Year 1 Foundation (Art & Design)

Leading To BA Painting

A first year degree programme at Robert Gordon University for international students who have completed Year 11/12 of high school. Available for selected undergraduate degrees in Art & Design, including BA Painting

• Location
  Aberdeen
  United Kingdom
• Progression
  Robert Gordon University
• Rankings & Awards
  United Kingdom: 98th
  Satisfaction: 84%
• Start Dates
  Sep
  2 Semesters
  Next start date: Sep 2025
• Course Fees
  From £14,650
• Visa Considerations
  Integrated Visa
  Non-UKVI English Tests Accepted
• Course Provider
  Robert Gordon University

• Why Choose This Course?
  
  • Equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree at Robert Gordon University, but with lower entry requirements. Guaranteed progression to year 2 or a 4-year degree on successful completion of this programme.
  • A modern riverside campus with striking architecture and spacious parkland, next to the River Dee.
  • A focus on vocational, practical and industry relevant courses. Most undergraduate degree programs offer a one year, fully paid placement in industry.
  • A low cost of living compared to other UK student cities, such as London, Manchester and Birmingham.
  • Live and study in the port city of Aberdeen, a prosperous city in the North of Scotland, well known for its offshore petroleum and renewable energy industries.

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About This Course

The Year 1 Foundation (Art & Design) is equivalent to year one of a four year bachelor's degree at Robert Gordon University. It offers an admission route to Robert Gordon University for international students who have completed Year 11/12 of high school in their own country¹

During the course, you will study a full first year curriculum, but with additional support to develop your academic subject knowledge and study skills. Students who do not meet the standard English requirements for Robert Gordon University will also benefit from enhanced English language support.

On successful completion of this programme, you can progress to the second year of a bachelor's degree in Art & Design, including BA Painting. Progression is guaranteed for students who achieve the module scores required for their chosen progression degree.

Note: Students studying this course may² benefit from an integrated study visa, which will be valid for the duration of the entire programme. That means you will not have to apply for a new visa when you progress to a degree.

Admission Requirements

Academic	Completion of high school with good grades, equivalent to 5 IGCSE grades A*-C, 4-9 in relevant subjects (excluding native language). Evidence of artistic ability is required for Architecture or Art & Design (8-10 drawings, sketches or paintings).
English	IELTS 5.5 (5.5 all skills) or equivalent. A wide range of English qualifications is accepted, including some high school English qualifications.
Minimum Age	Minimum age 16 years (at start of course).

Start Dates And Progression

Start Date	End Date	Progression
Sep 2025	Apr 2026	Sep 2026

Progression Options

On successful completion of this course, you are guaranteed progression to one of the following undergraduate programmes at Robert Gordon University.

• BA Communication Design
• BA Contemporary Art Practice
• BA Fashion & Textile Design
• BA Painting
• BA Three Dimensional Design

 
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¹ Scottish universities require 13 years of high school for direct admission to an undergraduate degree.
² An integrated study visa is available to students who meet the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) English requirement for degree level study, which is IELTS 5.5 (5.5 all skills) or equivalent.