The Student Room Group

Art foundation diploma for 2025 entry

There aren't really a lot of forums about art foundation diplomas, I'd like to know where people are at with their applications and portfolios? I've done a personal statement (ik this isn't necessary for all courses) and just need to scan my work for my portfolio and then am planning to apply for a few foundations in the next couple weeks. Is anyone applying for the Loughborough FAD or already applied? I think it's my first choice but I'm not sure where else. I'm considering UAL and Kingston but I would have to commute and idk if i would find this difficult as london is very overwhelming for me, if anyone has any suggestions for other unis/colleges please lmk!
(edited 2 months ago)
There aren't really a lot of forums about art foundation diplomas, I'd like to know where people are at with their applications and portfolios? I've done a personal statement (ik this isn't necessary for all courses) and just need to scan my work for my portfolio and then am planning to apply for a few foundations in the next couple weeks. Is anyone applying for the Loughborough FAD or already applied? I think it's my first choice but I'm not sure where else. I'm considering UAL and Kingston but I would have to commute and idk if i would find this difficult as london is very overwhelming for me, if anyone has any suggestions for other unis/colleges please lmk!

Hi @alg3

Which Diploma are you looking at? The UAL Foundation in Art & Design? That's what I did and I loved it, but there are some things to think about.

There is an FAQ here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5017684
People have added to it and asked questions over the years since it started, and its really useful to help you sort out which type of foundation you should look at. It really helps you sort out the terminology.

One question I would want to ask about commuting is...how will you fund the commuting? Another is...how long is the commute? Some of the foundations are very fast paced and a long commute might be hard on your study time, but this does depend on the student.

Anyway, I hope that link helps.

Andrea. Student Ambassador.
Arts University Plymouth Rep
Aup.ac.uk
Talk to our students -
💻 Email us at [email protected]
☎️ Call us on 01752 203402⁠
📱 Whatsapp us at 07722 744184⁠
Hello,
I am a student rep for UAL and I can help out with your worries about commuting.

As someone who does commute to uni as I don't live in accommodation, it has been a great experience for me so far. As someone who has grown up in London, I understand that it can be quite overwhelming sometimes. However, that might be because of the endless opportunities available for young students like yourself studying a creative art degree.

I know many people who have started commuting to London for the first time for uni and have had great experiences. So if you do feel overwhelmed, you won't be alone and will have a great support system between your peers and lecturers.

UAL, does offer an art foundation and I hope this has calmed your nerves a little to consider this course. I wish you the best with your application.
There aren't really a lot of forums about art foundation diplomas, I'd like to know where people are at with their applications and portfolios? I've done a personal statement (ik this isn't necessary for all courses) and just need to scan my work for my portfolio and then am planning to apply for a few foundations in the next couple weeks. Is anyone applying for the Loughborough FAD or already applied? I think it's my first choice but I'm not sure where else. I'm considering UAL and Kingston but I would have to commute and idk if i would find this difficult as london is very overwhelming for me, if anyone has any suggestions for other unis/colleges please lmk!

Hi @alg3

It's great to hear that you are thinking Kingston!

There was a forum made for Kingston Art Foundation last year so maybe you could do the same!

It terms of commuting, lots of students do it and you would probably get use to the journey. You could always visit us on an open day, or just visit Kington, to get an idea of what the journey might be like. You can find out more about the upcoming open day on the website Open Days and events - Kingston University London

I hope this helps and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask.
-Grace (Kingston rep)
Hi, I did an art foundation at Loughborough last year and it was genuinely the best thing i’ve done! Made amazing mates (which I really thought I wouldn’t seeing as the Uni is so sport centred), it’s a super fun uni and a really solid course! Now studying up at Edinburgh University but also got offers from UAL, Leeds etc, so Loughborough is such a good stepping stone for getting anywhere else. Can’t recommend Lough enough !!!!
i'm applying to Loughborough too and i'm at the same stage as you! I'm also applying for the fad at ual, Manchester met, Bournemouth art and Plymouth art. Good luck to the both of us!
Reply 6
Original post by ArtsUniPlymouth
Hi @alg3
Which Diploma are you looking at? The UAL Foundation in Art & Design? That's what I did and I loved it, but there are some things to think about.
There is an FAQ here: https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=5017684
People have added to it and asked questions over the years since it started, and its really useful to help you sort out which type of foundation you should look at. It really helps you sort out the terminology.
One question I would want to ask about commuting is...how will you fund the commuting? Another is...how long is the commute? Some of the foundations are very fast paced and a long commute might be hard on your study time, but this does depend on the student.
Anyway, I hope that link helps.
Andrea. Student Ambassador.
Arts University Plymouth Rep
Aup.ac.uk
Talk to our students -
💻 Email us at [email protected]
☎️ Call us on 01752 203402⁠
📱 Whatsapp us at 07722 744184⁠

Hello,
Thank you for the link! I eventually decided against UAL as the commute was too far but thank you very much for replying!
Reply 7
Original post by trivial-spook
Hi, I did an art foundation at Loughborough last year and it was genuinely the best thing i’ve done! Made amazing mates (which I really thought I wouldn’t seeing as the Uni is so sport centred), it’s a super fun uni and a really solid course! Now studying up at Edinburgh University but also got offers from UAL, Leeds etc, so Loughborough is such a good stepping stone for getting anywhere else. Can’t recommend Lough enough !!!!

Yes it was my favourite of all the ones I looked at! It was probably a while ago for you now but do you know roughly how long it took them to get back to you after you submitted your application?
Thanks!
Reply 8
Original post by meltylove
i'm applying to Loughborough too and i'm at the same stage as you! I'm also applying for the fad at ual, Manchester met, Bournemouth art and Plymouth art. Good luck to the both of us!

Good luck to you!! They all seem like great choices, so far I've only applied to Loughborough and Leeds Art University but I am thinking of Oxford Brookes as well :smile:)
Yes it was my favourite of all the ones I looked at! It was probably a while ago for you now but do you know roughly how long it took them to get back to you after you submitted your application?
Thanks!
it actually only took around a week for them to get back after i submitted my portfolio, but i did submit like a week before the deadline all the way in may so i think that definitely affected it haha. best of luck!

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