University of the Arts London

What you'll study

This online pre‑degree diploma combines practical studio skills, contextual study and portfolio development. Core areas typically include observational drawing and mark‑making, colour and form, design principles and composition, basic digital skills (image editing, layout and introductory 2D/3D software), materials and making, and visual research methods. You will complete project briefs that mirror undergraduate study, work on a sustained portfolio project, and engage in crits and reflective practice.

Teaching blends tutor‑led workshops, recorded demonstrations, live group critiques and one‑to‑one tutorial feedback. Modules emphasise:

• Practical making: hands‑on experimentation with traditional and contemporary media.
• Digital techniques: image editing, digital layout and entry‑level software appropriate to your pathway.
• Contextual studies: visual culture, visual research, and how to position work conceptually.
• Portfolio project: a sustained body of work prepared for undergraduate applications or professional development.
• Professional practice: presentation skills, artist statements, CVs and application advice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to have a standard secondary school qualification (such as GCSEs) or equivalent, though the course is also open to mature learners and those returning to study. You will need to submit a short creative statement or an initial sample of work; this may be simple sketches or images of recent creative activity. There is often an informal interview or online discussion with a tutor to assess suitability and aims.

As the programme is delivered in English, applicants should be able to study in English to engage with teaching, feedback and critique. Specific English language evidence is not always required for domestic applicants, but international applicants should check UAL guidance on language requirements for progression to undergraduate study.

Career prospects

The primary outcome of the pre‑degree diploma is progression: many students use it to build a competitive portfolio for admission to BA programmes in areas such as fine art, fashion, graphic design, illustration, photography, textile design, product design and theatre/film design. Beyond progression to undergraduate study, graduates gain practical skills and confidence that support roles such as creative assistants, junior studio technicians, production assistants, freelance makers, or entry‑level positions in galleries, studios and creative agencies.

The course is particularly useful for those aiming to refine a personal practice before applying to specialist courses, or for career changers seeking an introduction to creative industry ways of working.

Why study at University of the Arts London

UAL is a specialist arts university with a strong creative community and long connections to the creative industries. The online pre‑degree diploma gives access to UAL tutors and learning approaches used across its colleges, with focused feedback and structured guidance on portfolio development and applications. Students benefit from practical, project‑based learning designed to mirror undergraduate study and are supported with advice on applying to UAL and other art schools.

Studying with UAL also provides opportunities to connect with a broad alumni and professional network, and to learn through a curriculum informed by contemporary practice and industry expectations, while keeping the flexibility of online delivery for those balancing other commitments.