International Foundation in Art and Design
This is an accredited program that combines creative practice and English study skills to ensure you are fully prepared for Year 1 of an undergraduate degree at Manchester School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Gain the skills and knowledge to develop your own independent creative practice by studying subjects such as textiles, fashion, art, painting, sculpture, product design, illustration and graphic design.
This program is available to study on campus only.
Course features
- Develop the academic knowledge and study skills for your chosen degree through a specialist pathway.
- Guaranteed university placement at a UK university for all successful students. Find out more about our money back guarantee.
- Adapt to studying in the UK with modules designed to equip you with the skills you need for university and build your confidence in an academic setting.
- Extensive guidance and support with your university applications, so you choose the best degree for you.
Your course options
View detailed course content by selecting one of the options below:
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing) or equivalent. |
| Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses on a published September start date must be 17 years old by 31 December of that calendar year. For all other start dates, students must be 17 years old by 31 December of the preceding calendar year. |
| Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. |
| Entry requirements additional information: | Guidance for portfolio submission: applicants for this course will need to submit a portfolio. Portfolio Requirements: at least 6 digital images of previous work, of which 3 should be observational drawings, i.e. not computer-generated. Other items that may be submitted include:
Students must also submit a statement of up to 250 words. They should try and include the following subjects:
Portfolios should either be attached to the application or, if externally hosted, a web link should be provided to the hosting site. For more information visit: www.art.mmu.ac.uk/courses/advice/ If you have achieved the minimum IELTS score overall but do not have the required score in writing for direct entry, you will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
We are committed to awarding gifted and driven international students with academic scholarships, helping them achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer for the highest-achieving students, you could be eligible to receive up to £6,000 off your tuition fees, once you successfully progress to Manchester Metropolitan University.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
| 26 June 2023 | 5 July 2024 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,650 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
| Class duration: |
Typically held Monday to Friday between 08.00 - 17.00 excluding bank holidays. However, there may be instances where classes need to be held outside these times due to unforeseen circumstances. |
Where will it take me?
An award-winning course, based in the Manchester School of Art, which focuses on both menswear and womenswear. You will be encouraged to experiment and be creative as a designer. Not only will you learn how to develop concepts from start to finish, you will also learn how to balance innovation with the needs of the fashion industry.
Alumni include Aitor Throup, Matthew Miller and Agape Mdumulla (Agi & Sam) alongside graduates taking design positions in major fashion brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Givenchy, DKNY, Top Man, Louis Vuitton, All Saints and Paul Smith.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress is monitored continually. Grades from the International Foundation do not count towards your degree but help the University to assess whether you meet the requirements for progression to your chosen degree.
Assessment will be by:
- portfolio review by your Academic Advisor
- your journal, in which you will show research into and development of your work
- presentations that evaluate your art and design, including your major project
- formal assessment of levels and progress in English
The International Foundation is validated by Manchester Metropolitan University. If you successfully complete the programme with a grade of 50% or above, you will be offered conditional progression onto one of the undergraduate degree courses at the Manchester School of Art.
You will need to complete the course with 50% in your English for Academic Purposes module and an art and design portfolio, which will demonstrate the full range of skills needed for acceptance onto the appropriate degree programme. Progression to some degree programmes is subject to an interview.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in writing) or equivalent. |
| Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses on a published September start date must be 17 years old by 31 December of that calendar year. For all other start dates, students must be 17 years old by 31 December of the preceding calendar year. |
| Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. Applicants will need to submit a small portfolio of six pieces of work (plus a personal statement). Three of the pieces of work provided as part of the portfolio must be observational drawing. |
| Entry requirements additional information: | Guidance for portfolio submission: applicants for this course will need to submit a portfolio. Portfolio Requirements: at least 6 digital images of previous work, of which 3 should be observational drawings, i.e. not computer-generated. Other items that may be submitted include:
Students must also submit a statement of up to 250 words. They should try and include the following subjects:
Portfolios should either be attached to the application or, if externally hosted, a web link should be provided to the hosting site. For more information visit: www.art.mmu.ac.uk/courses/advice/ If you have achieved the minimum IELTS score overall but do not have the required score in writing for direct entry, you will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
We are committed to awarding gifted and driven international students with academic scholarships, helping them achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer for the highest-achieving students, you could be eligible to receive up to £6,000 off your tuition fees, once you successfully progress to Manchester Metropolitan University.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
| 11 September 2023 | 5 July 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £17,475 |
| 8 January 2024 | 30 August 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £17,475 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
| Class duration: |
Typically held Monday to Friday between 08.00 - 17.00 excluding bank holidays. However, there may be instances where classes need to be held outside these times due to unforeseen circumstances. |
Where will it take me?
