NCUK Foundation (Art & Design)

This course prepares international students for first year admission to undergraduate degrees in Art & Design at a wide range of UK universities.

• Location
  Manchester
  United Kingdom
• Progression
  A Wide Range Of UK Universities
• Start Dates
  Jan, Sep
  3 Terms
  Next start date: 14 Sep 2026
• Course Fees
  From £18,750
• Visa Considerations
  UKVI English Test Required
• Course Provider
  INTO Manchester

• Why Choose This Course?
  
  • Perfect for international students who want to study at a UK university, but do not have the academic or English qualifications for direct entry.
  • Receive expert advice and guidance on your choice of university from your Student Placement Officer at INTO Manchester.
  • Keep your options open for as long as possible. NCUK qualifications are widely accepted by universities in the UK (and many universities outside the UK too).
  • The INTO centre is located in the centre of Manchester, with 40+ modern classrooms and safe & secure student accommodation within a 5-10 minute walk.
  • With three major universities, Manchester is one of the most dynamic and multicultural student cities in the UK.

Calculate Fees Apply Online

About This Course

This course prepares international students for admission to undergraduate degrees in Art & Design. Successful graduates are awarded the NCUK Foundation Certificate, which is accepted as an admission qualification by most UK universities¹, including many in the Russell Group.

The course is taught at INTO Manchester and is the first stage of an undergraduate degree for students who have completed Year 11 or 12 at high school in their own country². During the course, you will study a combination of academic subjects, English language and study skills. You will study in small classes alongside other international students, with additional support to help you adjust to student life in the UK.

There is no progression guarantee for this programme, but students can apply to up to 5 universities via UCAS. That means you are not committed to only one university from day one, so you can keep your options open for as long as possible. Counselling will be provided by the placement team at INTO Manchester to help you prepare a strong application and maximise your chances of receiving offers.

General Admission Requirements

Check country specific admission requirements for this course.

Academic	Completion of high school with good grades, equivalent to 5 IGCSE grades A* - C in relevant subjects (excluding native language). Note: the Saudi Arabian Thanawaya is not accepted for admission to INTO Manchester
English *	UKVI IELTS 5.5 (5.0 in Writing) or equivalent UKVI English test.
Minimum Age	Minimum age 16 years and 9 months (for September start) or 17 years for other start dates.

Start Dates And Progression

Start Date	End Date	Progression
Sep 2026	Jun 2027	Sep 2027
Jan 2027	Aug 2027	Sep 2027

Progression Options

On successful completion of this course, you can apply for entry to degree programmes in art & design at a wide range of UK universities.

 
Apply Online For This Course

¹ The NCUK Foundation Certificate is accepted for admission to most UK universities, subject to grades. This programme is not suitable for students who want to progress to top tier universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, UCL, LSE and The University of Edinburgh.
² UK universities require 13 years at high school for admission to an undergraduate degree. Students who have studied to Year 11 or 12 (including IGCSE / AS Level) can qualify for admission by studying a one year foundation programme.