Foundation Degree in Graphic Design

About this Course:

This course is designed to provide you with experience of the whole design and production process. The programme will equip you with the knowledge, understanding and skills to enter a range of careers in the graphic arts industries. Workbased learning is at the heart of this course and is embedded into most modules. Our studio space provides and reflects the professional workplace environment. The delivery of the programme is designed to reflect the balance of skills and knowledge needed to work competently within the graphic arts industries, ensuring that the qualification supports both workplace and educational progression.

A high level of collaboration with partners from industry ensures that employers and practitioners are involved in the design and regular review of modules and assignments. Industry led briefs and commercial project work are integrated into modules and assignments. ​

Modules Covered:

Year 1

• Design Techniques and Processes

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the different types of processes used within the graphic design industry. This ranges from illustration, printmaking, digital processes, typography, etc. Here you will develop a body of experimental work through tutor-led workshops.

• Graphic Image Making and Communication.

The aim of the unit is to develop your knowledge and skills using graphic imagery in a variety of situations. You will learn skills in both traditional and digital media to develop your creative graphic image-making skills and techniques. Here you will develop a body of experimental work through tutor-led workshops.

Year 2

• Work-based Design Projects

This is an opportunity for you to develop your professional practice by engaging with a range of institutions, local industry, and commercial partners. Students are also encouraged to enter competitions such as D&AD, New Blood Student Awards to enhance their professional practice and further develop a creative, professional portfolio of work.

• Specialist Creative Response

Explore and study an area of interest that you have studied. This will be about a chosen specialist area such as Illustration, UX/UI, Typography, Branding etc. You will then provide a written project proposal on the said research topic and produce an outcome of your choosing.

Progression:

• Progression onto further study onto the final year of the BA (Hons) in Graphic Communication Design or other degrees at Rotherham College or University.

• Go into employment for careers in graphic design, teaching, marketing and management. ​

Entry Requirements:

GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4. Plus a minimum of 48 UCAS points from a combination of the following:

• At least two A -levels or equivalent to include Art and Design or Graphics- related subject

• GNVQ Advanced Diploma in Art and Design - Merit

• BTEC Extended National Diploma - Merit, Pass, Pass

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design - Pass

• Relevant Access to Higher Education course - Pass

• Non-native English speakers or have not studied the final two years of school in English, must have a IELTS score of 6.0 or above.

• Mature students will be considered at interview based on their portfolio and prior experience.

If you do not meet these requirements please contact us as we are able to consider applicants with other qualifications, relevant experience or personal circumstances on an individual basis.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Course does not award QTS