An award-winning course, based in the Manchester School of Art, which focuses on both menswear and womenswear. You will be encouraged to experiment and be creative as a designer. Not only will you learn how to develop concepts from start to finish, you will also learn how to balance innovation with the needs of the fashion industry.
Alumni include Aitor Throup, Matthew Miller and Agape Mdumulla (Agi & Sam) alongside graduates taking design positions in major fashion brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Givenchy, DKNY, Top Man, Louis Vuitton, All Saints and Paul Smith.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress is monitored continually. Grades from the International Foundation do not count towards your degree but help the University to assess whether you meet the requirements for progression to your chosen degree.
Assessment will be by:
- portfolio review by your Academic Advisor
- your journal, in which you will show research into and development of your work
- presentations that evaluate your art and design, including your major project
- formal assessment of levels and progress in English
The International Foundation is validated by Manchester Metropolitan University. If you successfully complete the programme with a grade of 50% or above, you will be offered conditional progression onto one of the undergraduate degree courses at the Manchester School of Art.
You will need to complete the course with 50% in your English for Academic Purposes module and an art and design portfolio, which will demonstrate the full range of skills needed for acceptance onto the appropriate degree programme. Progression to some degree programmes is subject to an interview.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing) or equivalent. |
| Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses on a published September start date must be 17 years old by 31 December of that calendar year. For all other start dates, students must be 17 years old by 31 December of the preceding calendar year. |
| Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. |
| Entry requirements additional information: | Guidance for portfolio submission: applicants for this course will need to submit a portfolio. Portfolio Requirements: at least 6 digital images of previous work, of which 3 should be observational drawings, i.e. not computer-generated. Other items that may be submitted include:
Students must also submit a statement of up to 250 words. They should try and include the following subjects:
Portfolios should either be attached to the application or, if externally hosted, a web link should be provided to the hosting site. For more information visit: www.art.mmu.ac.uk/courses/advice/ If you have achieved the minimum IELTS score overall but do not have the required score in writing for direct entry, you will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
We are committed to awarding gifted and driven international students with academic scholarships, helping them achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer for the highest-achieving students, you could be eligible to receive up to £6,000 off your tuition fees, once you successfully progress to Manchester Metropolitan University.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
| 25 September 2023 | 30 August 2024 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,650 |
| 24 June 2024 | 4 July 2025 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
* |
*All students who confirm their offer on or before 31 January 2024 will pay the 2023/2024 price as per their existing offer letter. After 31 January 2024, where tuition fees have increased, all current offers will be reissued and students will receive a new offer with the new 2024/2025 pricing. Please note that the fees listed are for Year 1 of study only.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
| Class duration: |
Typically held Monday to Friday between 08.00 - 17.00 excluding bank holidays. However, there may be instances where classes need to be held outside these times due to unforeseen circumstances. |
Where will it take me?
An award-winning course, based in the Manchester School of Art, which focuses on both menswear and womenswear. You will be encouraged to experiment and be creative as a designer. Not only will you learn how to develop concepts from start to finish, you will also learn how to balance innovation with the needs of the fashion industry.
Alumni include Aitor Throup, Matthew Miller and Agape Mdumulla (Agi & Sam) alongside graduates taking design positions in major fashion brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Givenchy, DKNY, Top Man, Louis Vuitton, All Saints and Paul Smith.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress is monitored continually. Grades from the International Foundation do not count towards your degree but help the University to assess whether you meet the requirements for progression to your chosen degree.
Assessment will be by:
- portfolio review by your Academic Advisor
- your journal, in which you will show research into and development of your work
- presentations that evaluate your art and design, including your major project
- formal assessment of levels and progress in English
The International Foundation is validated by Manchester Metropolitan University. If you successfully complete the programme with a grade of 50% or above, you will be offered conditional progression onto one of the undergraduate degree courses at the Manchester School of Art.
