International Foundation in Creative Practices

Semester 1 has been designed to help you explore and think about specialist areas of study and to develop key skills in investigation, recording and exploration within creative subjects.. You will complete a series of projects that have been structured to give a detailed introduction to a range of core creative concepts and practical working approaches, and then focus on a chosen specialist practice in the creative arts. English for Academic Purposes will run throughout this and the next semester along with research and study skills to support the development and understanding of these key skills.

Exploring Creativity
This unit helps you to explore and think about different forms of creative thinking and practice. You will develop key skills in exploring creatively, including observation, investigation, experimentation, interpretation, documentation and communication of your work. You will engage with specific creative techniques and strategies designed to initiate creativity.

Research, Inspiration and Speaking: English for Academic Purposes
Through lectures, workshops and seminars you will learn about what research is, how we research and how we can use research to help us explore areas we’re interested in to generate new ideas for our work. In addition, you will acquire the skills to give academic presentations and structure written reflections and evaluations.

Creative Practical Skills 1
The aim of this unit is to introduce you to a range of technical and making practices. The focus is on practical skills, to build creative confidence creating the project outcomes.

You will initiate, research, develop, complete, present and evaluate chosen specialist projects, and propose and undertake individual specialist work that relates to your chosen BA degree subject and interests. Embedded into this semester is more advanced language and study skills appropriate to your academic study.

Creative Practice
This unit builds upon and develops your knowledge, understanding and skills of the ideas and practices. You will get the opportunity to propose and undertake specialist practice work reflecting your individual interest. It culminates in a demonstration of your most refined and independent practical work on the course and all the prior and ongoing learning undertaken in order to achieve it. 

Research and Writing: English for Academic Purposes
In this unit you will focus on your specialist area of study whilst still exploring broader cultural and creative work of others This will inform your own research interests and understanding of the areas you wish to develop and communicating these ideas in written form.

Creative Practical Skills 2
The aim of the unit is to explore and enhance your practical skills, with increased focus on your subject area, in preparation for commencing your undergraduate study.

Tuition fees

The course fees for Sept 2025 entry are:

A student-to-staff ratio of 15:1 means a high level of tutor interaction, so you can develop at your own pace. You will learn and practice specific art and design vocabulary in preparation for your undergraduate course. The course is highly practical and you will be in the studio every day, with further tasks developing not only your English skills but also your presentation, essay writing and referencing skills.

Support for the development of academic English skills is available throughout the course. You will develop your English language and academic study skills through an integrated programme of critical studies which will prepare you for undergraduate level study.

Teaching methods include studio work, one-to-one tutorials, lectures, seminars and practical workshops. We will introduce you to a wide range of approaches in the use of materials, methods and processes. Assessment methods will range from presentations and critiques to portfolio reviews.

There are opportunities for you to informally discuss any points raised in lectures or seminars through personal tutorials. You will also receive individual support and professional advice on personal and academic issues, including your next steps in your choice of studies or career. We will also support you in applying to UCA for your BA (Hons) degree course and will offer advice and guidance on visa applications and other pastoral matters.

• Course information 2024 entry
• Student regulations

Please note, syllabus content indicated is provided as a guide. The content of the course may be subject to change in line with our Student Terms and Conditions for example, as required by external professional bodies or to improve the quality of the course.