Course summary

This Foundation Degree course has been designed to encourage students to explore and develop their creative talents, to take risks, build their confidence and realise their potential within the industry. Students can explore career options in all fields of graphic design including: branding, advertising or illustration. The Foundation Degree is awarded by our chief university partner: Nottingham Trent University. This course has visual communications at its core. Students are encouraged to solve creative problems using both traditional design methods and also computer technology that allows for experimentation, exploration and creativity. Year One This lays the groundwork for the innovative exploration of ideas that have strong historical and contextual foundations within graphic design. Students explore the core values of the design process through a range of disciplines. Year Two This offers design problems with more limits attached, resulting in more realistic outcomes. There is an important emphasis on critical awareness of project work, as well as an expectation of increased professional practice. Students propose and execute their own briefs through a final major project at the annual end of year show. Guest speakers are a regular feature of the course: discussing the industry, delivering live briefs, and supporting work experience. Recent visitors have included: True Story, Tomato Collective, Tom Muller, Studio Output, Wigwag, Touch Design and the New Fat. Core modules include: -ideas generation and the design process -visual studies -historical and contemporary studies -advanced studio practice -specialist studio practice -critical studies -professional practice -final major project Assessment Work is assessed on a continual basis through weekly progress reviews, tutorials and assessment periods which take place three times a year. Bursaries We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2023-24 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website - www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk - for more information. Your career and progression There is a wide range of career opportunities within the industry, or you could continue your studies with our BA (Hons) Art and Design top-up degree or at another university of your choice. We have links with local, national and international companies who regularly look for graduates to join their teams.