Art & Design (General Foundation)

Why study Art and Design (General Foundation & Specialisms)?

The majority of our degree programmes in art and design (with the exception of BSc Digital Interaction Design and BSc Product Design) begin with a common Level 1 programme, the BA/BDes Art and Design (General Foundation), before students progress to one of the nine degree specialisms (listed below).

If you have already completed a recognised art and design foundation course elsewhere you should apply directly to one of the specialisms which begin in Level 2. All other applicants should apply for the BA/Des Art and Design (General Foundation) course.

Skill Development

The first aim of this course is to develop your artistic ability and creative thinking. The course includes objective drawing (including life drawing), source drawing and development, painting, construction, computer imaging and colour work. You will also attend Art & Design History classes which will teach you about the historical development of art and design in comparison to contemporary practices. These courses will develop yours skills in creativity, aesthetics and artistic technique.

Course Choice

The second aim of this course is to help you to decide what course you want to pursue for the next three years. We will introduce you to a wide range of option by asking lecturers from each department to give you a presentation on their subject. You will also have the opportunity to tour each of the studios at djcad.

You will also be invited to take a study visit to exhibitions in Glasgow or Edinburgh and will have the opportunity to broaden your cultural knowledge with a trip to London.

At the end of the course you will be able to:

• confidently use an array of artistic techniques
• identify which discipline you want to pursue
• understand the historical trends and turning points in art and design

Enrich your cultural experience

General foundation course students also have a full day study visit to exhibitions in Scottish centres such as Glasgow and Edinburgh. There is also a study visit to London giving you the opportunity to broaden and enrich your cultural experience.

"Not only did we have very professional equipment and facilities in the department, but we were also taught in a way that I found to be very helpful. We were able to use other departments' facilities and staff expertise. The art history and theory program offered a broad range of possibilities to develop artistic work and gain experience."Jessica Treffler, BA (Hons) Time Based Art, 2004

Degree courses you may choose to take after you have finished your General Foundation year include:

• Animation
• Art, Philosophy, Contemporary Practices
• Fine Art (Digital Media, Drawing & Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture)
• Graphic Design
• Illustration
• Interior & Environmental Design
• Jewellery & Metal Design
• Textile Design
• Time Based Art & Digital Film

The following courses in related areas do not use the General Foundation year, you apply directly to those courses:

• Digital Interaction Design
• Product Design

For examples of student work, staff profiles, and news from the General Foundation course, visit the DJCAD website.