Foundation in Art, Design, & Photography
The first-year of the
Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) Degree
- American-accredited Bachelor of Fine Arts
- Language of instruction: English
The success of this program is based on the fact that we work with who is here – right here – right now. Therefore, courses and instruction are continually evolving. The students and faculty are from all over the world and bring to the school the diversity of their experience. This creates an extraordinary learning environment.
Our Foundation year enables students to discover core strengths in the fields of Art, Design and Photography. The program’s design supports and drives our students towards their desired creative careers that require strong skills in Communication Design, Fashion Design, Fine Arts, Interior Design, and Photography. A cross-disciplinary attitude is vital to making the most out of PCA and our students are encouraged to take risks, suspend disbelief, and generally be open to new experiences and ways of looking at the world.
PCA emphasizes craft and skill across disciplines and media: drawing, photography, design, video, 3D forms and more. One of our primary goals is to build confidence in our students’ ability to truly manifest their ideas and imaginings. PCA students gain the ability to be flexible and innovative with a diverse set of skills and creative tools.
Paris as a classroom means that our studio and academic components of the program extend beyond the walls. PCA’s ‘extended classroom’ draws upon the world around us to inform and inspire creativity. Foundation is diagnostic in that it reveals interpersonal understanding and guides the creative journey including events and workshops designed to introduce the specificities of each focus of study offered at Paris College of Art.
Blending social and cultural contexts from students and faculty creates a unique Foundation year. In our environment, we are all encouraged to think deeply about the limitless contributions and ways we, as artists and designers, can make to the world.
→ Foundation in Paris
Join us in Paris for our traditional in person Foundation program.
The Foundation year curriculum gives students the flexibility to explore media and ways of working that will prepare them for their major area of study. Each semester, students take a course on ways of seeing, choosing between Drawing or Photography. In the fall semester of Materials & Dimensions, students work in printmaking, photography, & 3D, while in the spring semester they choose to focus on one of these areas. While the required credit load for the Foundation year is 30 credits, students are strongly encouraged to take an elective in the area they plan to focus on for their degree.
In addition, the curriculum includes a year long course in Intro to Digital Media, two semesters of Critical Thinking & Writing, as well as Art History courses both semesters.
The Foundation year in the US system and in our school is not a preparation course, but the first year of the 4-year degree, and therefore is required. However, students who have completed a foundation year elsewhere can apply for transfer entry into the second year of the BFA program.
Foundation year is a transdisciplinary year, common to every degree, where every student acquires a common vocabulary and techniques. It provides a wider approach to one’s anticipated major and help you choose your field of study.
If you are interested in the option of study online for your first-year Foundation experience, check-out our Foundation Online: Pathway to Paris option.
Why choose our Foundation in Paris program?
Multidisciplinary Curriculum
- Encourages exploration of various media and techniques (drawing, photography, 3D, printmaking).
- Includes flexible elective options to help students specialize.
Small Student-to-Teacher Ratios
- Promotes personalized mentorship and detailed feedback.
- Fosters close-knit, collaborative learning environments.
Dedicated Faculty Team
- Composed of practicing artists and designers who bring real-world expertise into the classroom.
Global City Location
- Immerses students in an inspiring urban setting rich with museums, galleries, and opportunities to engage with design and fashion industries.
Futuro
