language requirement for entry is IELTS 5.0 with a minimum of 4.0 in any one paper, or equivalent.

The University does not have a deadline for international (non-EU) applicants, however we recommend you apply by the end of March 2016.

On your application form you will be asked to specify for which Curriculum Area you would like to be considered.  You should be aware you will not necessarily be offered the one you apply for. If you are finishing secondary/high school/A Levels (A2) this year, any offer for study at CSM would be conditional upon your successful completion of this qualification. 

For Tier 4 visa purposes, you will be required to show an additional English test certificate (IELTS) and studying A Levels in the UK does not exempt you from this. If you don’t currently have the required English test score, you can still apply to the course and show your portfolio, but you will need to meet the English requirement as part of meeting your offer conditions.

How to apply

There are two modes for international students to apply to the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (FAD) at Central Saint Martins. You can choose the mode you prefer, and there is no advantage of one over the other:

• Either direct to CSM via online application, or
• Through one of the UAL official representatives in your country. If applying via a UAL representative or the UAL Asia Branch Office, please do not use the online applications link to apply.  Please speak to your representative to find out how to submit your application. 

By email or post, you should send us copies (not originals) of the following items:

• copies of your passport photo page, and any current or past UK study visas
• copies of certificates of your current English language level (we recommend IELTS test)
• copies of your academic qualifications (A2, IB, high school diploma – if completed)
• one academic reference (although the form says two, one is enough)
• completed Immigration History Form (we will send this)

Portfolio Guidelines (either digital as CD/USB/PowerPoint/PDF/Flickr link or as physical A4) – we prefer a digital 

• your portfolio should consist of a series of images of your work
• the quality of the work is more important than the quantity
• where possible, scan rather than photograph work. Large or 3-dimensional work should be photographed and not sent by post
• please organise your work ‘by project’, with supporting work presented alongside final outcomes, and showing development of ideas
• please supply title, media and dimensions of each piece, bottom left of the image
• make sure you label your portfolio clearly with your name 

Personal Statement

You should aim to write roughly 4-500 words (no more than one A4 sheet) covering the following topics:

• why you want to study on the CSM FAD course, and your plans for the future
• your artistic influences, and any relevant work experience you have
• a particularly enjoyable art project you have worked on

Reference

We only require ONE reference although the application will ask for two. Your referee should be someone who can comment on your ability to succeed on the course. Your referee will be automatically emailed when you submit your online application.  Do please let your referee know that you have named them as a referee and also ensure you provide us with the correct email address.