Our Art and Design degrees, offered with a foundation year, provide students with a fantastic opportunity to develop their creative skills, build confidence and gain valuable experience before progressing onto their main degree programme.  

Our foundation year integrated into a number of our Art and Design programmes is designed to introduce you to a variety of subject areas and prepare you for your chosen discipline. It offers the opportunity to explore new ideas and gain new perspectives on key debates within your chosen field. 

We spoke with Demi Logue about her experience studying the Illustration with Foundation BA.

What made you consider studying a foundation year at Westminster?

I chose to study the Illustration with Foundation BA at Westminster because of the extensive range of subject areas explored on the course. The foundation year not only provided me with a glimpse into my Illustration degree to come, but also allowed me to learn valuable, transferable skills from other creative disciplines based at the University’s Harrow campus.  

The University of Westminster was particularly appealing to me due to its London location, with numerous galleries and museums just a short journey away. The foundation year included multiple field trips into central London, enabling us to explore these first-hand.  

Additionally, the Art and Design facilities at Westminster offer the opportunity to be creative and experiment with new techniques, opening your eyes to the wide-ranging world of Art.

Were you looking to achieve anything in particular and do you think you have achieved this by completing your foundation year?  

I chose to study my degree with a foundation year, to strengthen, expand and develop my skills in the Illustration subject area. There was so much in Art and Design that I had not yet explored, and the foundation year offered an opportunity to do this across multiple creative disciplines. My goals were to learn about the fundamentals of Art practices such as drawing and painting and improving my methodology and techniques.  

I believe I have achieved these goals through the foundation year. During this year of study, I have expanded my use of mediums in various projects and enhanced my reflective and analytical skills, enabling me to critically evaluate each piece of work.  

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Do you feel studying a foundation year has better prepared you for your degree at Westminster?  

Studying a foundation year has better prepared me to start my degree at Westminster. Transitioning directly from Sixth Form — where I completed three A Levels — was quite intense, and I felt that a foundation year would be the best way to ease myself into my desired subject.  

During the foundation year, I acquired valuable creative and literary skills, which have given me the confidence to progress onto my degree course. I am now more familiar with the campus, the university standards, and the expectations for my coursework.  

Additionally, I have had inductions in both the photography and print studios, which means I am now confident and familiar with using the equipment safely. This preparation ensures that I can fully utilise the resources available to me when I start my degree.  

Can you tell us about your favourite experience or highlight whilst studying your foundation year?   

The highlight of my foundation year was the end-of-year exhibition, where we celebrated the projects we had worked so hard on. It was an incredible experience to see a range of amazing creations displayed in the gallery spaces. This event not only showcased our work but also marked the culmination of our efforts throughout the year. 

I formed great friendships during my foundation year, and the staff were exceptionally supportive in every module. A particularly proud moment for me was when my work was chosen to be displayed for sale in the University’s Gallery Coffee Shop on Regent Street. This recognition made me incredibly proud of what I was able to achieve in just one year, and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity. 

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Would you recommend studying a Art and Design degree with Foundation at Westminster?  

I would absolutely recommend studying a foundation year at Westminster. It provides a solid start and smooth transition into university life, building your experience and confidence. The supportive and positive environment helped me to grow significantly, both personally and artistically. The amazing staff made learning enjoyable and engaging, leaving me well-prepared and excited to start my degree. 

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Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experience studying a foundation year at Westminster?   

Studying a foundation year at Westminster was one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had. The support from the staff was outstanding, and the creative facilities were extensive, allowing me to explore various artistic methods and gain valuable knowledge for my degree. The tutors provided continuous support, offering suggestions, feedback, and insights for each project. This frequent input from both tutors and peers fostered constant development and stimulated new ideas, enriching my overall learning experience. 

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About Westminster

As one of the most diverse universities in the UK, we are a global university with London energy, with more than 19,000 students from 169 countries. Visit our website to find out more about why you should consider a Degree with Foundation and a full list of our Art and Design Degrees offered with Foundation.