Why study this course?
The 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 the Graphic Design BA (Hons).
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2022/23 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 0 modules include:
Critical & Contextual Studies: Foundation (core, 30 credits)
Formats (core, 30 credits)
Project (core, 30 credits)
Techniques (core, 30 credits)
Year 1 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 1 (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Design Principles (core, 30 credits)
Graphic Authorship (core, 30 credits)
Visual Research and Communication (core, 30 credits)
Year 2 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 2 (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Exploring Design Practice (core, 30 credits)
Narrative (core, 30 credits)
Work Ready 1 (option, 30 credits)
Year 3 modules include:
Critical and Contextual Studies 3: Dissertation (Visual Communication) (core, 30 credits)
Final Project Realisation: Graphic Design (core, 30 credits)
Project Design and Development (core, 30 credits)
Work Ready 2 (core, 30 credits)
Where this course can take you
On graduation you’ll have the knowledge and skills to become a successful graphic designer. Careers relating to graphic design can include advertising, editorial, publishing and web design, with positions available on a freelance basis, in-house and in agencies.
What is a degree with a foundation year at the School of Art, Architecture and Design?
This is a four-year degree course with a built-in foundation year (Year 0). A foundation year in our School of Art, Architecture and Design is the starting point for many of our art, architecture and design students and acts as an introduction to the wide range of creative practices explored within the University. You may join us with a clear idea of the subject you intend to study or you may use it as an opportunity to explore a number of different directions or experiment with your creativity. A foundation year degree is also a great choice if you don’t meet the necessary entry requirements for the standard undergraduate degree. You’ll graduate with a full undergraduate degree with the same title and award as those who studied the three-year course.
