How the diagnostic mode helped Petrina find her dream undergraduate course
- Written byEllen Partridge
- Published date 16 April 2024
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Petrina Kiti studied the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at UAL in 2022. Now, she’s an undergraduate student at Central Saint Martins. We spoke to Petrina about her experience taking the diagnostic mode and how it helped her to discover her dream course – BA Fashion Communication: Journalism.
A fresh start
Petrina, from Athens, Greece, has always had a creative mindset and an interest in fashion, but was unsure how to make a career out of it. After starting an undergraduate degree in International Politics, she soon found it wasn't right for her.
She paused her studies and took time over the pandemic to focus on herself. Taking drawing classes opened the lid on her creativity and she realised she wanted to study something creative.
Uncertain of what subject area interested her most, Petrina didn’t feel she was ready to go straight into undergraduate study.
That’s when a friend told her about pre-degree courses at UAL. These preparatory courses are designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and degree-level study, helping students expand their knowledge, develop a strong portfolio and explore subjects to specialise in.
‘At one point, I realised most of the accounts and creatives that I was following online were from UAL. It's like I was drawn to the aesthetic. The depth of research behind the projects excited me a lot and I realised that I have something in common with that mindset.’
After attending lots of talks and speaking to current students, Petrina applied for a pre-degree course – the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
Experimenting and learning
She chose the diagnostic mode of the Foundation diploma, which is designed for students like Petrina who want to explore different creative subject areas before they specialise.
‘Starting the diagnostic pathway was exciting for me because it was so fast paced. It was the first time I’d had a sketchbook. I didn’t know how to manage working on lots of different things at the same time, but the diagnostic pathway helped me to develop a process that I could apply to everything.’
The course introduced Petrina to different creative mediums through seminars, projects and tasks. There were also opportunities to gain more specialist skills through workshops on the Adobe Suite.
‘On a typical day, we’d come in, sit in our usual spot in a group or with friends. We’d then be given our tasks for the day or learn what the seminar would be and have a discussion about it. It could be a task on anything from collage to fine art or graphic design. Sometimes we worked as individuals or in a group but most days involved something physical like cutting, glueing or making.’
Being a few years older than most others in her year, Petrina was conscious of her age at first. But she quickly realised that it didn't matter and had its advantages. Despite being shy, she found she was more comfortable with public speaking than her peers and had the confidence to speak up in class.
Finding her passion
Through the diagnostic pathway, Petrina discovered she was most passionate about fashion communication and journalism. In a task for a fashion communication seminar titled ‘Subcultures’, Petrina and her classmates set up a photoshoot and styled it on a made-up subculture. She also created a zine with original styling and photographs.
In another week, she enjoyed a workshop delivered by some of the BA Fashion Communication tutors on fashion journalism. She saw this as an excellent opportunity to combine her writing skills with her interest in fashion.
‘It clicked immediately. I was like, oh my gosh, yes! This is what I want to do. It had a cultural element, a fashion element but wasn’t design related which isn’t my strong point. I’m more of a maker than a designer. I’ve always been good at writing and developing my thinking. I could see the fantasy and visualise myself in this role.’
Preparing for undergraduate study
Throughout the Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Petrina developed skills to prepare her for undergraduate study. So, when it was time to apply for BA Fashion Communication: Journalism, she felt ready.
‘I think I had developed such perspective and ability to self-reflect and give feedback. This is something that was really encouraged between us. I love that we did tutorials in small groups and we didn't just feedback but gave each other ideas and helped each other develop our work’.
The foundation not only helped Petrina develop her creative practice but also a great network of peers. She still sees many of them on campus now.
‘I was so humbled by everyone's creativity and self-expression. It was incredible. You could see people's unfiltered work...I made some great connections on the Foundation and I still see them around now. I'm like hello, love you. You're gorgeous. You're great. Keep doing what you do!’
Preparing for the future
Studying the Foundation diploma helped Petrina find her passion and shaped her future. She is now studying the BA Fashion Communication: Journalism at Central Saint Martins.
‘I feel super lucky and blessed to be in this course which I discovered through the fashion communication pathway in Foundation. It helps me express myself in the best way that I can, using the broader spectrum of my skills and abilities combined with the things that I love to do. It’s a really good golden medium... I’ve learned the hard skills needed to go into a professional setting with confidence.’