Foundation Art: Camberwell v CSM, Specialist v Diagnostic

Hey! I’m currently doing the foundation in Camberwell. I can’t tell you what the differences are between the two because I don’t know anyone in the CSM foundation but I can tell you a bit about Camberwell.

I took diagnostic and I’m actually starting my specialism tomorrow. If you choose diagnostic you have two weeks in each pathway - design, art and communication. So you have six weeks in the diagnostic stage, and then writing week and assessment week, so you choose your specialism in the 8th week of the course. I would advise to go into diagnostic if you’re not completely sure what you want to specialize in. I started the course wanting to go to graphic design and I did end up choosing it, however, I don’t regret going into diagnostic because I honestly learned so much. Camberwell and CSM have different specialisms, for example Camberwell doesn’t have fashion and textiles and CSM doesn’t have theatre design, so you should see which ones you’re more interested about.

About the facilities, it’s definitely true that CSM has better facilities. In Camberwell, the foundation students have their own building and I think it’s a bit overcrowded. To go to the library and the canteen you have to walk to the main building, which is like a 5min walk. The Camberwell area is really nice tho, I personally prefer south London to Kings Cross, although I’ve only been living here for two months 😂

About the reputation, I honestly think it doesn’t matter because it’s only the foundation course. When you go to the BA you can apply to any of the UAL colleges and get the exact same privileges as the CSM foundation students, so you can still go to the course you think has better reputation.

I personally chose Camberwell over CSM because honestly I was afraid CSM environment was too competitive. Until now, I haven’t felt that at CCW, the students and the teachers are all really nice, but again, I can’t speak for CSM. If you have any more questions don’t hesitate to ask! X

I am applying for the foundation at csm but after reading this I'm considering Camberwell as I'm also worried about the csm environment. I have a few questions, what type of things did you write about in your personal statement? What type of things did you portfolio include? How much did you include? Did you take out a student loan? Thanks so much x

Thank you!
I think I will apply for the diagnostic, then, since I do want to experience working with a range of mediums- even though I am pretty certain I will want to continue with fine art.
I do also worry for the competitive environment of CSM - not necessarily throughout the potential course but the fact that I may not get into UAL, as you can only apply to one of the colleges. Do you know the difference in the number of students accepted between the two? Is it very clear?

Hey, I was just wondering what your weekly timetable is like at Camberwell for foundation? x

I am a MA at CSM. Is a building that forces you to interact with other students in other areas. I would definitely go there. I think you guys are based in Archway but do some projects in KX

I think my personal statement was nothing special, I talked about why I wanted to do a foundation and why diagnostic, the qualities I thought I had that would make me succeed on the course, giving examples - like, I said I manage my time well because I used to do competitive gymnastics, which forced me to combine it with school while having good grades, etc.. and also what the inspiration to my work was - at that time I didn’t even have any artist that I was inspired by for my work, I just said something about being inspired by life around me or something like that aha
Then I just talked why I wanted to go to ual and why I wanted to study in London (because I’m not from the uk) and what I want to do after the foundation.

I don’t really remember much details about the portfolio? In my case I had to submit it online because I didn’t live in the uk and it was submitted through an online platform. I think they had 35 pages you had to fill, and I put about 18 to 20 works, I don’t remember clearly. I tried to put as much different things I could in my portfolio, some observational drawings, photography, some 3D work,and I put more graphics stuff like a book and posters, so I would say to try and include as much different work as you can and use a lot of different materials. None of my works were really big projects, some I did like in an afternoon, just try and be experimental and curious.

I don’t have any student loan right now because the foundation is free for me, since I’m under 19