International Foundation Certificate in Design
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Why study International Foundation Certificate in Design at Goldsmiths
This one-year programme gives you the opportunity to develop your English language, become familiar with UK academic culture, and prepare to study for a BA (Hons) in Design.
- Learn about different design disciplines and practices.
- Reflect on your own design approach.
- Develop your language skills in academic English.
- Begin studying the subject areas you would like to study at undergraduate level.
- Familiarise yourself both with ways of working in British academic culture and in the standards required at degree level.
- You will have a personal tutor, who you meet in small groups or on a one-to-one basis to discuss progress on the course, general approaches to study, and ways of maximising language learning.
- Build skills including how to work independently.
- If you pass the programme at the required level (a pass in all modules with an overall score of 50% or more), you are guaranteed a place on our BA Design programme. Alternatively you may choose to continue your studies at another university.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Edd Bagenal.
UCAS code
Entry requirements
Length
1 year full-time
Fees
International - full-time: £18750
Departments
What you'll study
You'll complete the following modules:
| Module title | Credits |
|---|---|
| What is Design? | 30 credits |
| Sketchbooks and Reflective Journal | 15 credits |
| Making Drawings Making Design | 15 credits |
| Academic Reading and Writing | 30 credits |
| Academic Listening and Speaking | 30 credits |
Depending on your English language proficiency, the module Academic Listening and Speaking will be optional.
What is Design?, Sketchbooks and Reflective Journal and Making Drawings Making Design are all taught by the Department of Design. You also have the option to take an additional Design module - Introduction to Digital Manufacture and Fabrication.
How you'll be assessed
The English for Academic Purposes modules of the programme are assessed by a mixture of coursework, written examination and presentation. The design modules will include assessment of a portfolio of work, a reflective journal and an exhibition.
How to apply
As part of your application you'll need to include:
- A reference
- A portfolio
- A personal statement
- English Language certificates
- Transcript or student record
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- International - full-time: £18750
Find out about our tuition fees and funding opportunities.
Funding opportunities
We offer a wide range of scholarships and bursaries, and our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for the International Foundation Certificate in Design are:
|
Academic |
A good high school leaving certificate or equivalent academic study with some evidence of learning in relevant subjects. You will also need to submit a portfolio of work to demonstrate art and design skills and experience. |
|
English |
Evidence of English language proficiency: UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) IELTS 5.0 overall with no element lower than 5.0. If you have a lower English language score you may be accepted after successfully completing one of our Pre-sessional English courses. |
|
Age |
You must normally be 17 years of age or above. |
|
Country of residence and nationality |
All non-native English speakers will be considered. However, please be aware that all students will be subject to the International rate of fees. |
|
Portfolio |
You will need to supply a portfolio of your design related work or a written visual presentation (including images) that shows at least three previous projects in a related field, uploaded as a PDF or a link to a similar portfolio online. |
International qualifications
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of UKVI IELTS 5.0 (with no individual score lower than 5.0) to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for degree-level study.
