Art and Design (General Foundation)

The Art and Design (General Foundation) programme at the University of Dundee provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental skills and knowledge required to pursue diverse creative careers in the visual arts and design fields. This thoughtfully structured foundation year is designed to support students in developing their artistic practice, critical thinking, and professional awareness, equipping them with the necessary tools to progress onto specialist undergraduate degrees in areas such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, and Design Crafts. Throughout the course, students engage in a variety of studio-based projects, workshops, and tutorials that foster experimentation, innovation, and technical proficiency across a range of media, including drawing, sculpture, digital design, and mixed media. Emphasis is placed on the development of individual artistic voice, contextual understanding, and the ability to critically evaluate one's work within both contemporary and historical frameworks. The programme encourages a collaborative learning environment, where students benefit from expert guidance and feedback from experienced tutors, as well as opportunities to participate in exhibitions and showcase their work to wider audiences. The curriculum also incorporates research methodologies, visual analysis, and reflective practice, which are essential skills for succeeding in the fast-evolving creative industries. By the end of the foundation year, students will have a strong portfolio that demonstrates their versatility and readiness to undertake specialized undergraduate study. The University of Dundee's Art and Design (General Foundation) is ideal for those passionate about pursuing a creative career, providing a solid platform for artistic growth, critical engagement, and professional development in the arts.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline January 15 Tuition fee

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Fee category

Fees for students starting September 2015

Scottish students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Rest of UK students

£9,000 per year, for a maximum of 3 years, even if you are studying a four year degree. See our scholarships for rest of UK applicants.

EU students

£1,820 per year of study (for Sept 2014 entry). Fees for September 2015 will be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2015.

Overseas students (non-EU)

£12,950 per year of study. See our scholarships for international applicants.

Not specified Start date September 2015 Course Starts September Duration full-time 12 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

How you will be taught

The majority of the teaching and learning on the General Foundation course takes the form of studio practice, which includes:

• informal lectures,
• demonstration,
• and individual and group tutoring.

Staff members have a friendly approach and welcome requests for help and advice.

What you will study

The core values and philosophical ethos of the course are encapsulated in the teaching of both the fundamental elements of art and design practice, namely drawing skills (including life drawing), making and digital imaging as well as generic skills (writing, research methodologies etc.) to support you in whatever career path you decide to take in the future.

These core values will enrich and expand your personal visual language and contribute in a diagnostic context towards helping you make an informed choice of specialist study. Having enjoyed the enriching experience of working within a vibrant community of emerging artists and designers in the General Foundation, progression to Level 2 – the specialist courses – requires demonstration of appropriate knowledge and skill and the potential to successfully pursue independent study.

Level 1

• Fundamental creative skills (drawing, painting, making, demonstrations)
• Technical skills (practical workshops and digital imaging)
• Key generic skills (analytical and critical skills, research skills, confidence and motivation, presentation and communication skills)
• Contextual studies introducing historical and contemporary debates and practice
• Foundation skills in the various art and design specialisms
• Elective choice (including philosophy)
• An optional cultural study visit (major Scottish cities and London) enhances the learning experience

For a more detailed description of the modules in Level 1, please see the DJCAD website

This General Foundation will encourage experimentation, encouraging you to take risks in trying new things. It also aims to cultivate your understanding of the range of art and design disciplines that you may progress to in the future and the associated future career opportunities.

How you will be assessed

You will be assessed through the studio course work including supporting work such as digital outputs, blogs, reflective journals and also through demonstrating your understanding of contextual studies. There is continuous formative feedback through the studio tutorials and at the end of each module. A formal assessment occurs at the end of semester 1 and again at the end of semester 2.

Drawing

Throughout the general foundation course you will encounter a constant preoccupation with the importance of drawing (including life drawing), a grasp of which is regarded as an integral factor in any of the art and design related areas. Two aspects of drawing are emphasised: firstly the practice and exercise of drawing in order to expand your perceptive and expressive skills and secondly, the constructive use of drawing to give form to ideas and to visualise solutions to problems.

The Objective Drawing and Computer Imaging module (which includes life drawing) is studied weekly. At the end of Semester 1 you will choose a specific degree specialism.

In Semester 2 you will be given the opportunity to engage in projects which allow you to focus on your choice of degree study specialism. Progress is monitored as an integral part of the teaching process. Module tutors will conduct an assessment of completed work and supporting studies at the end of each part of the module and aggregate these assessments to provide a final mark for the module.

Successful completion of the Art and Design (General Foundation) program at the University of Dundee requires students to fulfill a comprehensive set of academic and practical requirements designed to prepare them for further study in specialist art and design disciplines. The program typically encompasses a range of core modules that develop skills in visual communication, experimental practice, observation, and contextual understanding. Students are expected to engage in both individual and group projects that foster creativity, critical thinking, and technical proficiency across various mediums including drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and design.

