Graphic Design with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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Graphic Design with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Course Description

Graphic design is seen, felt and experienced everywhere. Once focused on objects, graphic design is now increasingly concerned with contexts. Graphic designers inform, confront, persuade, entertain, provoke, challenge, question, direct and engage with the political, social and environmental issues of the world we live in.

The aim of the graphic design programme is to create passionate, creative, resourceful, entrepreneurial and adaptive problem-finders, who are prepared both technically and intellectually to embrace and exploit the opportunities that graphic design offers in the 21st Century.

Being a graphic designer is fun, stimulating and inspiring. Designers are creative problem-finders and solvers. You will be challenged to think differently, even professional designers are constantly developing their skills. There are always new trends, new technologies, new ideas, and new sources of inspiration – a creative mind never stops learning. It is more than just a job – it's a way of life.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 72 (September 2025 entry)
• UCAS code: W210
• Start date: September
• Location: Markeaton Street, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Diploma in Professional Practice (optional)
• Year 3

Core Modules

• Creative Studies
• Creative Technologies
• History and Theory of Creative Practice
• Creative Skills: 2D and 3D Making
• Negotiated Project

Teaching Methods

Teaching is delivered mainly through studio-based and experiential learning using project briefs. This is supported with tutorials, lectures, seminars, visiting speakers and visits to galleries and exhibitions.

You'll work with both local and national project partners on live project briefs and national competitions. Our students have worked with Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Ernest and Julio Gallo Wineries Europe. They have also responded to competition briefs from D&AD (Designers & Art Directors), Young Creatives Network, Penguin Student Design Awards and the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Student Design Awards.

Assessment is based on coursework, relevant to each module. This may include portfolios of artwork, exhibitions, sketchbooks, research and background material, essays, reports and presentations.

Who Will Teach You

• Cameron Jinks, Programme Leader

Careers

As a graduate you could work in a design studio, freelance, art direction, editorial design, typography, branding, advertising, corporate identity, interactive media, signage, design consultancy or online design.

You have the opportunity to further enhance your skills by considering our MA/MDes Design.

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 72
• A Level: DDD
• T Level: Pass
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: Maths and English are preferred, however if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 30, Pass: 15
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• UK: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Printing of design work: print bureau prices range from £0.65 - £55 depending on size and paper quality
• Students should purchase a practice folder and an outcomes folder (approx. £50 each)
• A2/A3 Portfolio (£5 - £50)
• USB Flash Drive (approx. £10 - £15 depending on brand and storage capacity)
• A4 Sketchbook (approx. £10 each)

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications. It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.

Once we have received your application and supporting documents (such as qualifications or references), we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.

Our aim is to support all students to have the best possible opportunities to succeed and so our application and enrolment deadlines are in place to ensure you stand the best chance of doing so.

Joining the programme later may harm your chances of success on your course. It is therefore vital that you take note of the dates and ensure you submit your completed application and subsequent enrolment in time.

Discover Uni

• 74% say staff value students views and opinions about the course
• 81% of students say teaching staff have supported their learning well
• 80% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course

For more official course information visit Discover Uni.

Program Outline

The program prepares students both technically and intellectually to embrace and exploit the opportunities that graphic design offers in the 21st century. The program emphasizes the evolving nature of graphic design, moving beyond traditional object-focused design to address contemporary contexts. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge to inform, confront, persuade, entertain, provoke, challenge, question, direct, and engage with the political, social, and environmental issues of the world.

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Outline:

The program is structured as follows:

• Foundation Year: This year provides a comprehensive introduction to design principles and practices, preparing students for the rigorous demands of the BA (Hons) program.
• Year 1: Students delve deeper into core design concepts, exploring typography, layout, drawing as observation and problem-solving, identity and branding, packaging, point of purchase, exhibition design, publication and printing, and digital moving image.
• Year 2: The program focuses on developing professional practice skills, including industry research, networking, and self-promotion.
Students also have the opportunity to participate in a Diploma in Professional Practice (optional).
• Year 3: The final year culminates in a major project, allowing students to showcase their skills and knowledge in a comprehensive and independent manner.

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Modules:

• Creative Studies: This module encompasses a wide range of skills that help students look, record, and translate visual information.
It covers various drawing and recording methods, including precise techniques, experimental mark-making, and performative skills using a wide range of media. Students also explore a specific area or movement in art, design, media, or performing arts through research and documentation.
• Creative Technologies: This module focuses on developing technical skills in digital design and production.
Students learn to use industry-standard software and hardware, including Adobe Creative Suite, Wacom Cintiq tablets, and HD cameras.
• History and Theory of Creative Practice: This module provides a critical understanding of the historical and theoretical underpinnings of graphic design, exploring key movements, influential figures, and contemporary trends.
• Creative Skills: 2D and 3D Making: This module develops practical skills in both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design, encompassing techniques such as printmaking, life-drawing, still-life, observational drawing, design drawing, collage, photograms, and performance.
• Negotiated Project: This module allows students to pursue a self-directed project that aligns with their individual interests and career aspirations.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the module but typically include:

• Portfolios of artwork: This showcases students' creative work and demonstrates their technical skills and design aesthetic.
• Exhibitions: This provides a platform for students to present their work to a wider audience, fostering critical feedback and professional development.
• Sketchbooks: This documents students' design process, including initial ideas, sketches, and explorations.
• Research and background material: This demonstrates students' ability to conduct thorough research and apply theoretical knowledge to their design practice.
• Essays and reports: This assesses students' analytical and critical thinking skills, allowing them to articulate their design decisions and justify their choices.
• Presentations: This allows students to communicate their design ideas effectively and engage with an audience.

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Teaching:

• Studio-based and experiential learning: The program emphasizes hands-on learning through project briefs, tutorials, lectures, seminars, and visits to galleries and exhibitions.
• Personal academic tutoring: Students receive individual support from a personal academic tutor, who helps them navigate their academic journey and achieve their professional goals.

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Careers:

Graduates from the Graphic Design with Foundation Year BA (Hons) program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the design industry, including:

• Design studio: Working as a graphic designer in a design studio, creating visual materials for clients across various sectors.
• Freelance: Establishing an independent design practice, offering services to a diverse range of clients.
• Editorial design: Designing layouts and visual elements for publications, including magazines, newspapers, and books.
• Typography: Specializing in the design and application of typefaces, ensuring readability and visual appeal.
• Branding: Developing and implementing brand identities, creating a cohesive visual language for companies and organizations.
• Corporate identity: Creating visual systems for companies, including logos, stationery, and marketing materials.
• Interactive media: Designing user interfaces and experiences for websites, apps, and other digital platforms.
• Signage: Designing wayfinding systems and informational signage for public spaces and buildings.
• Design consultancy: Providing expert design advice and solutions to clients across various industries.
• Online design: Creating visual content for websites, social media, and other online platforms.
Graduates can also pursue further studies in design, such as an MA/MDes Design.

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Other:

• Facilities: The program provides access to a range of facilities, including a dedicated graphic design studio, drawing room, printmaking facilities, and the Digital Design Hub.
Students have access to high-specification iMacs, industry-standard software, and a Media Loan Hub for equipment rentals.
• Industry connections: The program fosters strong connections with industry professionals through visiting speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.
• Professional development: The program emphasizes professional development, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to succeed in the competitive design industry.

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2024/25 Full-timePart-time UK Full-time£9,250 per year Part-timeN/A International Full-time£14,900 per year Part-timeN/A