Foundation and Portfolio Preparation

The GSA has a number of courses for students getting ready to go to art school – from portfolio classes in our bustling, inspirational studios, to specialist English courses designed for creative practitioners.

100% of last year's participants in the Architecture Portfolio Course said they felt more confident about their applications to college or university as a result of taking part.

Portfolio Preparation

Our suite of Portfolio Preparation courses are designed for students looking to build a body of work ready to submit with their art school application. Alongside our intensive 24 week, September to February course, we also offer evening classes, taster weeks during the summer and online portfolio development, making our teaching accessible to those of different ages, locations and caring responsibilities. All our courses are taught by experienced Open Studio tutors, and students will leave the course with some or all of a portfolio ready to submit. We also provide support for students deciding where and what to study, and have a proven track record of getting students places at top institutions – including the GSA.

For more detailed information view the Portfolio Preparation programme page here.

International Foundation

Our International Foundation is an established programme that introduces students to the fundamentals of art and design through studio-led practice. Students are led through specialised projects and tuition by a dedicated staff team, with the opportunity to work alongside first year GSA students in two four-week, multi-disciplinary projects. Students who require English language support can also choose to take a course to improve their skills to meet the threshold for art school application. Equipped with these foundational skills and experience, International Foundation students are able to apply for entry into second year of undergraduate programmes at the GSA or other institutions around the UK.

For more detailed information view the International Foundation programme page here.

Pre-Sessional English for Creative Disciplines

We also offer a Pre-Sessional English for Creative Disciplines course, tailored to the needs of international students who have been offered a place at GSA on the condition that they improve their English language skills. This is an intensive course offering students a unique opportunity to study English in a creative context – focusing on the crucial language of methodologies, practices and processes that allows students to transition successfully on to their prospective programmes.

For more detailed information please see the Undergraduate English for Creative Disciplines programme page here.