The foundation programme will prepare international students for a number of undergraduate art, design, film and theatre degrees at the University of Reading.

There is “growing interest internationally for students to study creative disciplines, such as art and design”

Once they successfully complete the foundation year, students will be guaranteed progression to degree level study at the university’s School of Arts and Communication Design.

The school boasts a 24-hour studio community, a student-run gallery and commercial student-supported design and print studio.

It will enrol its first students in September 2017.

Fergus Brownlee, president of Cambridge Education Group, noted that there is “growing interest internationally for students to study creative disciplines, such as art and design”.

“We are very pleased to be able to partner with the University of Reading to offer international students a route to study in these areas with one of the UK’s leading institutions in the field,” he commented.

This is CEG’s 10th ONCAMPUS partnership in the UK and Europe. It also has five in the US, the most recent of which is the University of Rhode Island.

“As well providing a new, specialist pathway for international students aiming to join the University of Reading, Cambridge Education Group’s prestigious international network of partners will also open up new opportunities for other kinds of international collaborations,” added Vincenzo Raimo, the University of Reading’s vice-chancellor (global engagement) at the university.