Rebecca Foster

Foundation Degree in Graphic Design

Rebecca recently went on a trip to New York, where she got to meet Stefan Sagmeister at his exhibition ‘I Look Like This’.

‘It was good, I got to talk to so many other really cool people, and just bumping into him and talking to him was a really good experience.

I was a trainee as part of the Children’s Capital of Culture, so I got some funding that was for me to go on trips, so I used the funding to pay for some trips whilst I was in New York, so it was a really good opportunity.’

What made you want to study Graphic Design?

‘Well, I am a mature student, I am 24, I started the course when I was 22, and I went to university before I started here, I did a year at Sheffield Hallam, where I did marketing with psychology, and I really enjoyed it, but it was to analytic heavy which wasn’t for me, but through doing the course Graphic Design came up a lot because it goes hand in hand with marketing. I have always liked art, and I got an iPad for Christmas one year, and I started drawing and experimenting and went into Graphic Design, so I quit the job I had back then and applied here.

I picked the University Centre Rotherham because it’s literally 5 minutes away from home here, and it feels more personal with the teaching styles here.’

What skills have you developed during your course?

‘I think the biggest thing is probably all the software. Before I started here, I could only use Procreate on my iPad, like I didn’t know how to use any of the Adobe suite software like InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or anything like that.

Also presenting skills, because a lot of the time when we come to the sort of end of a project, before we develop any final ideas, we will present to each other, which is nice as it helps learn how to handle critical feedback and criticism, but also how to give feedback.’

How has the University supported you so far?

‘The tutors are so understanding, especially if you are going through something, like last year I was going through a rough time, so they were able to help me sort out an extension, and they understood that I couldn’t attend every lesson, but they were still there for me and were there to support me, and they understand me balancing work with university.

We also have amazing technicians, so if we would like to try something in particular for a project, or something we would love to try, you can just pop an email over and ask if you can book a workshop in and like a week later, you are doing it which is really cool.’

Do you have any advice for future students?

‘Don’t think that you aren’t good enough or you are going to be behind, don’t go into it thinking you’re not good enough, because your first year brings everyone up to the same level and to the same speed. The tutors are so helpful and make sure everyone is on track which is really helpful.

I am such an advocate for adult learning because you should never be afraid to change and learn. If you have the opportunity to do something you really want to do and you have the finances to do it, then just do it. You are never too old to change careers or expand on knowledge.’

Find out more about Graphic Design courses at University Centre Rotherham

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University Centre Rotherham recognises that adult education is a powerful tool for personal growth, economic resilience, and social cohesion. Across the region and UK, adults are gaining the skills to progress in their careers, build confidence, and connect with others. The impact reaches far beyond the classroom as employers’ benefit from a more adaptable workforce, communities grow stronger, and society becomes more inclusive.

With the right support, course and training, adults through adult learning can address multiple challenges at once – from closing skills gaps and tackling social isolation to reducing inequality and strengthening communities.

University Centre Rotherham – working to transform lives, empower communities, and drive sustainable growth.