Strand 01 / Studio practice
Art
Portfolio
A studio-taught foundation year: theory, methodology and a portfolio built the way European art schools actually assess it.
- Ratio
- 2:1
- Per intake
- 3
- Where
- Edinburgh · Glasgow · Xiamen · Quanzhou · Online
Charcoal & Watercolor Sketch
Marker & Fineliner
Plein Air Watercolour
Material Research Board
Who it is for
Built for applicants, not hobbyists.
Students preparing for an international art foundation or first year of undergraduate study, applying to Commonwealth and European art schools.
No prior drawing experience is required. Strong work is built on observation, understanding and expressive logic — not accumulated technique.
Curriculum
Five lines of study, taught together.
- 01
Core skills: observational drawing, colour, composition, spatial expression, digital media
- 02
Critical vision: world and contemporary art history, case analysis, academic argument
- 03
Creative development: concept-led making, research methods, iteration, cross-media work
- 04
Portfolio curation: selection, layout, narrative logic and a personal website
- 05
University simulation: mini studio projects, workshops, tutorials and critique sessions
Outcome
A competitive, school-specific portfolio
Outcome
A clear artistic position and the beginnings of your own methodology
Outcome
Fluency in the expression and assessment standards of Western art education
Programme options
Three levels of the same studio year.
Studio teaching at a 2:1 ratio — only three students per programme, per intake. Timetables are agreed with your consultant after enrolment.
Essential
¥38,000
Portfolio-focused, for students with a clear direction.
Fundamental Concepts
10 taught hours · 5 h/week reading
Portfolio Tutorial
12 taught hours · 3 h/week
Portfolio Website
5 taught hours
Extended
¥68,000
Theory, methodology and material practice alongside the portfolio.
Modernism & After
12 taught hours · 5 h/week reading
Cultural & Contextual Studies
10 taught hours · 5 h/week reading
Art & Design Methodologies
12 taught hours · 5 h/week reading
Material Reimagined
8 taught hours · 3 h/week
Portfolio & Final Presentation
12 taught hours · 3 h/week
Digital Art
10 taught hours
Electives: light & colour, digital software, hand printmaking, sketchbook.
EnquireFull Studio
¥160,000
The complete studio year, ending in a curated exhibition.
Modernism & After
20 taught hours · 5 h/week reading
Film & Media
10 taught hours
Cultural & Contextual Studies
15 taught hours · 5 h/week reading
Art & Design Methodologies
20 taught hours · 5 h/week reading
Material Reimagined
15 taught hours · 3 h/week
Portfolio & Final Presentation
22 taught hours · 3 h/week
Exhibition
10 taught hours
Electives: light & colour, hand printmaking, translation support (EN / FR).
EnquireWhere our students go
Offers, counted honestly.
- Royal College of Art1 offer
- University of the Arts London2 offers
- École des Beaux-Arts de Nantes3 offers
- University of Edinburgh3 offers
- University of Warwick2 offers
- Fettes College3 offers
- Loretto School2 offers
- Harrow School1 offer
Frequently asked
Before you enquire.
Five to twelve months, depending on your level and pace. A consultant builds your timetable after enrolment.
Studio teaching at a 2:1 student-to-tutor ratio. To protect teaching quality we take only three students per programme, per intake.
No. Strong work is built on observation, understanding and expressive logic — not accumulated technique. We start where you are.
Start the conversation
Every strong application starts with one conversation.
Tell us where you are today — we will map out the portfolio, language and application path that fits you. Consultation.