Course summary

This course is currently taught by Confetti, but from September 2025 will be taught by the Nottingham School of Art & Design (NSA&D). Course content and learning outcomes will not change The FdA in Graphics and Digital Design course will give you the opportunity to pursue a career in this area of the creative industries. The course aims to create ambitious graduates who are equipped with the relevant skillset for entry into the graphic design industry. Whilst on the course, you will develop key skills in creative problem solving using a range of materials and you will gain advanced knowledge of design software packages including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and InDesign. You will gain an understanding of the professional platforms of graphic design such as advertising and branding and gain project management skills through working on collaborative projects, which will put you firmly on the path towards a career in the graphic design industry. The course encourages you to explore the role of a designer in contemporary society whilst developing a critical understanding of graphic design principles, theory and research methods. On successful completion of the course you will be able to demonstrate to employers that you have a variety of graphic design specialisms that you can bring to an employment opportunity that will be supported by an outstanding portfolio of work created whilst studying on the course. Employability will be an integral element of the course and you will receive training on the latest industry software and hardware combined with ample opportunities throughout the programme to undertake appropriate work-based learning within the graphic design industry. The curriculum design aims to give you the necessary technical skills in the latest technologies and the discipline required to work in a variety of roles within the graphic design industry. You will learn how work is commissioned within the graphic design industry and you will work with live briefs in order to develop your portfolio of work. The course encourages students to take an experimental and creative approach to graphic design and seeks to establish good working practices and independent study, as well as exploring the interrelationship between research and graphic design. After successful completion of the course, you choose to top-up to a BA (Hons) degree or go straight into industry.