Program Overview

International Foundation Year in Art, Media & Architecture
The International Foundation Year in Art, Media & Architecture will prepare you for an undergraduate degree in a range of fields such as media, design journalism and fashion design.

You will study core modules, which are general skills subjects, and optional modules such as media campaigns tailored to your chosen area of study, all of which are important for your academic development.

Why study Art, Media & Architecture?

• Build your portfolio of creative work ready for your undergraduate degree
• Start preparing for your future work placement with the International Study Centre’s CareerAhead activities
• Choose from career-focused, professional degrees with a high graduate employment rate
• Progress to a degree which incorporates cutting edge practices, ensuring you graduate with an up-to-date knowledge on your chosen industry
• Benefit from top facilities on a modern campus, such as the new £30 million Barbara Hepworth building – the home of all things art, design and architecture at the University.

Once you have succesfully completed International Foundation Year in Art, Media & Architecture, and achieving the required grades, you will join the first year of your undergraduate degree at the University of Huddersfield.

Leading to: Illustration BA (Hons)

• In your first year you’ll have the chance to experiment with a range of materials and concepts, which will enable you to develop your practical skills and your individual strengths.
• On to second year you can expand on what you’ve learnt, and we’ll also take a look at what’s going on in the wider field of illustration. From industry and cultural contexts through to the latest professional practice, we’ll aim to get you thinking about what steps you might take in your career.
• We'll also give you the chance to work on live projects, and briefs set by our contacts in the industry.
• You'll have the opportunity to go on a placement year after the second year if that takes your fancy, providing real-world experience of what it’s like to work in a range of illustrative practices, developing your professional skills.
• In your final year you'll consolidate what you've learnt and build up your own portfolio. We know what employers are looking for, we know what employers are looking for, the course structure ensures that you will fine tune your portfolio to the highest professional standard, to provide excellent opportunities.

During your time here there will be plenty of chances to hear talks from guest speakers and professionals from the world of illustration and art. We are college members of the Association of Illustrators, and our industry links could get you involved in live projects, competitions, awards and exhibitions. And we’ll arrange field trips to events and galleries too.

The course is part of a suite of three that also includes Fine Art BA(Hons) and Fine Art and Illustration BA(Hons). Whichever one you enrol on, you can switch to any of the other two courses while you’re here with the agreement of your tutor. We really are truly flexible, as we want you to develop your own path. You only have to apply for one course from the suite, but you could go off in any direction once you get here.