The curriculum emphasizes the development of a personal visual language and encourages experimentation with different materials and techniques. Assessment for the program usually includes coursework portfolios, practical projects, written reflections, and presentations. Students are also required to undertake research projects to deepen their understanding of art history and contemporary practices, ensuring they can contextualize their creative work within broader cultural and societal frameworks.

Attendance and participation are integral to the program’s success, with students expected to actively engage in studio critiques, seminars, and workshops. The program promotes independent study, encouraging students to explore their own interests while guided by faculty expertise. To progress through the foundation year and meet graduation requirements, students must demonstrate sustained improvement in their technical skills, critical analysis ability, and commitment to creative development.

In addition, students may need to fulfill specific optional modules or electives that broaden their knowledge base in areas like sustainable design, digital entrepreneurship, or interdisciplinary practices. The program aims to prepare students effectively for transfer to specialist Art and Design degree programs such as Fine Art, Graphic Design, or Sculpture, by ensuring they acquire a solid foundation of professional skills, theoretical understanding, and a strong portfolio of work suitable for higher-level study or entry into the creative industries.

Students are often required to participate in exhibition opportunities and engage with external organizations to gain real-world experience. Successful graduates are expected to meet not only the academic standards but also demonstrate personal initiative and a professional attitude towards their practice, positioning them well to pursue careers or advanced studies in diverse art, design, and creative sectors.

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Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The University of Dundee offers a variety of financing options for students enrolled in the Art and Design (General Foundation) program, designed to accommodate the financial needs of both domestic and international students. Tuition fees for this program vary depending on the student's residency status, with UK, EU, and international students potentially paying different rates. Effective financial planning is essential for prospective students, and the university provides detailed information regarding tuition costs through its official website and admissions office.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living costs, which include accommodation, food, transportation, study materials, and personal expenses. The university offers dedicated support to help students secure accommodation, whether on-campus or nearby private housing, which can influence overall expenses. Financial aid options are available to eligible students, including scholarships, bursaries, and grants, particularly for high-achieving applicants or those demonstrating significant financial need. The university's scholarship programs are competitive and may cover partial or full tuition fees.

Students are encouraged to explore government loans and financial support schemes available to UK students, including Student Loans Company (SLC) loans, which can be used to cover tuition fees and living costs. International students may need to seek scholarships and external funding sources, such as private foundations or financial aid programs specific to their country of residence.

The university also provides advice and information about part-time work opportunities, which can help students manage their finances during their studies. Employment prospects are supported by university services, and students must ensure that any work commitments comply with visa regulations where applicable. The university's financial services department can assist students in budget planning to ensure they can comfortably manage their studies and living expenses throughout the duration of the program.

Overall, financing a degree at the University of Dundee requires careful planning, awareness of available financial aid options, and proactive engagement with university support services. Prospective students are advised to review the latest information on tuition fees, scholarships, and financial support directly from the university's official website and contact admissions or student support offices for personalized guidance.

The University of Dundee offers a foundational program in Art and Design that provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the core principles and practices within the creative arts. This General Foundation course is designed to equip students with essential skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to pursue further study or careers in various art and design disciplines. Throughout the program, students are exposed to a wide range of creative opportunities, including drawing, painting, sculpture, digital media, and conceptual development, allowing them to explore different mediums and techniques. The curriculum emphasizes both practical skills and theoretical understanding, fostering critical thinking, visual communication, and innovative problem-solving abilities.

Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated studios, workshops, and digital suites, which support experimentation and the development of personal artistic voice. The course is taught by experienced lecturers and practitioners who provide individualized feedback and mentorship. Collaboration and interdisciplinary projects are integral to the program, encouraging a dynamic learning environment where students can learn from peers across different creative disciplines. Additionally, the Foundation year helps students develop important professional skills such as presentation, portfolio creation, and self-promotion, preparing them for further study at undergraduate level or entry into the creative industries.

The program's structure typically involves a mixture of taught modules, studio practice, and project work, with assessment based on coursework, presentations, and final portfolios. The university maintains strong links with industry partners and galleries, providing students with opportunities for exhibitions, collaborations, and real-world projects that enhance employability. Graduates of the Foundation program often proceed to BA degrees in Art, Design, Illustration, Graphic Design, Product Design, or related fields within the university or other higher education institutions. Overall, the Art and Design General Foundation at the University of Dundee aims to nurture creativity, technical proficiency, and a professional outlook, preparing students to thrive in a competitive and ever-evolving creative sector.