You will need to complete the course with 50% in your English for Academic Purposes module and an art and design portfolio, which will demonstrate the full range of skills needed for acceptance onto the appropriate degree programme. Progression to some degree programmes is subject to an interview.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing) or equivalent. |
| Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses on a published September start date must be 17 years old by 31 December of that calendar year. For all other start dates, students must be 17 years old by 31 December of the preceding calendar year. |
| Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. |
| Entry requirements additional information: | Guidance for portfolio submission: applicants for this course will need to submit a portfolio. Portfolio Requirements: at least 6 digital images of previous work, of which 3 should be observational drawings, i.e. not computer-generated. Other items that may be submitted include:
Students must also submit a statement of up to 250 words. They should try and include the following subjects:
Portfolios should either be attached to the application or, if externally hosted, a web link should be provided to the hosting site. For more information visit: www.art.mmu.ac.uk/courses/advice/ If you have achieved the minimum IELTS score overall but do not have the required score in writing for direct entry, you will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
We are committed to awarding gifted and driven international students with academic scholarships, helping them achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer for the highest-achieving students, you could be eligible to receive up to £6,000 off your tuition fees, once you successfully progress to Manchester Metropolitan University.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
| 26 June 2023 | 5 July 2024 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,650 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
| Class duration: |
Typically held Monday to Friday between 08.00 - 17.00 excluding bank holidays. However, there may be instances where classes need to be held outside these times due to unforeseen circumstances. |
Where will it take me?
An award-winning course, based in the Manchester School of Art, which focuses on both menswear and womenswear. You will be encouraged to experiment and be creative as a designer. Not only will you learn how to develop concepts from start to finish, you will also learn how to balance innovation with the needs of the fashion industry.
Alumni include Aitor Throup, Matthew Miller and Agape Mdumulla (Agi & Sam) alongside graduates taking design positions in major fashion brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Givenchy, DKNY, Top Man, Louis Vuitton, All Saints and Paul Smith.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress is monitored continually. Grades from the International Foundation do not count towards your degree but help the University to assess whether you meet the requirements for progression to your chosen degree.
Assessment will be by:
- portfolio review by your Academic Advisor
- your journal, in which you will show research into and development of your work
- presentations that evaluate your art and design, including your major project
- formal assessment of levels and progress in English
The International Foundation is validated by Manchester Metropolitan University. If you successfully complete the programme with a grade of 50% or above, you will be offered conditional progression onto one of the undergraduate degree courses at the Manchester School of Art.
You will need to complete the course with 50% in your English for Academic Purposes module and an art and design portfolio, which will demonstrate the full range of skills needed for acceptance onto the appropriate degree programme. Progression to some degree programmes is subject to an interview.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 5.0 (with a minimum of 5.0 in writing) or equivalent. |
| Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses on a published September start date must be 17 years old by 31 December of that calendar year. For all other start dates, students must be 17 years old by 31 December of the preceding calendar year. |
| Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. Applicants will need to submit a small portfolio of six pieces of work (plus a personal statement). Three of the pieces of work provided as part of the portfolio must be observational drawing. |
| Entry requirements additional information: | Guidance for portfolio submission: applicants for this course will need to submit a portfolio. Portfolio Requirements: at least 6 digital images of previous work, of which 3 should be observational drawings, i.e. not computer-generated. Other items that may be submitted include:
Students must also submit a statement of up to 250 words. They should try and include the following subjects:
Portfolios should either be attached to the application or, if externally hosted, a web link should be provided to the hosting site. For more information visit: www.art.mmu.ac.uk/courses/advice/ If you have achieved the minimum IELTS score overall but do not have the required score in writing for direct entry, you will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
We are committed to awarding gifted and driven international students with academic scholarships, helping them achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer for the highest-achieving students, you could be eligible to receive up to £6,000 off your tuition fees, once you successfully progress to Manchester Metropolitan University.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
| 11 September 2023 | 5 July 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £17,475 |
| 8 January 2024 | 30 August 2024 |
3 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £17,475 |
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
| Class duration: |
Typically held Monday to Friday between 08.00 - 17.00 excluding bank holidays. However, there may be instances where classes need to be held outside these times due to unforeseen circumstances. |
Where will it take me?
An award-winning course, based in the Manchester School of Art, which focuses on both menswear and womenswear. You will be encouraged to experiment and be creative as a designer. Not only will you learn how to develop concepts from start to finish, you will also learn how to balance innovation with the needs of the fashion industry.
