Course Overview
The University Foundation Programme (UFP) Architecture, Art & Design Foundation Pathway is an intensive one year foundation course, which will prepare you for a wide range of Architecture, Art and Design bachelor degrees.
The UFP Architecture, Art & Design Foundation Course enables you to build a strong portfolio. This is essential for your application to architecture, art and design degree courses at leading UK universities. Our foundation programme gives you experience in a wide range of art and design disciplines. This helps you identify your skills and interests so that you can make a well-informed decision about which subject to study at university.
The course enables you to acquire the skills, understanding, independence and confidence necessary to make a smooth and successful transition to university studies.
Art and design education in the UK is unique and internationally respected because of its focus on creativity, experimentation and originality. Our foundation course will support you in developing these qualities in your own work.
The Architecture, Art & Design foundation course runs only at David Game College, London.
Course Modules
The foundation course is divided into 3 stages offering a gradual transition from tutor-directed learning to independent student projects. This encourages students to develop the confidence necessary for successful university study.
Term One: Learning Skills & Context
During Term One, students choose four areas from the following and are introduced to the fundamental skills, processes and ideas of these disciplines:
- Spatial Design (including Architecture, Interior Design and Product Design)
- Fine Art
- Graphic Design
- Photography
Term One enables students to recognise where their strengths lie and to decide which subject they want to study at university.
Term Two: Specialist Pathway & Progression
Students choose a major and a minor module reflecting their chosen pathway and complete their portfolio.
Term Three: Independent Project
Students propose and undertake a single project reflecting their personal interests, skills, and chosen university subject. This project provides students with an opportunity to develop the level of independence required for successful university level studies.
Teaching & Facilities
The Architecture, Art & Design foundation course is taught by artists and designers with a wide range of expertise. Over the course of the year, students build a strong portfolio from the course syllabus, which encourage creative thinking and independent learning.
Our facilities include a large suite of Apple iMac computers, professional colour printers, a photography studio including photographic lighting and backdrops, and a dedicated fashion, art and design studio equipped with all the necessary tools and materials to create a wide range of 2D and 3D work.
Course Term Dates
Start in September or January
We have two start dates for our foundation courses – September and January.
Depending on when prospective students finish their senior school studies, they have the option of beginning their course sooner or slightly later. Both complete in time for a September start at university the following year.
Holidays
Holidays vary depending on when students start the course.
Those starting the University Foundation Programme in September, will have a 3-week holiday over Christmas, and a 2-week holiday over Easter.
Those starting in January will have a 2-week holiday over Easter.
Degree Course Subjects
Our foundation course offers progression to almost all Architecture and Art & Design university degree courses including:
- Animation
- Architecture
- Design Technology
- Interior Architecture
- Fashion Photography
- Interior Design
- Product Design
- Garden Design
- Graphic Design
- History of Art
- Fine Art
- Furniture Design
- Photography
- Illustration
- Interactive Media
- Interior Design
- Jewellry Design
- Film and Theatre Set Design
- Filmmaking
- Fashion Styling
- Model Making
- Multimedia Design
- Games Design
- Landscape Architecture
- Painting
- Photojournalism
- Print Making
- Product Design
- Sculpture
- Special Effects
University Destinations
One of the unique aspects of the University Foundation Programme (UFP) Architecture, Art & Design Foundation Course is the very high level of individual support and advice that students receive. We have a proven track record of placing our students in top-ranking universities including:
AA: Architectural Association School of Architecture
University of the Arts London: Central Saint Martins
University of the Arts London: Chelsea College of Arts
University of the Arts London: London College of Communication
University of the Arts London: Camberwell College of Arts
University of the Arts London: London College of Fashion
University of the Arts London: Wimbledon College of Arts
Goldsmiths, University of London
University of Westminster
Kingston University London
University of Sheffield
University of Nottingham
University of Manchester
University of Liverpool
Over 50% of our Architecture, Art & Design students achieve offers from University of the Arts London (UAL) and Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) which are some of the leading art & design universities in the UK.
Help and Support
If you don't have suitable qualification(s) please contact us directly to learn more. Please note that if English isn't your first language, you must take an IELTS exam and meet a minimum requirement of 5.5.
“I learned how to properly deal with problems with a positive attitude in a critical way. All these experiences have not only enabled me to meet my goal of achieving an offer from my dream university, but also truly opened my mind to the real essence of art.”
Sophi, Theatre Design Student (Wimbledon College of Arts: UAL)
Student Life
“The University Foundation Programme taught me how to move between alternative options and concentrate on my chosen topic without having fear. I received constant support from the tutors and having frequent tutorials helped me keep my motivation up.”
Beyazit, Illustration Student (Camberwell College of Arts: UAL)
Student Life
“I enjoyed the very friendly and supportive environment and the way the teachers helped and guided us throughout the year.”
Ghazal, Interior Design Student (Chelsea College of Arts: UAL)
Student Life
“I came here to live and study with people from different cultures, as well as to understand the future of modern art. For artists it is very important not just to talk about your work but to know how to present it to other people. Without my tutors this would not have been possible.”
Stepan, Fine Art Student (Chelsea College of Arts: UAL)
Student Life
“What I appreciated most about the University Foundation Programme was the friendly and supportive atmosphere among staff and students, as well as the opportunity to create interesting projects from different creative perspectives.”
Ghita, Architecture Student (The Architectural Association School of Architecture: AA)
Student Life
The University Foundation Programme (UFP) is a department of David Game College. Established in 1974, David Game College has become one of the leading Independent Sixth Form Colleges in London for 13-22 year olds.
Learn more