Build your creative direction.
Develop your portfolio.
Prepare for university.
START's Art & Design Foundation Diploma is a full-time, studio-based programme for students preparing to progress to undergraduate study in Art, Design and related creative disciplines in the UK and internationally.
Through hands-on studio practice, experimentation, research, tutorials and critique, students explore different creative disciplines before developing a specialist direction and completing an independently led Final Major Project.
Based in Bangkok, the programme offers an art-school learning environment with small classes, individual mentorship and guidance from practising artists and designers.
Main Intake: October
Intensive Intake: January
Study Mode: Full-time, on-site in Bangkok
Who It's For
A foundation for your next creative step.
The programme is designed for students who:
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Plan to study Art, Design or a related creative subject at university
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Want to develop a stronger, more individual portfolio
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Want to explore different disciplines before choosing a specialism
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Are ready to develop greater independence and confidence as a creative practitioner
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Foundation is where you explore, experiment and discover the direction you want to take.
Entry Requirements
We look for potential, not perfection.
Applicants should have:
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Completed or be completing secondary / high school education
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A genuine interest in Art, Design or a related creative field
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A portfolio or selection of creative work demonstrating curiosity and potential
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An appropriate level of English for full-time study
Applicants may be invited to a portfolio review with START to discuss their work, interests and university goals.
Programme Structure
Explore. Develop. Specialise.
The Foundation Diploma takes students from creative exploration towards increasingly focused and independent practice.
EXPLORE
Experiment with different approaches, materials, processes and ways of thinking.
Students are encouraged to take creative risks, investigate unfamiliar disciplines and begin identifying the subjects and methods that interest them most.
DEVELOP
Turn experimentation into a more focused creative practice.
Through projects, research, tutorials and critique, students develop technical skills, visual language, critical thinking and stronger methods for generating and communicating ideas.
SPECIALISE
Develop a clearer direction within a chosen area of Art & Design.
Students undertake specialist coursework that allows them to deepen their practice, develop a coherent body of work and prepare for increasingly independent study.
FINAL MAJOR PROJECT
Bring your ideas, research and practice together through an independently directed final project.
Students define their own creative brief, develop and refine their work through tutorials and critique, and present a resolved final outcome demonstrating their individual direction as an emerging creative practitioner.
The Foundation Diploma comprises six study units and 720 guided learning hours.
What You'll Develop
Foundation is about more than producing a portfolio. It is about learning how to think, work and communicate as an emerging creative practitioner.
Students develop:
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Creative Thinking & Visual Communication
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Research & Idea Development
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Materials, Media & Technical Skills
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Independent Creative Practice
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Critical Thinking & Presentation
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Specialist Portfolio Development
Students can develop their practice towards areas including:
Fine Art · Fashion · Interior Design · Photography & Film · Digital Art
Qualification & University Progression
Build your foundation in Bangkok. Take it further.
START’s Foundation Diploma is designed to prepare students for progression to undergraduate Art & Design study in the UK and internationally.
UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Recognised as a suitable entrance qualification
The University of Leeds recognises the START at Woof Pack Level 3 Art & Design Foundation Programme as a suitable entrance qualification for Year 1 of selected undergraduate programmes in:
Design · Fine Art · History of Art · Cultural Studies
Applicants must also meet the specific academic and English-language requirements of their chosen programme and complete the full UCAS application process. Applications are individually assessed by the University of Leeds, and final admission decisions remain at the University's discretion.
UNIVERSITY OF GREATER MANCHESTER
Recognised for undergraduate progression
The START Foundation Diploma is recognised by the University of Greater Manchester as equivalent to a UK Level 3 Foundation qualification for progression to undergraduate study.
Eligible students who successfully complete the programme and meet the University's required academic and English-language conditions may receive a guaranteed conditional offer to selected undergraduate programmes.
UNIVERSITY APPLICATION SUPPORT
University applications take place alongside Foundation study.
START supports students in developing their creative direction, strengthening their portfolio and identifying appropriate undergraduate courses. Application and portfolio requirements vary between universities, so students are encouraged to begin university planning early.
University recognition and progression arrangements are subject to the entry requirements, academic conditions, English-language requirements and admissions policies of each university and individual programme.
Foundation Pathways
Two intakes, designed around different academic timelines.
START offers two routes through the Foundation Diploma. Both are full-time, studio-based programmes designed to support progression to undergraduate Art & Design study.
OCTOBER INTAKE
THREE-TERM FOUNDATION (October — June)
Our main academic-year pathway follows a three-term structure, giving students time to explore, develop their specialist direction and progress towards an independently led Final Major Project.
University research, portfolio development and application preparation take place alongside the programme.
JANUARY INTAKE
INTENSIVE FOUNDATION (January — June)
The January intake follows an intensive academic schedule, allowing students to complete the Foundation Diploma by the end of June.
Students move directly into focused specialist development before progressing towards their Final Major Project, making this a more concentrated studio experience within a shorter academic timeframe.
Not sure which intake is right for you?
Our team can advise you based on your current studies, portfolio and university plans.
TALK TO START →
Ready to START?
Tell us about your current studies, creative interests and university plans.
Our team can advise you on portfolio requirements, the most suitable intake and your pathway towards undergraduate study.