The Student Room Group

is it worth doing art foundation course?

I know there is a similar thread about this but it a little outdated. I am interested in studying architecture however many universities prefer an art a level, including Bath. They suggest for a competitive application, that someone who hasn't done A Level should complete a foundation course for that grounding. Is it worth it? Has anyone got in without doing either?
Reply 1
Original post by edanf003
I know there is a similar thread about this but it a little outdated. I am interested in studying architecture however many universities prefer an art a level, including Bath. They suggest for a competitive application, that someone who hasn't done A Level should complete a foundation course for that grounding. Is it worth it? Has anyone got in without doing either?

I work with students to help them prepare applications to top architecture degree courses as well as foundation diplomas including the likes of Bath, Bartlett, AA and Cambridge. I've certainly worked with students who have gone straight from A-Level to degree, although I've found there's an element of risk in as much as the extent to which they can be sure they want to study the subject without the experience of it through foundation first. Your portfolio (where required) would also need to be as in depth as a foundation level students where they will be competing for course places. I provide consultations, mentoring and tuition through a prestigious London agency if this is something you might like our assistance with?
Reply 2
Original post by JanMay
I work with students to help them prepare applications to top architecture degree courses as well as foundation diplomas including the likes of Bath, Bartlett, AA and Cambridge. I've certainly worked with students who have gone straight from A-Level to degree, although I've found there's an element of risk in as much as the extent to which they can be sure they want to study the subject without the experience of it through foundation first. Your portfolio (where required) would also need to be as in depth as a foundation level students where they will be competing for course places. I provide consultations, mentoring and tuition through a prestigious London agency if this is something you might like our assistance with?

Any help or advice would be really appreciated. After all it is a long time to study. So yes please
Original post by edanf003
I know there is a similar thread about this but it a little outdated. I am interested in studying architecture however many universities prefer an art a level, including Bath. They suggest for a competitive application, that someone who hasn't done A Level should complete a foundation course for that grounding. Is it worth it? Has anyone got in without doing either?

I am also in the same predicament- If you don't mind me asking, have you decided to create a portfolio in your own time or go for the foundation course, if so, where?
Reply 4
Original post by edanf003
Any help or advice would be really appreciated. After all it is a long time to study. So yes please

I could show you for example examples of portfolios that had applied to architecture straight from ALevel and ones that had done so after a foundation. Naturally you would see a big difference. It's a matter of weighing up what you would gain against potentially adding another year to an already long period of study for architecture. I've sent you a direct email about following this up if you're interested.
Reply 5
Original post by Infamous76
I am also in the same predicament- If you don't mind me asking, have you decided to create a portfolio in your own time or go for the foundation course, if so, where?

You would need to choose a foundation wisely as not all will provide an in depth experience of working on architecture projects, and many, being diagnostic, would require 3 months of experimentation in other areas before you requested to specialise. There are specialist foundations that for example offer 3DDA from the start which would provide a more direct experience of architecture and related areas of interest throughout.
Reply 6
Original post by Infamous76
I am also in the same predicament- If you don't mind me asking, have you decided to create a portfolio in your own time or go for the foundation course, if so, where?

To be honest I think I’m leaning more towards doing my own portfolio, because of the current climate and lockdown, etc. It’s giving me some time to think about starting focusing on art and improving my art skills. I think it’s one of those things where if you put the work in you will improve- I haven’t ruled anything out yet though

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