For many courses in specialist institutions, especially those in art or design disciplines, a Foundation Studies Course is often considered an ideal entry qualification. These are normally one year programmes studied after completing secondary education which give a chance to sample different arts practices before deciding on a higher education degree programme. Most of those on Foundation Studies Courses have completed A levels or Diplomas.

The Foundation programmes provide an opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of arts practices and embed core practical skills. They allow students to test out which area of work they find most inspiring, where they produce best material and where they want to develop their own creative practices.

They also enable students to develop their skills to a level where they can compete for a place on an undergraduate programme in their preferred subject. In some cases success in a Foundation Studies Course based in a specialist institution may give an advantage in gaining a place at an undergradate programme in that institution. 

The following ukadia instiutions offer Foundation Studies Courses:

• Arts University College at Bournemouth
• Cleveland College of Art and Design
• Hereford College of Arts
• Leeds College of Art
• Plymouth College of Art
• Ravensbourne
• University College Falmouth
• University for the Creative Arts
• University of the Arts London