Foundation Degree in Graphic Design

The teaching team have a range of experience from practice within the industry with local, national and international networks. They can offer real-world advice and guidance to help develop your practice.

You will be based in our professional design studio space which provides a stimulating learning environment, all fully equipped with the latest Mac/Adobe software.

Live projects are set by local and national designers and creatives including Eleven Design/Human Studios/Wentworth Woodhouse/Grimm & Co amongst many others. Students are offered placements to gain insight into the industry and to develop their professional practice.

You will have access to the lecture programme at Sheffield Hallam University where you will be able to see professional graphic designers and creatives and have access to their learning resources.

There’s also the opportunity for field trips to local and international venues accompanied by a yearly residential to places such as Paris, Rome, Barcelona, New York and Berlin.

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.

• 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 ResponseExplore 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.

• A relevant Level 3 qualification or substantial relevant experience
• GCSE English and maths at grade C/4 or above or equivalent
• A portfolio of work
• All applicants who are non-native English speakers, or who have not studied the final two years of school in English, must have an IELTS score of 6.0 or above.

You can apply using our online application form and clicking the Apply Now button at the top of the page.

After successful completion of this course, you can pursue employment in graphic design, illustration, UX/UI Design, branding, packaging, advertising, marketing or alternatively you could become self-employed as a Freelance Designer.

Digital Portfolio RequirementsIf you apply to the course we will ask you to provide a portfolio of work/digital portfolio to support your application. This can include development work so include scans of one of your sketch books or other examples of development work to demonstrate your working method and ideas.