International Foundation Certificate in Design

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: £17830

Departments

Centre for Academic Language and Literacies
Design

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At Goldsmiths, we aim to inspire and support you, enabling you to thrive.
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We are based in London, a city full of history and culture and voted the world's top student city (QS Best Student Cities, 2023)
Employability
Eight out of ten Goldsmiths students go into highly skilled work or further study (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2022)

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 2024/2025 academic year.

 

  • International - full-time: £17830

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.