Art & Design (General Foundation) BA (Hons) - BDes (Hons)
Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
Art & Design (General Foundation) BA (Hons) / BDes (Hons)
University of Dundee
Art & Design
Program Overview
The Art and Design General Foundation course at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) is the only program of its kind in Scotland, offering a unique first-year foundation experience as the entry point to a full Honours degree. This foundation year is centred on learning independence, developing practical skills, and building critical thinking while you explore a diverse range of art and design disciplines.
Throughout the year, you will undertake studio-based projects across multiple specialist areas, helping you discover which Honours degree pathway is right for you. From Year 2 onwards, you choose a specialism such as Animation, Art and Philosophy, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Jewellery and Metal Design, or Textile Design, and continue in that discipline for the remaining three years of your degree.
DJCAD is ranked among the top art and design schools in the United Kingdom, with a rich creative history spanning over 130 years. You will benefit from six large, bright studio spaces, twelve specialist workshops, galleries, digital labs, and an extensive range of professional equipment, all designed to support your creative development in a collaborative and inspiring environment.
Key Program Highlights
- Only Art and Design General Foundation course offered in Scotland, providing a distinctive first-year exploration experience
- Access to seven specialist Honours degree pathways including Animation, Fine Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, and more
- Studio-based learning in six dedicated spaces with twelve specialist workshops and professional-grade facilities
- Part of DJCAD, a leading UK art school with over 130 years of creative heritage and strong industry connections
Curriculum & Modules
The foundation year curriculum is designed to give you broad experience across a range of art and design disciplines. You will spend the majority of your time in studio-based activities, complemented by a full program of weekly lectures that develop your knowledge of art and design ideas and critical theory.
Art and Design Studio Practice
Core ModuleThe central studio module where you undertake diverse practical projects across multiple art and design disciplines, developing fundamental creative skills and exploring different media and techniques.
Specialist Trial Blocks
Core ModuleYou select up to three specialist subjects and complete practical project-based blocks in each one, helping you determine which specialism is right for your second year of study.
Art and Design Context
Core ModuleA series of weekly lectures delivered by a variety of speakers, developing your knowledge and understanding of art and design ideas that underpin your studio practice.
Introduction to Aesthetics
Optional ModuleAn introduction to the basic terminology of aesthetics as a philosophical subject, exploring ancient and modern conceptions of the relationship between art and philosophy.
Drawing and Visual Communication
Core ModuleDevelops your core drawing and visual communication skills across various media, building the foundational abilities essential for any art and design specialism.
Portfolio Development
Core ModuleGuides you through the process of compiling and presenting a portfolio of work created during the foundation year, which is assessed for progression into your chosen specialism.
Specialist Pathways from Year 2
Admission Requirements
Entry to the Art and Design General Foundation program is competitive and requires both academic qualifications and a creative portfolio. All applicants must submit a comprehensive portfolio of art, design, or creative work as part of their application through Uni4Edu.
Academic Requirements
- Scottish HighersABBB (BBBC for widening access), preferably including Art and Design or an English-based subject
- A-LevelsContact Uni4Edu for current A-Level requirements
- International BaccalaureateContact Uni4Edu for current IB requirements
- BTECPearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma accepted; contact Uni4Edu for grade requirements
- PortfolioA comprehensive portfolio of art, design, or creative work is required from all applicants
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum 6.0 overall (contact Uni4Edu for component requirements)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum 78 overall (single sitting only; MyBest scores not accepted)
- PTE AcademicMinimum 59 overall (contact Uni4Edu for component requirements)
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
The University of Dundee offers a range of scholarships and bursaries for international students, designed to recognise academic excellence and support students from diverse backgrounds. Contact Uni4Edu for full eligibility details and application guidance.
Global Excellence Scholarship
Up to GBP 5,000 per yearAwarded to international students who have demonstrated outstanding academic performance and strong extracurricular or voluntary activities. Available for undergraduate students on eligible full-time courses.
Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship
Up to GBP 4,000 per year (up to GBP 20,000 total)A regional scholarship offering up to GBP 4,000 per year of study for eligible international students from specific countries. No separate application is required as eligibility is assessed automatically.
Global Citizenship Scholarship
Up to GBP 4,000 per yearRecognises applicants who strongly align with the University of Dundee's values. Provides a tuition fee discount for each year of study. Contact Uni4Edu for application details and eligibility criteria.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates from DJCAD enter a wide range of creative careers across art, design, and cultural industries. The foundation year equips you with transferable skills in creative thinking, visual communication, and project management, while your chosen specialism from Year 2 prepares you for specific professional roles. The University of Dundee has a strong track record for graduate employability.
Potential Career Roles
Types of Employers
Rankings & Recognition
The University of Dundee is a well-established institution with strong national and international rankings. Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) is consistently recognised as one of the leading art and design schools in the United Kingdom, with a history of top placements in subject-specific league tables.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art & Design | Complete University Guide | #1 in Scotland (historically) |
| Art & Design | QS World University Rankings by Subject | Top 51-100 (historically) |
| Overall Satisfaction (multiple subjects) | National Student Survey | #1 in Scotland in 12 subjects (2025) |
| Scottish University of the Year | Daily Mail University Guide | Winner |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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