Course summary

Combining practical design skills with creative problem-solving, this course offers a solid foundation in contemporary forms of visual communication. It explores all contexts where graphic design is found such as digital content; interface design; web and social media; editorial design; print and publishing; moving image; visual identity; typography; and graphic illustration and engages with important themes like the climate emergency and social justice. Foundation Year In the Foundation year you will study three days per week. The focus will be on academic writing skills and numeracy, plus subject-specific content to fully prepare you for entry to an Undergraduate degree. The course has been designed to develop your skills and to prepare you for entry onto the first year of your chosen course. It provides a balance between content related to your chosen subject and the range of wider skills required for undergraduate study. This is an integrated four-year degree, with the foundation year as a key part of the course. You will be required to pass the foundation year in order to progress to the first year of your BA (Hons) degree. This course is ideal for those who do not meet our standard entry requirements or those with a non-standard educational background. It will allow you to graduate with a full undergraduate degree in your chosen subject in four years. Facilities and Specialist Equipment

• Spacious studios and facilities in Alexon House, the previous home of the Alexon and Eastex fashion company.

• Excellent studio facilities including screen printing, large format printing and RISO printing, and photo studio.

• Mac computers with access to Creative Cloud, Dragonframe and TB Paint software.

• Creative Cloud for personal use.

• Equipment including drawing tablets; cameras; C-stands; and coloured gels.

• 360° green-screen room with motion-capture suit.

• The course partners with a graphics arts course at MSA University in Cairo, Egypt, for international student collaboration.

• Projects collaborations include with Luton Town Football Club, the NHS and Luton Council.

• Develop a reflective, outward-looking approach to design challenges, and become adept at using a variety of platforms from digital to print, moving image to illustration.

• Gain a solid knowledge of the cultural, critical and creative contexts of contemporary practice including how social media has transformed the role of the graphic designer.

• Take the opportunity to work on live projects through national competitions and awards such as D&AD, RSA Student Awards and Penguin Design Award, alongside local collaborations and University-wide initiatives.

• Intern at our in-house alumni-led studio, Guildford Street Press, and get live experience working on projects for external clients.

• Attend weekly World of Work guest talks from a wide range of creative-industry professionals, who share insights into finding your first job in fashion and establishing yourself as an independent creative.

• Enhance your studies with regular field trips to Somerset House, Tate Museum and the Design Museum.