Architecture Art & Design Foundation Course

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 take the following subjects 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 encourages 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.

Assessment

Students will be assessed through a combination of coursework, projects, presentations, and written examinations. Regular assignments and mock tests will help track progress and prepare students for final assessments. Emphasis is placed on both theoretical understanding and practical application to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of each student’s abilities. Feedback will be provided throughout the course to support continuous improvement and academic success.

Course Term Dates

The University Foundation Programme (UFP) offers two start dates—September and January.
For both timelines, students complete their foundation year course and progress to university in September, joining the new academic year.

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
Jewellery 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

Our top Destinations

Our students go on to study at some of the top universities in the UK, making the University Foundation Programme (UFP) a trusted pathway to outstanding higher education destinations.

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.

Tuition Fees

The fee for the one-year foundation course on Architecture, Art & Design is £28,500, which includes registration, examination, and art material fees.

To find the complete tuition fees breakdown, click here.

Entry Requirements

Age Requirement

All students must be 16 years 6 months old or more to be eligible to apply for a foundation programme.

Academic Requirements

All students need to have completed up to the GCSE equivalent level.
Minimum of 5 A*-C grades, including Mathematics

English Language Requirements

Academic IELTS for UKVI	Pearson PTE Academic UKVI
Minimum 5.5 overall, no less than 5.0 in any component	Minimum 46 overall, no less than 43 in any component

To find the complete English Language requirement, click here.

Testimonials

“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.”

“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.”

“I really enjoyed the welcoming relaxed atmosphere at the University Foundation Programme. My tutors were extremely friendly and encouraging and they helped me every step of the way in creating my portfolio. I would definitely recommend the course to other students!”

“The tutors are approachable and are very helpful whenever we get stuck at a certain point in our projects. We get a lot of support from our tutors, for projects and portfolio making. The course has definitely prepared me for the intensity of university.”

“I chose this course because I wanted to strengthen my portfolio for university entry. I learned so much from my tutors. What I like is that they focus on each person’s ability and potential, helping us to develop our skills, techniques and understanding. I couldn’t have received better support.”

“I received a lot of one to one attention from my tutors and was greatly supported and encouraged throughout the course.”

“My tutors were incredibly supportive and helped me create a great portfolio. Universities were impressed by the quality of editing and layout of my work.”