International Art and Design Foundation Programme
We are pleased to welcome students from September 2026. The International Foundation Programme in Art and Design, based at Cobham Hall, is a one-year university focused programme designed to nurture confident, independent and globally creative minds.
Delivered in exclusive partnership with NCUK, this specialist course offers international students a unique opportunity to explore a broad range of art and design disciplines, develop a strong, personalised portfolio, and gain guaranteed progression to leading universities in the UK and worldwide.
Combining studio-based practice, academic development and exceptional individual support, the course bridges the gap between school and degree-level study, providing a clear and inspiring pathway into the global creative industries.
Cobham Creative Community - Innovative & Forward Thinking
- The International Art and Design Foundation Programme sits at the heart of the Cobham Creative Community, a forward-thinking and innovative department defined by collaboration, curiosity and shared creative ambition.
- Students become part of a vibrant artistic environment where ideas are exchanged openly, disciplines intersect naturally and individuality is celebrated.
- Learning extends beyond the studio, with students encouraged to engage in dialogue, critique and collaboration, developing confidence not only as independent makers but as active members of a creative community.
- Located just 30 minutes from central London, students also benefit from easy access to world-class galleries, museums and creative industries, allowing them to connect their studio practice with the wider cultural landscape.
- This strong sense of belonging and shared purpose underpins the Cobham Hall ethos, ensuring students are supported, challenged and inspired as they begin their journey into higher education and the global creative industries.
NCUK Partnership
Students who successfully complete the International Art and Design Foundation Programme and meet the entry requirements of their chosen university can progress to the first year of an undergraduate degree at one of the following NCUK University Partners: Cardiff University, De Montfort University, University of Huddersfield, University of Kent, Kingston University London, University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, NABA – Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti, Northumbria University, Newcastle University of Reading, University of Salford, Sheffield Hallam University, University of the West of England – UWE Bristol, The University of Western Australia...
About the Course
The NCUK International Art and Design Foundation Programme consists of 130 credits over five carefully designed modules. Delivered across 30 weeks, the programme blends guided learning, hands-on practice and personal exploration for a truly immersive experience.
You can specialise in: Fine Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Animation, Fashion Design, Textiles, Motion Graphics, Game Art Design, Architecture, Film Making, 3D Design, Illustration, Digital Art
University Progression
Students who successfully complete the International Art & Design Foundation and meet the entry requirements of their chosen university can progress to the first year of an undergraduate degree at one of the following NCUK University Partners: Cardiff University, De Montfort University, University of Huddersfield, University of Kent, Kingston University London, University of Leeds, Leeds Beckett University, Liverpool John Moores University, Manchester Metropolitan University, NABA – Nuova Accademia Di Belle Arti, Northumbria University, Newcastle, University of Reading, University of Salford, Sheffield Hallam University, University of the West of England – UWE Bristol, The University of Western Australia.
