Course Catalogue

To introduce students to the necessary subject knowledge and understanding required for the successful study of Art and Design at Undergraduate level in a UK partner university. The International Design Foundation Programme is designed to meet requirements for entry to university courses of study with the creation of an art and design portfolio in the UK. To assist students in finding the specialist pathway that best suits their art and design interests and abilities. To produce a portfolio of practical and contextual work that demonstrates practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding of Art and Design through an exploration of a range of materials, tools and processes. To produce a portfolio of practical and contextual work that demonstrates an understanding of how ideas can be conveyed in images and artefacts and how these relate to context. To equip students' subject specific knowledge skills for their future learning at degree level, combined, if required, with the subject specific English language, vocabulary and terminology to learn effectively in higher education. To develop the confidence and competence of the students as learners and to assist them in taking responsibility for their own learning through directed study and reading.

ASSESSMENTS At the end of the programme, students present a selection of work that provides evidence of meeting the four assessment objectives given below: 1. Explore and experiment processes and techniques using appropriate media in the making of images and artefacts 2. Plan and develop ideas using a range of contextual sources relevant to the work in progress. Analyse and modify ideas in light of their own evaluation. 3. Select and communicate informed and meaningful responses that convey a critical understanding making links between all elements visual, verbal and written as appropriate. 4. Record and critically reflect upon their own work and the work of others in visual and written form. Students will be required to submit the following artefacts for assessment at the end of the module: Sketchbook Reflective Journal Portfolio The work is assessed by the tutor who teaches the unit, then IV with the IV team, ensuring that academic standards and fairness remain constant across all units Each successful completed unit will be graded as a PASS, MERIT or DISTINCTION. To achieve a pass grade for the unit students must meet the assessment criteria. In the event of failing a unit, students are allowed to re-submit a referral project on a total of two occasions, under the supervision of the Programme Leader. In the event of a second failure, the student will be required to take the entire unit again, should they wish to progress. All units must be passed to gain the final award, therefore 120 credits must be accrued to be awarded the certificate and to progress to undergraduate study. TEACHING METHODS Teaching methods vary according to the units but will generally be as follows: Demonstrations Lectures Online research Presentations Workshops It is appropriate for more demonstrations and workshop activities to take place during taught sessions, this ensures that methodology is understood and becomes part of the design vocabulary. The course is characterised by experimental, experiential and intergraded learning. Throughout the course, students are expected to use their sketchbooks to explore ideas and experiment with materials, techniques and processes. They will use their reflective journal to analyse and reflect upon their progress. Discussion and debate will be integral to the studio teaching and will be aimed at a broad analysis of concepts and theories within art and design practice. The methodologies and practice of practice-based research in addition to academic research will be essential part of the delivery. The students will be expected to develop this further within the studio context. The course can be delivered around a series of taught sessions covering the formal elements of art and design. Within, and alongside these taught sessions, students will be given themed assignments. The scope and nature of the themes are used as a starting point and will be aimed at extending the students' current knowledge not only by looking at the formal elements but to support the development of a personal visual language in their practical/studio work. Students will be encouraged to apply the knowledge and understanding they have gained to produce practical work that is supported by in-depth research and information gathering. It is important that the students work towards developing a personal response through the exploration of different media techniques and approaches. Individual and group tutorials will be used to support students in the development of research skills and studio-based work.

The International Design Foundation Programme does not have any work-based learning integrated into the programme, however, when opportunities arise such as live projects or work experience, then this will be negotiated with the lecturer, student and the company or institution overseeing the project. For example, students could carry out live projects for organisations as part of a taught module, as long as it is seen as relevant and suitable for the student/s.