Short Courses
One Year Courses
Specialist Courses at the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture
Foundation Springboard
BA Bridging (part of 3 year programme)
MA Pre-Masters
M.Phil and PhD Preparation
- Who are Springboard & Bridging Students?
When an individually tailored programme is required to enable a mature student to enhance or re-orient their career. - Students who may not have had the advantage of previously studying Art and Design in the UK, but who have developed a portfolio to show at interview, which demonstrates their potential to work at a high level in art and design subjects
- Students who would like to develop their English Language skills.
- A student or practitioner who would like to change disciplines.
Kingston University
The University is situated in the historic Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames - South West London - within easy reach of the centre of the city and its national museums, galleries, exhibitions. We are internationally renowned as one of the world’s leading centres for contemporary cultural activity in art, design and architecture education. The Faculty has exceptionally strong links with individual professionals and companies based in London, which have given British art and design its reputation for exciting innovation and creativity.
The breadth of courses on offer makes this a stimulating and enriching environment in which you can study alongside like-minded and ambitious students.
For over 10 years, students from around the world have benefited from the intellectual experience, and the high levels of tutorial support and guidance at Kingston University’s Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture.
These unique short courses provide students with help to achieve ambitious career goals. The majority have used these courses to build their confidence, motivation and make a portfolio based on the development of strong, appropriate, creative ideas.
This enables them to make a successful application for entry to the courses of their choice, the majority electing to continue their study at Kingston University.
Mature students have used the experience to widen their understanding of contemporary art and design studies and professional practice in London. They develop their thinking, individuality, methods of research and creativity, as well as updating their skills to enter directly to the world of art and design and operate at a high level. Others have built on their existing knowledge of another discipline, such as business, to expand their opportunities and re-orient their careers.
Your course of study is based on the content and standard of your portfolio at entry and your ambitions as discussed with tutors at interview. A programme of work for your time at Kingston will be individually put in place to meet your needs and ambitions.
If you are planning to continue in higher education the aim will be to build up a strong portfolio of relevant project work which clearly demonstrates your developing intellectual and practical strengths.
Alongside the work you do in the studio, you will attend contextual studies lectures and seminars to gain an appreciation of historical and contemporary perspectives as a framework for your studio practice.
There are opportunities to join trips to other countries on all courses. Additional support may be provided for students for whom English is a second language, and there is free English Language support in the campus.
Which courses can I study?
Architecture
Fashion Design
Film & Television
Fine Art
Foundation Studies in Art & Design
Graphic Design
Illustration & Animation
Interior Design
Landscape
Photography
Product & Furniture Design
Which level is right for me?
Foundation Studies Springboard - Application Form (pdf)
A tailored programme matching your needs and ambitions and enabling you to produce a portfolio for progression to an appropriate BA course
BA Bridging - Application Form (pdf)
Studying alongside the first year BA students, but with additional help, in a lively, stimulating studio environment and working with the extra assistance provided, working towards progression to the 2nd and 3rd year of the degree courses.
MA Pre Masters - Application Form (pdf)
Enhancing individual strengths, and preparing to join post-graduate programmes in the Faculty alongside opportunities to improve language and research skills.
M.Phil. & Ph.D Preparation - Application Form (pdf)
In consultation with the Director of Post-Graduate Studies preparing your research proposal and application to higher research led study. These courses meet the needs of unique applicants who make a valuable contribution to the cosmopolitan, open atmosphere of the Faculty. You’ll be supported by dedicated tutors and technicians with specialised skills, as well as by those working with you on specific projects. New ideas will flourish, giving a richness of cultural experience and breadth of knowledge beyond the core subject.
Our courses have outstanding reputations; known internationally for the creative qualities of students’ work; problem-solving abilities and professionalism. Kingston graduates enjoy exceptional levels of employment on graduation.
'I joined the one year BA Bridging Course for my first year at Kingston and working hard meant I had the chance to join the BA, in level two. It’s really worth it to get that opportunity. The whole atmosphere is very creative.'
Jacob Bjoerk Ferdinandsen, Graphic Design
'Kingston University… has a strong tradition of working closely with industry, and is regularly singled out in government speeches and reports for its commitment to vocational training.'
The Guardian, May 2006
Fees - PDF
A non-returnable registration fee of £450 is payable on acceptance of your place and the balance of the fees must be paid on, or before, enrolment. In exceptional circumstances fees may be paid in two instalments, subject to an additional administration fee of £100 which will be levied on the first instalment.
On completion of the course all students are awarded with a Kingston University Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture certificate of attendance for their course, as well as their comprehensive portfolio of individual contemporary and personal work. Please refer to our Undergraduate/Post-Graduate Faculty prospectus and website for detailed information about the courses you will study.
Bursaries are available for some students progressing to higher level courses in the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture.
How to Apply
Please complete your application form and return to:
Short Course Unit, Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture, Kingston University, Knights Park , Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2QJ, United Kingdom
T: +44 (0) 20 8417 4066
F: +44 (0) 20 8417 4229
E: shortcourse.design@kingston.ac.uk