Alumni include Aitor Throup, Matthew Miller and Agape Mdumulla (Agi & Sam) alongside graduates taking design positions in major fashion brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Givenchy, DKNY, Top Man, Louis Vuitton, All Saints and Paul Smith.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress is monitored continually. Grades from the International Foundation do not count towards your degree but help the University to assess whether you meet the requirements for progression to your chosen degree.
Assessment will be by:
- portfolio review by your Academic Advisor
- your journal, in which you will show research into and development of your work
- presentations that evaluate your art and design, including your major project
- formal assessment of levels and progress in English
The International Foundation is validated by Manchester Metropolitan University. If you successfully complete the programme with a grade of 50% or above, you will be offered conditional progression onto one of the undergraduate degree courses at the Manchester School of Art.
You will need to complete the course with 50% in your English for Academic Purposes module and an art and design portfolio, which will demonstrate the full range of skills needed for acceptance onto the appropriate degree programme. Progression to some degree programmes is subject to an interview.
How do I qualify?
| English language requirements: |
IELTS 4.5 (with a minimum of 4.5 in writing) or equivalent. |
| Age requirements: | 16 years and above All students commencing courses on a published September start date must be 17 years old by 31 December of that calendar year. For all other start dates, students must be 17 years old by 31 December of the preceding calendar year. |
| Academic requirements: | Completion of 12 years of schooling (or local equivalent to meet the same standard) with good grades. |
| Entry requirements additional information: | Guidance for portfolio submission: applicants for this course will need to submit a portfolio. Portfolio Requirements: at least 6 digital images of previous work, of which 3 should be observational drawings, i.e. not computer-generated. Other items that may be submitted include:
Students must also submit a statement of up to 250 words. They should try and include the following subjects:
Portfolios should either be attached to the application or, if externally hosted, a web link should be provided to the hosting site. For more information visit: www.art.mmu.ac.uk/courses/advice/ If you have achieved the minimum IELTS score overall but do not have the required score in writing for direct entry, you will be considered on a case-by-case basis. |
We are committed to awarding gifted and driven international students with academic scholarships, helping them achieve their goals of studying at a world-class university in the UK.
With a range of generous scholarships on offer for the highest-achieving students, you could be eligible to receive up to £6,000 off your tuition fees, once you successfully progress to Manchester Metropolitan University.
Dates and prices
| Start date | End date | Course length | Fees |
| 25 September 2023 | 30 August 2024 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
GBP £19,650 |
| 24 June 2024 | 4 July 2025 |
4 Terms
View Term dates |
* |
*All students who confirm their offer on or before 31 January 2024 will pay the 2023/2024 price as per their existing offer letter. After 31 January 2024, where tuition fees have increased, all current offers will be reissued and students will receive a new offer with the new 2024/2025 pricing. Please note that the fees listed are for Year 1 of study only.
Class information
| Maximum class size (for English language teaching): | 20 |
| Course Delivery Method | On-Campus |
| Class duration: |
Typically held Monday to Friday between 08.00 - 17.00 excluding bank holidays. However, there may be instances where classes need to be held outside these times due to unforeseen circumstances. |
Where will it take me?
An award-winning course, based in the Manchester School of Art, which focuses on both menswear and womenswear. You will be encouraged to experiment and be creative as a designer. Not only will you learn how to develop concepts from start to finish, you will also learn how to balance innovation with the needs of the fashion industry.
Alumni include Aitor Throup, Matthew Miller and Agape Mdumulla (Agi & Sam) alongside graduates taking design positions in major fashion brands including Abercrombie & Fitch, Givenchy, DKNY, Top Man, Louis Vuitton, All Saints and Paul Smith.
What will I study?
All students complete modules tailored to your chosen degree subjects.
How will I be assessed?
Your progress is monitored continually. Grades from the International Foundation do not count towards your degree but help the University to assess whether you meet the requirements for progression to your chosen degree.
Assessment will be by:
- portfolio review by your Academic Advisor
- your journal, in which you will show research into and development of your work
- presentations that evaluate your art and design, including your major project
- formal assessment of levels and progress in English
The International Foundation is validated by Manchester Metropolitan University. If you successfully complete the programme with a grade of 50% or above, you will be offered conditional progression onto one of the undergraduate degree courses at the Manchester School of Art.
You will need to complete the course with 50% in your English for Academic Purposes module and an art and design portfolio, which will demonstrate the full range of skills needed for acceptance onto the appropriate degree programme. Progression to some degree programmes is subject to an interview.