Foundation Degree Graphic Design

Upon successful completion of the course you have the option to progress onto the BA (Hons) Visual Merchandising, Styling and Promotion (subject to validation) run at Hertford Regional College. Or either BA (Hons) Product and Industrial Design, BA (Hons) Interior Architecture and Design, BA (Hons) Design Crafts (Ceramics and Glass), BA (Hons) Design Crafts (Jewellery) or BA (Hons) Design Crafts (Textiles) at the University of Hertfordshire. Alternatively, you can progress onto an appropriate BA (Hons) programme at another institution.You could also enter a career in the creative industries. There are a range of career opportunities in design and illustration; particularly in the fields of branding, advertising, marketing, editorial design, digital design and design education. Our graduates have also gone on to set up their own businesses or continue their professional practice on a freelance, self-employed basis.

Teaching comprises a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, small group tutorials, practical assignments and written work. You are encouraged to undertake independent study to consolidate your learning and to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the subject. You will also experience working collaboratively on projects with other higher education courses. There is the opportunity to take part in industry live briefs with local community businesses, organisations, groups and head offices as well as prestigious national and international design competitions.

The engagement of students with industry through work placement is comprehensive on the programme with a dedicated work-based learning module that provides the opportunity to expand, develop and apply knowledge, understanding and skills learnt with local and national employers. You are also encouraged to independently negotiate and organise your own work placement opportunities.

Level 4 (Year One)

Core Modules

• WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 1 - 15 Credits
• Creative Skills Development - 30 Credits
• Vocational Project - 30 Credits
• WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 2 - 15 Credits
• Contextual Studies - 30 Credits

Level 5 (Year Two)

Core Modules

• WBL Project: Professional Practice - 30 Credits
• Critical and Cultural Studies - 30 Credits
• Portfolio Development (Graphic Design) - 30 Credits
• Final Major Project (Graphic Design) - 30 Credits

For further information on the above modules please click here.

You will have a dedicated design studio space and access to state-of-the-art facilities including workshops and Mac suites as well as industry standard resources. We have a Creative Enterprise Shop that stocks products designed by you. The shop also pops-up at local community events, shops, empty shop units, external exhibitions both local and inner London. The teaching team combines full-time teaching staff with part-time industry professionals, who split their time between teaching and working in the creative industries. Throughout the programme there is an international study trip; recent destinations include Berlin, Iceland and Budapest, as well as national study trips and visits to businesses, agencies, museums and galleries.

You can visit our Instagram @creative_enterprise_hub and follow our current students creative exploits.

You will also have the opportunity to manage and curate your own exhibitions in our stunning David Gentleman Gallery as well as at external venues.

The David Gentleman Gallery has exhibitions digitally as well as physically, you can see our current online exhibitions at https://thedavidgentlemangallery.co.uk.

How will I be assessed?

This programme is assessed from 100% coursework consisting of practical assignments and written work. These include creative projects, pitches, presentations, project management, live briefs, work placements, ongoing reflection/evaluation, essays and reports.Assessment is continuous throughout the programme with tutor, self and peer assessment with a University Exam Board at the end of each semester.

48 UCAS points

IB - 48 points with a minimum of 1 HL subject at grade 4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).

An interview or presentation of portfolio may also be required.

The University also accepts a number of other equivalent qualifications including BTEC, IB and Access courses - to find out more about the requirements for these and other equivalent qualifications please visit UCAS.

Mature students will be considered on the basis of relevant experience and an appropriate portfolio of work.

How to Apply?

Applications are via UCAS to the University of Hertfordshire. Please use the below codes:

• UCAS code: W216
• Institution code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
• Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)

Please click here for the UCAS application form.

You will be required to purchase a course kit at approximately £150, a kit list will be provided with everything you need before you start the course. Also, throughout the programme of study you will need to buy general materials and production services in order to complete module assignments.

Full-time

£6165 for the 2024/2025 academic year.

Students are normally eligible for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England. See https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-finance

Tuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only.

There may be opportunities for trips and visits organised, these will be at an additional charge for the students.