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Foundation Degree Graphic Design

Course Code
ARDE517A.HU
Start Date
08/09/2025
End Date
18/06/2027
Location
Ware Campus
Study Mode
Full Time

This two year full time Foundation Degree is validated by the University of Hertfordshire

UCAS Code: W216
Institution Code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)

To apply for the course please click here for the UCAS application form. Please use the above codes.

This course is your gateway to a successful career in the creative industries, equivalent to the first two years of a university degree. It’s designed to build both your creative flair and technical skills, laying a solid foundation for your future career. You’ll dive into a range of exciting vocational projects, tackling real-world challenges in advertising, branding, digital illustration, editorial design, and packaging. Plus, you’ll explore cutting-edge and emerging media.

But it’s not just about learning – it’s about growing as a professional. The course places a strong emphasis on personal development and employability, offering fantastic opportunities for employer engagement, working on live briefs, attending inspiring guest talks, and going on enriching study trips.

This is more than just a course; it’s your launchpad to a dynamic career in design!

Our two-year full-time FdA Graphic Design programme offers a nationally recognised qualification and focuses on developing both your creative and technical skills. 

The FdA Graphic Design programme is validated by the University of Hertfordshire and you can read more comprehensive course information here.

Teaching on the course includes a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, small group tutorials, practical assignment briefs, and written work. We emphasise strong one-to-one teaching, ensuring that you receive the individual attention and support needed to excel in your studies and projects. You’ll have plenty of chances to dive into independent study to reinforce your learning and deepen your understanding of graphic design. Plus, you’ll collaborate on projects with students from other higher education courses, bringing fresh perspectives and ideas to your work.You’ll also gain hands-on experience with live industry briefs, working with local businesses, organisations, and even participating in national and international design competitions. The programme includes a dedicated work-based learning module that allows you to apply and expand your skills with local and national employers. And if you’re keen to explore your own placement opportunities, you’re encouraged to independently organise these as well.Level 4 (Year One) Core Modules
  • WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 1 โ€“ 15 Credits
  • Creative Skills Development โ€“ 30 Credits
  • Vocational Project โ€“ 30 Credits
  • WBL: Developing Professional and Employability Skills Part 2 โ€“ 15 Credits
  • Contextual Studies โ€“ 30 Credits
Level 5 (Year Two) Core Modules
  • WBL Project: Professional Practice โ€“ 30 Credits
  • Critical and Cultural Studies โ€“ 30 Credits
  • Portfolio Development (Graphic Design) โ€“ 30 Credits
  • Final Major Project (Graphic Design) โ€“ 30 Credits
For further information on the above modules please click here.
This programme is assessed entirely through 100% coursework, which includes practical assignment briefs and written work. You’ll engage in a variety of assessment types such as individual and group creative projects, pitches, presentations, project management tasks, live briefs, work placements, ongoing reflection and evaluation, essays, and reports. Assessment is continuous throughout the programme, involving tutor, self, and peer assessments, with a final University Exam Board at the end of each semester to approve the final grades. The work is graded using ‘The 19-point scale,’ with final grade classifications of Distinction (UG), Commendation (UG), Clear Pass (UG), and Marginal Pass (UG), according to the University of Hertfordshire School-Level Undergraduate Grading Criteria.
You’ll need to purchase a course kit, which costs approximately ยฃ150. We’ll provide a detailed list of kit items to ensure you have everything you need before starting the course. Additionally, throughout the programme, you’ll need to buy general materials and production services to complete your module assignment briefs.
48 UCAS points IB – 48 points with a minimum of 1 HL subject at grade 4 or above (with the remaining points to come from a combination of HL, SL and Core).An interview or presentation of portfolio may also be required.The University also accepts a number of other equivalent qualifications including BTEC, IB and Access courses – to find out more about the requirements for these and other equivalent qualifications please visit UCAS.Mature students will be considered on the basis of relevant experience and an appropriate portfolio of work.How to Apply?Applications are via UCAS to the University of Hertfordshire. Please use the below codes:
  • UCAS code: W216
  • Institution code: H36 (University of Hertfordshire)
  • Campus code: H (Hertford Regional College)
Please click here for the UCAS application form.
Full-timeยฃ6400 for the 2025/2026 academic year.Students are normally eligible for a tuition fee loan from Student Finance England. See https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-student-financeTuition fees are charged annually. The fees quoted above are for the specified year(s) only.There may be opportunities for trips and visits organised, these will be at an additional charge for the students.
You’ll have a dedicated design studio space and access to state-of-the-art facilities at Ware Campus, including specialists’ workshops, and Mac/PC suites, as well as industry-standard resources. Our Creative Enterprise Shop stocks products designed by you and frequently pops up at local community events, shops, vacant units, and external exhibitions in both local areas and inner London.The teaching team combines full-time teaching staff with part-time industry professionals who split their time between teaching and working in the creative industries. Throughout the programme, you’ll have exciting opportunities to participate in overseas, residential, and day visits that are both relevant to graphic design and enriching for your personal growth. These experiences are designed to broaden your horizons, inspire creativity, and deepen your understanding of the global graphic design industry. Our students have previously visited fascinating destinations such as Iceland, Budapest, and Helsinki. Please note that these visits are optional, and costs are additional to the course fee. Students will receive sufficient notice to budget for these events.You can follow our current students’ creative exploits on Instagram @creative_enterprise_hub . You will also have the chance to manage and curate your own exhibitions in our stunning David Gentleman Gallery, as well as at external venues. The David Gentleman Gallery has exhibitions digitally as well as physically, you can see our current online exhibitions at https://thedavidgentlemangallery.co.uk/.
Upon successfully completing the course, you’ll have an exciting opportunity to advance to our BA (Hons) Visual Merchandising, Styling and Promotion (Top Up) programme. This one-year course, offered in partnership with the University of Hertfordshire at Hertford Regional College, or as the final year of the BA (Hons) Graphic Design or BA (Hons) Graphic Design: Advertising and Branding at the University of Hertfordshire, allows you to top up your FdA qualification to a full BA (Hons). Alternatively, you can choose to progress to a suitable BA (Hons) programme at another institution.You’ll also have the option to dive straight into a vibrant career in the creative industries. There are numerous exciting opportunities in design and illustration, particularly in branding, advertising, marketing, editorial design, digital design, and design education.Our graduates have not only moved into established roles but have also ventured into setting up their own businesses or continuing their professional practice on a freelance or self-employed basis. This flexibility ensures that you can tailor your career path to match your personal ambitions and interests.
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ARDE517A.HU
Foundation Degree in Graphic Design (UoH) Yr1
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