BA (Hons) Graphic Design With Foundation Year
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Foundation Year
Overview
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design with Foundation Year is a four-year program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of graphic design principles, practices, and technologies. The program is divided into two parts: a shared Foundation Year and a three-year undergraduate degree in Graphic Design.
Course Details
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is a shared program across Art, Design, and Media disciplines, providing students with a dynamic and collaborative environment to develop their creative skills and academic confidence. The year is divided into two semesters, with modules that introduce key concepts, skills, and knowledge of art and design.
- Introduction to the Creative Industries
- Creative Methods
- Creative Risk Taking
- Creative Practice Major Project
- Digital Media Applications
Year One
- MAKE (40 credits): Introduces fundamental design principles used in graphic design practice.
- THINK (40 credits): Challenges and develops an awareness of the graphic design sectors.
- ENQUIRE A (40 credits): Introduces key skills required for graphic design, including technologies and processes.
Year Two
- DO (40 credits): Engages students with various aspects of graphic design, identifying main interests and exploring multiple short live projects.
- WORK (40 credits): Challenges students to produce design outcomes relevant to their personal aspirations, developing a professional portfolio and strategy for personal promotion and employment.
- ENQUIRE B (20 credits): Introduces current skills and thinking required in graphic design.
- ENQUIRE C (20 credits): Introduces current thinking required to be a graphic designer, developing plans and identifying career aspirations.
Year Three
- EXPLORE (40 credits): Consolidates specialist interests, enabling students to select from a range of projects that allow flexibility of process, media, and outcome.
- AUTONOMY (40 credits): Allows students to bring together prior learning and experiences, defining, negotiating, and implementing a self-determined program of study.
- ENQUIRE D (40 credits): Introduces future knowledge and skills required in graphic design, including new and emerging technologies and processes.
Employment and Stats
Graduates from the BA program work in many areas of graphic design, including design for print, branding, editorial design, illustration, interactive design, online marketing, and web design. Students also move into related careers within the creative industries, such as marketing, project management, social media, and account handling.
Requirements
- GCSE English Language at grade C/level 4 or above (or equivalent)
- Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential
- 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred
- Alternative entry requirements available through the Salford Alternative Entry Scheme (SAES)
Tuition Fees
- Full-time home: £8,505 for Foundation Year and £9,535 for subsequent years (2025/26 and 2026/27)
Additional Costs
- Books, stationery, printing, binding, and general subsistence on trips and visits
Enrolment Dates
- September 2025
- September 2026
Student Information
- Terms and conditions
- UCAS information: Course ID W214, Institution S03
Related Courses
- DipHE Creative and Digital Media
- BSc (Hons) Creative Computing with Foundation Year
- BA (Hons) Graphic Design
Data for Courses in Design Studies
- 86% of students say staff value students' views and opinions about the course
- 85% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
- 90% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course
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Questions
- How do I apply for an undergraduate course?
- How do I apply for a postgraduate course?
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Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Introduction:
The BA (Hons) Graphic Design course is a four-year program designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in the graphic design industry. The foundation year serves as a bridge between undergraduate studies and more specialized degree programs. It allows students to explore and strengthen their artistic talents, and builds a foundation for more advanced learning.
Objectives:
- Develop strong creative skills and design principles.
- Acquire technical skills in various design software.
- Gain an understanding of the creative industries and professional practices.
- Explore personal interests and develop a specialized design focus.
- Prepare for further study in a chosen undergraduate degree program.
Course Description:
The foundation year comprises modules that focus on introductory concepts, creative exploration, and professional development. Students gain exposure to various design disciplines, acquire basic technical skills, and learn about essential industry practices. The foundation year prepares them for further specializations in the following undergraduate years.
Year One:
- Form and Content: Focuses on fundamental design principles and visual communication skills.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1: Explores the theoretical and historical aspects of design.
- Process and Application: Introduces real-world design challenges and problem-solving techniques.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1 (continued): Further develops understanding of design theory and critical thinking.
Year Two:
- Graphic Design for...: Investigates the role of design in addressing social and environmental issues.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2: Expands knowledge of design contexts and professional practices.
- Live Projects: Applies design skills and knowledge in collaboration with real-world clients.
