Bridging the gap to Uni: Art & Design Alumni pass on their advice
We always love to hear about the fantastic accomplishments our alumni achieve.
Art & Design learners were recently visited by ex-students who are now studying arts at prestigious universities.
All three of these ex students studied the UAL Foundation Diploma in Art & Design and visited current students to inform them first hand about the benefits of staying on and completing this unique course. Scroll down to read what they had to say!
Name: Rosie Weeks
Courses Studied at Weston College: UAL Foundation
Currently Studying: Artist Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan
The learning on the foundation course isn’t just about cramming and squeezing in techniques, it’s more about exploring creativity and refining your skills.
I really liked the trip to Penzance. We got to visit lots of galleries like the Barbara Hetworth Museum and it was a great chance to get to know everybody as well as having a change in scenery and perspective.
The staff really made the College stand out for me. I came straight from another college and I found the staff here much more friendly and approachable. They seemed really kind and interested in the work you want to produce.
Here everyone’s in the same area which I think provides a great environment to learn in alongside like-minded students.
Name: Caitlin Hartmann
Courses Studied at Weston College: A Levels (Art, Photography, Philosophy) > UAL Foundation
Currently Studying: Textile Design at Chelsea School of Art
Having studied A levels before, my study programme was already very broad. Coming onto the foundation really helped to guide me and completely changed what degree I intended to study. I couldn’t be happier with my choice and am so happy I decided to stay on for the foundation pre-degree.
Initially I was worried that when I get to uni I was going to be older than the other people, but I found that so many other people had done the same thing and I never felt like I was a step behind all my friends who chad gone to uni straight from college.
Here they give you so much help setting up portfolios, before I had no idea what I was doing and it’s really helpful for selecting which pieces of work to use and understanding what universities want to see from you.
In the first year at uni we had a textiles printing module and I remember a lot of the students didn’t understand any of the equipment whereas I already had experience and confidence thanks to the really good facilities here.
Name: Caitlin Dawkes
Courses Studied at Weston College: A Levels (Art, Photography, Media) > UAL Foundation
Currently Studying: Fine Art at Central Saint Martins
Because you’re still under 19 when you start this course (traditionally), the pre-degree is completely free. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure of what to specialise in or want to develop your portfolio.
The technicians are a really important part for me. At College you form a strong relationship with the technicians and they begin to understand your way of work and can apply themselves to help you which is so helpful. I loved the final major project.
It’s not just about ticking boxes it’s all personable reflection and journey and you get a final piece of work which you can be truly proud of.
Name: Rosie Weeks
Courses Studied at Weston College: UAL Foundation
Currently Studying: Artist Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan
The learning on the foundation course isn’t just about cramming and squeezing in techniques, it’s more about exploring creativity and refining your skills.
I really liked the trip to Penzance. We got to visit lots of galleries like the Barbara Hetworth Museum and it was a great chance to get to know everybody as well as having a change in scenery and perspective.
The staff really made the College stand out for me. I came straight from another college and I found the staff here much more friendly and approachable. They seemed really kind and interested in the work you want to produce.
Here everyone’s in the same area which I think provides a great environment to learn in alongside like-minded students.
Name: Caitlin Hartmann
Courses Studied at Weston College: A Levels (Art, Photography, Philosophy) > UAL Foundation
Currently Studying: Textile Design at Chelsea School of Art
Having studied A levels before, my study programme was already very broad. Coming onto the foundation really helped to guide me and completely changed what degree I intended to study. I couldn’t be happier with my choice and am so happy I decided to stay on for the foundation pre-degree.
Initially I was worried that when I get to uni I was going to be older than the other people, but I found that so many other people had done the same thing and I never felt like I was a step behind all my friends who chad gone to uni straight from college.
Here they give you so much help setting up portfolios, before I had no idea what I was doing and it’s really helpful for selecting which pieces of work to use and understanding what universities want to see from you.
In the first year at uni we had a textiles printing module and I remember a lot of the students didn’t understand any of the equipment whereas I already had experience and confidence thanks to the really good facilities here.
Name: Caitlin Dawkes
Courses Studied at Weston College: A Levels (Art, Photography, Media) > UAL Foundation
Currently Studying: Fine Art at Central Saint Martins
Because you’re still under 19 when you start this course (traditionally), the pre-degree is completely free. It’s a great starting point if you’re unsure of what to specialise in or want to develop your portfolio.
The technicians are a really important part for me. At College you form a strong relationship with the technicians and they begin to understand your way of work and can apply themselves to help you which is so helpful. I loved the final major project.
It’s not just about ticking boxes it’s all personable reflection and journey and you get a final piece of work which you can be truly proud of.
