Skills development
The year is structured to provide students with skills in practice (drawing, painting, mixed-media including some textiles), visual research, critical and contextual studies, and personal and professional skills. It supports students in establishing a direction and focus in their practice, learning, and career.

Contextual and critical studies
You will develop reflective practice skills by making use of a learning journal and reviewing artwork that is interesting and relevant to you from a broad range of sources. This will expand your knowledge and understanding of art frameworks that underpin the development of your own work.

Tutorials
In addition to the tutorials in Term 3, each student will receive two individual tutorials. The first tutorial after Term 1, and the second, after Term 2. Tutorials last 30 minutes and provide an opportunity for you to discuss your work, progress and aim with a course tutor. You are required to prepare your coursework, sketchbooks, and key points from your learning journal in advance for discussion. Tutorial dates cannot be changed. Times will be confirmed at the start of the programme.

Three terms of 10 weeks. Self-study course content is completed in your own time. 

Term 1– 27 October 2025 to 13 February 2026
Term 2– 2 March to 5 June 2026
Term 3 – 22 June to 9 October 2026

Summary list of live sessions:

Term 1 - The Figure - released 27 October 2025. Christmas break 12 Dec - 8 Jan

Friday afternoon live sessions  

(R) = These sessions are recorded for students unable to attend.

• 31 October, 1-2pm: Welcome and induction (R)
• 7 November, 4-5pm: Seminar One (R)
• 14 November, 4-5pm: Seminar Two (R)
• 21 November, 4-5pm: Seminar Three (R)
• 28 November, 4-5pm: Seminar Four (R)
• 28 November, 5.15-6.15pm: Personal practice – resistance and flow

Optional - 12 December, 4pm: Drop in Q&A

Live day teaching sessions

• 15 & 16 November, 9am-4pm: Skills in Practice: Drawing
• 6 & 7 December, 9am-4pm: Skills in Practice: Drawing

Student presentations of work for discussion/feedback

• 9 January, times TBC*: Tutor groups (R)
• 23 January, times TBC*: Tutor groups (R)

Individual tutorial – 30 minutes per student

• 30 January, times TBC*

Students submit work for formative assessment by 13 February 2026.

Term 2 - Visual Research in Practice - released 2 March, 2025. Easter break 3-9 April

Friday afternoon sessions  

• 6 March, 4-5pm: Introduction to the brief (R)
• 13 March, 4-5pm: Personal practice: barriers and breakthroughs
• 27 March, 3-5pm: Methodologies (R)
• 17 April, 3-5pm: Methodologies (R)

Live day teaching sessions

• 21 & 22 March, 9am-4pm : Skills in Practice: Visual Research
• 11 & 12 April, 9am-4pm : Skills in Practice: Drawing with specialist subject tutors
• 25 & 26 April, 9am-4pm : Skills in Practice: Drawing with specialist subject tutors

Student presentations of work for discussion/feedback

• 8 May 12,  Group tutorials (R)
• 15 May 19, Individual tutorials of 30 minutes

Students submit work for formative assessment by 5 June 2026.

Term 3 - Personal Project - Re-place - released 22 June 2026. Summer break 24-31 July

Friday afternoon sessions  

• 26 June, 2.30-5pm Introduction to the brief and getting started (R)
• 3 July, 4-5pm  - Professional Practice - topic TBC  (R)
• 17 July, 2.30-5pm - Contextual Studies: student seminars (6 students per session)  (R)
• 4 Sept, 4-5pm – Professional practice – writing artist statements (R)
• 11 Sept, 4-5pm – Professional practice – overview of online portfolios (R)

Live day teaching sessions

• 27 June, 9am-4pm: Getting started continued - developing the project 

Group tutorials - Student presentations of work for discussion/feedback

• 7 August, 3-5pm  (R)
• 21 August, 3-5pm  (R)

Individual tutorial – 30 minutes per student starting from 2pm 

• 4 September – times TBC*

Please note: dates are times are provisional and maybe subject to change.

*TBC – times are to be confirmed as they will vary depending on the size of the group, the aim is to finish at 5pm. Times will be confirmed at the start of the course.

Some sessions are recorded, indicated as (R). Where the teaching is a whole day it is not possible to record due to the number of hours. If you are unable to attend a student group tutorial session, please inform the tutor in advance with a link to the presentation of your work. This will be discussed in your absence so that you can gain some feedback to support the development of your work. Please watch the recording after the session.

All work is submitted and assessed online. You will submit an online portfolio and an artist statement.

To pass the foundation course, you will be required to demonstrate the following:

• An increased level of skill and competence in core skills evidenced in the portfolio work
• Enquiring and experimental processes towards developing your ideas, as evidenced in the sketchbook research and development
• An ability to focus your skills and ideas as evidenced in the final personal project

At the end of the programme you will have:

• A portfolio of work that is relevant and personal
• An artist statement that communicates your practice and direction
• Thorough body of research that demonstrates development of creative skills and outcomes
• Clarity and understanding of your work and future pathway

While not nationally validated, the learning outcomes are aligned to Level 4 study, and provide you with the necessary preparation and portfolio to make a strong application for study at degree Level 5, for example the West Dean College part-time BA in Art and Contemporary Craft.

• Pass certificate from level 3 foundation art (for example Online Foundation Certificate in Art & Design)
• Space and time to commit to completing the course
• Webcam and reliable Wi-Fi