Hi,
I am currently applying for universities in the UK for architecture.I’d like someone to explain what a foundation year in architecture is precisely (what do we do in it), how do we know if we need to take it, and as an international student, I want to know if I have to take one or not.
Thanks!
Foundation years (for all subjects) are for students who don’t have the credentials (including English language proficiency) to go straight into university. If you have the qualifications (required SATs/APs/Subject tests/English) you don’t need (or want) to do a foundation year.
I think some architecture courses want you to do an art foundation course.
Basically, you need to look at all the universities you are considering individually to see what’s involved.
One of the universities in which I am applying (UCL) ask for a portfolio of my personal art work. I can draw but I don’t have a lot of things yet. Does that mean I have to take a foundation year?
Portfolios can be an important part of your application, but you don’t have to do a foundation year to get one. Go to a local art center and see if you can join a class or work informally with one of their teachers. We did that once- there was a cost, but it wasn’t big, and certainly a lot less than a foundation year!
Here’s some advice from a few UK architecture courses regarding what they want in an applicant’s portfolio:
http://www.kings.cam.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/subjects/architecture.html