- Graphic Design and...: Explores connections between design and various other academic disciplines.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2 (continued): Continues development of professional skills and critical thinking.
- Games and Virtual Worlds: Learns about designing virtual interfaces and gamification principles.
Year Three:
- Design Practice: Offers flexibility to focus on specific design interests and project types.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3: Allows for independent research and critical analysis.
- Negotiated Major Project: Enables students to define and execute a self-determined design project.
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3 (continued): Supports further development of professional skills and critical thinking.
Outline:
Module List:
- Introduction to the Creative Industries
- Creative Methods
- Creative Risk Taking
- Creative Practice Major Project
- Digital Media Applications
- Form and Content
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1
- Process and Application
- Critical and Professional Contexts 1 (continued)
- Graphic Design for...
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2
- Live Projects
- Graphic Design and...
- Critical and Professional Contexts 2 (continued)
- Games and Virtual Worlds
- Design Practice
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3
- Negotiated Major Project
- Critical and Professional Contexts 3 (continued)
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary across different modules and may include:
- Coursework: Project development, final outcomes, research work, reflective writing
- Presentations: Visual presentations, critical analysis, research findings
- Written Work: Essays, critiques, theoretical discussions
Teaching:
Teaching methods include:
- Practical workshops
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Lectures
- Self-directed study
- Project-based learning
- Collaborative studio environment
- Industry engagement through live projects, guest speakers, and field trips
Careers:
Graduates pursue careers in various design fields, including:
- Print design
- Branding
- Editorial design
- Illustration
- Interactive design
- App design
- Web design
- Motion graphics
- Advertising
- Marketing
- Project management
Other:
- The program is delivered by experienced tutors and demonstrators with industry experience.
- Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated design studios, workshops, and computer labs.
- The course fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment.
University of Salford: A Summary
Overview:
The University of Salford is a public university located in Salford, Greater Manchester, England. It is known for its strong focus on practical learning and its close ties to industry. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with a range of facilities and activities for students. These include:
Accommodation:
The university offers a variety of accommodation options, including on-campus residences and private apartments.Sports Centre:
Students can stay active and healthy by joining the university's sports centre, which offers a wide range of activities.Clubs and Societies:
Students can join a variety of clubs and societies to meet new people and pursue their interests.Library:
The university library provides students with access to a wide range of resources, including books, journals, and online databases.Cafe and Dining:
The campus has several cafes and dining options for students to enjoy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Practical Learning:
The university emphasizes practical learning, with many programs incorporating hands-on experience and industry placements.Industry Connections:
The university has strong ties to industry, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.Location:
The university is located in Salford, a vibrant city with easy access to Manchester city centre.Modern Facilities:
The university has invested in modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art sports centre and a new library.Other:
The university offers a variety of student support services, including academic advising, career counseling, and mental health support. It also has a strong commitment to research, with a focus on areas such as energy, healthcare, and technology.
Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- GCSE: English Language at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent). Maths at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) is preferred but not essential.
- A Levels: 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred.
- T Levels: Pass: D or E in core subject.
- UCAS Tariff Points: 64 tariff points from A-levels (or equivalent) to include an Art & Design qualification preferred.
- BTEC National Diploma: MPP.
- Access to HE: Pass Level 3 Access to HE Diploma with 64 points (relevant subject).
- Scottish Highers: 64 points including Art & Design.
- Irish Leaving Certificate: 64 points including Art & Design.
- International Baccalaureate: 24 points including Art & Design.
- European Baccalaureate: Pass Diploma with 60% overall.
International Overseas Students (outside the EU):
- English Language Proficiency: IELTS 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, or equivalent.
- Academic Requirements:
- India: 75% in Class XII (CBSE or equivalent) with 60% in English and 60% in Art & Design.
- China: Completion of Gaokao with a minimum score of 550, including at least 140 in English and 130 in Art & Design. This assessment is done through a review of prior learning or a formal test.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- IELTS: 6.0 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
- Equivalent Qualifications: TOEFL, PTE Academic, Cambridge English Advanced (CAE), Cambridge English Proficiency (CPE). There may be additional requirements for specific courses or programs.
