Graphic Design & Illustration

The two-year full-time Foundation Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical studies, practical training, and hands-on project-based learning to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the fields of graphic design and illustration within the creative industries.

Year 1 of the program focuses on building a solid foundation in graphic design and illustration. You will learn about principles and techniques in typography, composition, colour theory, and drawing fundamentals. You also acquire proficiency in industry-standard design software and explore visual communication and narrative techniques.

In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of advanced design principles and techniques. You explore branding and identity design, learning to create and manage brand identities. You also gain insights into professional practices, including project management, client communication, and self-promotion. You have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as web/ app design, motion graphics, packaging design, or illustration for a specific sector of their choosing.

Throughout your Year 2 studies, the Work Based Learning module provides industry experience and networking opportunities in which you can either apply for an internship position within one of our partner employers or work within the E3 college campus student company as a freelance designer and/or illustrator.

Within the course we pride ourselves in our direct industry links, working on live projects, National competition briefs and consistent support from the core teaching team of practicing designers. This will allow you to build up a network of professional contacts, to experience dealing with real life clients, and gaining the up-to-date knowledge required to pursue your career in this competitive industry.

Upon completion of the program, graduates have multiple progression routes available to them. You can choose to continue your studies by enrolling in a related bachelor’s degree program, such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design or Animation. Alternatively, Due to the demand in the local design industry, we have had students successfully pursue careers within many well-established design and advertising studios and build successful careers as freelance designers.

Ready to embark on an exciting journey towards a career in Graphic Design and Illustration?

Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations:

OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents.:
https://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/about-us/corporate-information/public-documents

Please read our Terms and Conditions before applying for or enrolling on any of our courses: https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.belfastmet.ac.uk%2Fmedia%2Fgjoj3uq4%2Fbelfast-met-terms-and-conditions-for-enrolment-and-application-2026-27-v1-oct-2025.docx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK

Year 1 of the program focuses on building a solid foundation in graphic design and illustration. You will learn about principles and techniques in typography, composition, colour theory, and drawing fundamentals. You also acquire proficiency in industry-standard design software and explore visual communication and narrative techniques.

In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of advanced design principles and techniques. You explore branding and identity design, learning to create and manage brand identities. You also gain insights into professional practices, including project management, client communication, and self-promotion. You have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as web/ app design, motion graphics, packaging design, or illustration for a specific sector of their choosing.

Students are assessed using a range of different methods.

Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods as practical, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.

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