Graphic Design (including foundation year)

Why study this course?

Our Graphic Design (including foundation year) degree is a four-year course with an in-built foundation year that gives you the chance to explore a range of art-related subjects before going on to specialise in graphic design in your subsequent years of study.

It is the perfect graphic design course if you don’t have the entry requirements to start a standard three-year undergraduate degree in graphic design.

More about this course

You’ll kick off your foundation year by working on an array of short studio and workshop projects, which will aid your development of skills and techniques that are common across all our foundation degrees. Later in the year you will then progress to projects that focus more specifically on graphic design.

During these workshops you’ll have the opportunity to explore a wide range of drawing techniques as well as colour, materials, process, collage, exhibiting and more.

This foundation year will allow you be experimental in a wide range of art subjects and will ensure you’re well-equipped to study graphic design at undergraduate level. Towards the end of the year, you’ll work on projects that will boost your confidence and independence as a designer and train you to be self-motivated and innovative. You’ll also attend lectures and seminars that will look at creative practice within historical, contemporary, conceptual and cultural contexts.

There will be plenty of chances for you to present your work to fellow students and tutors, as well as showcase your best projects in an end-of-year summer exhibition. This will allow you to gain feedback and perspectives on your work and will help you develop as a graphic designer.

Following the foundation year you will study the same course content as those who study our Graphic Design BA (Hons).

Course Modules

Example Year 0 modules include:

Critical & Contextual Studies: Foundation
Formats
Project
Techniques

Example Year 1 modules include:

Critical and Contextual Studies 1 (Visual Communication)
Design Principles
Graphic Authorship
Visual Research and Communication

Example Year 2 modules include:

Critical and Contextual Studies 2 (Visual Communication)
Exploring Design Practice
Narrative
Work Ready 1

Example Year 3 modules include:

Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (Visual Communication)
Final Project Realisation: Graphic Design
Project Design and Development
Work Ready 2