International Foundation (Art and Design)

The International Foundation (IF) is a Year 1 programme (SCQF 7) taught over one academic year that introduces students to the basic principles of Art and Design at HE level. The programme acts as a bridge into the study of undergraduate Art and Design where students can explore their creative practice before choosing an area of specialist study. Learning and teaching is delivered through studio-based projects alongside bespoke tuition in communication within a creative context. Students graduate from the programme with a Certificate in Higher Education (Cert HE) and ordinarily progress to Year 2 (SCQF 8) of UG programmes.

The programme provides a supportive environment for students whilst they develop their studio work and learn to articulate their understanding of that work in the context of specialist study. Our dedicated programme staff includes studio tutors and English language tutors who work alongside students to develop a shared knowledge and appreciation of Art and Design. Workshops and demonstrations provide students with skills and technical abilities that are applied in response to assigned project briefs. The programme is made up of 5 courses, delivered over 2 Semesters. They include:

Semester 1

Foundation Studio 1 (30 credits)
Foundation Studio 1 provides an introduction to the study of Art and Design and supports students’ first experiences in a studio-based learning environment. Each student is invited to explore a range of creative approaches and techniques in response to an assigned project. Learning and teaching is supported through workshops and assigned projects that prioritise 2D, 3D and digital making.

Creative Communication (10 credits)
Creative Communication supports students’ development of language and communication skills and strategies to help them thrive in the studio environment. The course is accessible for students using English as a second language and complements Foundation Studio 1 by strengthening the link between studio-based learning and student communication.

Co-Lab (20 credits)
Co-Lab is a 4-week project-based course shared by all undergraduate programmes at the GSA. It brings students together from across the schools and programmes of GSA to foster community and explore their identity as emergent creative practitioners and learners through practice-based learning, collaboration, and reflection.

Semester 2

Foundation Studio 2 (40 credits)
Foundation Studio 2 is designed to support the development of students’ knowledge and understanding of specialist study within Art and Design through two distinct pathways – Fine Art Practice and Design Practice. The course provides specialist tuition, alongside the time and space for students to develop a greater understanding of their chosen specialism.

Communication in Context (20 credits)
Communication in Context complements the pathways of Foundation Studio 2 and supports students, including those using English as a second language, to further develop communication skills and strategies for working within specialist creative practices, paying particular attention to language for critical analysis and reflection.

Founded in 1845, the Glasgow School of Art is one of the few remaining independent art schools in the UK. With a proven history of producing some of the world’s most influential and successful artists, designers and architects, the GSA’s studio-based specialist, practice-led education draws talented individuals with a shared passion and concern for visual culture from all over the world. The GSA has produced nine Turner Prize winners and world-renowned alumni, including Jasleen Kaur, Jenny Saville, Douglas Gordon and Alberta Whittle.

In 2026, the GSA was ranked 3rd in the UK and 8th in the world in the QS World University Subject Rankings.