Full Time Foundation Degree in Graphic Design

Foundation Degree in Graphic Design
Course Length: 2 Years
Site: West Durrington Campus
Attendance: Full time
Course Code: FHFGD1

The Course
UCAS code: W210
The course is designed for those who seek a career in Graphic Design and wish to go into industry straight from College. Students are equipped with technical skills and market awareness which, together with creative ability and media experimentation, will prepare them for a career in design.
Students tackle a variety of assignments, which will give them experience of the wide range of design possibilities that exist within the graphics industry.

Course Content
Year 1
The first level is about gaining skills and learning how to generate ideas. In addition to graphic design assignments, students attend workshops in craft skills, typography and computer applications, plus a programme of cultural and film studies, which will help to inform and inspire. The first level programme of study will include: ideas generation, advertising campaigns, corporate identity, packaging, historical and contextual studies and professional studies.

Year 2
The second level is about building a portfolio and preparing for employment. In addition to professional practice briefs, the students study business applications and management of the design process. At this stage of the course we utilise our strong links with the industry, bringing in art directors to set and assess assignments. Work experience is organised and, upon graduating, students exhibit their work at the New Designers show in London or a similar prestigious venue. The second year course content will include: ideas in context, packaging design, advanced typographical practice, art direction for advertising, critical studies, editorial design, business studies and managing the design and production process.

Progression/Career Path
The course is aimed at preparing students for employment, either in graphic design studios or as freelance graphic designers. Prospects for employment are excellent and hundreds of graduates from the course are now successfully employed as graphic designers both locally and around the country. Graphic designers are also needed around the world, so the opportunity to work abroad is also excellent.
The qualification is well recognised and respected in its own right in the industry and no further qualification is necessary to pursue a career in graphic design. If, however, a student would prefer to continue their education and achieve a BA degree, HND/FdA students are always in an excellent position to do so and many graduates have gone on to do one year top up degrees at other universities. A student who gained an overall merit on this HND/FdA course would be considered for a one year top up on the BA (Hons) Communication Design Degree at Northbrook.

Assessment/Exams
Assessment is by full time and part time staff, who are currently working in the industry, and is based on projects or set exercises. Encouragement is given for the continuous reappraisal of the individuals aims, abilities, interests and progress. Assessment includes advice and counselling for personal pathways.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally possess a BTEC National Diploma in Graphic Design or have attended a Foundation Studies course. Applicants who do not possess a BTEC qualification but have relevant industrial experience would be encouraged. Students with relevant A Level qualifications would also be considered. All candidates will be required to attend an interview at which time they should present a portfolio of relevant work.

Applications
Applications are to be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) quoting institution code: N41 and Institution code name: NBRK

Further Details
If you would like further information about this course or any other courses offered by Northbrook College.