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Starts

9 Sep 2024

Study mode

Full Time

Campus

Framwellgate Moor Campus

Duration

2 Years

Level

Level 5

Awarding body

NEW COLLEGE DURHAM

Course code

GRAPF5001A01

Fee Information

Standard Fees of £9250.00 for the first year

Please note, these prices are for the current academic year and may be subject to change for our courses starting in future years. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college, please see Fees and funding for more information.

Student Finance

All fees are payable (no fee remission/reduction applies). However, eligible students can apply to Student Finance England for a student loan, which could cover both tuition fees and living costs. Student Finance England can be contacted directly Student Finance England or call 0300 100 0607.

Course details may be subject to change.

Our Foundation Degree in Graphic Design will nurture creativity and support concept development to a level where you can seek employment, engage in self-employment, or undertake further study.

The freedom of the flexible curriculum allows you to explore your creative potential and direct your study to achieve the skills of industry and create a unique personal portfolio to help you to enter the workplace.

Through ongoing professional development, the programme will build your confidence as you develop and evaluate an individual programme of study. You will learn to balance time and resources and identify opportunities which will be important skills for your chosen career.

Our graphic design team are professionals in typography, letterpress printing, editorial design, branding, package design, exhibition design, product design, photography, art direction, and interior design.

Entry Criteria

To gain entry to the programme, you must satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements to the programme.

Admissions Criteria The College Admissions Policy is to encourage access to higher education through an equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious belief, or age.

Standard Entry requirements To gain entry to the programme, you must satisfy the standard or non-standard entry requirements to the programme.

Admissions Criteria The College Admissions Policy is to encourage access to higher education through an equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religious belief, or age.

Standard Entry requirements The following admissions criteria will apply at Level 4:

  • You will be a minimum age of 18 years old and are expected to hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in a related subject of Art & Design, Graphic Design, A-Level in graphics or art
  • You will hold four GCSEs at grade 9-4 (or working towards)
  • It is desirable but not essential that you hold at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English, or to have demonstrated ability in Maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).
  • You will be encouraged to obtain grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English
  • BTEC National Qualifications, A2-Level, AS Level at Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant subject or a total of at least 32 UCAS tariff points.
  • All Internal and external applicants must be interviewed with an art and design/creative-based portfolio (international applicants via internet/email respectively).
  • Attend a successful interview with two members of the curriculum team.
  • A personal statement.
  • Evidence of digital literacy within portfolio to meet the needs of Level 4
  • Minimum 5.5 IELTS in each band for international applicants

Non-Standard Entry Requirements

  • Evidence of ongoing creative experience or employment within the creative industries.
  • Attend a successful interview with two members of the curriculum team.
  • A personal statement.
  • All applicants with non-standard criteria must be interviewed with an art and design-based portfolio (international applicants via internet/email respectively).
  • It is desirable but not essential that you hold at least grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English, or to have demonstrated ability in Maths and English within further studies (such as key/functional skills).
  • You will be encouraged to obtain grade 4 or above in GCSE maths and English

Additional Costs

Additional costs include general art and design materials, external hard drive, access to a digital camera and personal computer (Mac or PC) with design software. There will also be expenses for a yearly national trip and optional international visit.

What are the next steps?

You will attend an interview with a course tutor. Please bring with you a sample of your creative work in the form of a portfolio (this could be digital and/or a traditional portfolio). Your interview will consist of some set questions and opportunities for discussion.

Study Aims

Aims are as followed:

  • Advance the development of professional, innovative, and creative outcomes in a supportive learning environment.
  • Engage in academic activity that underpins learning within the creative industries.
  • Enhance creative skills within a work-related context that supports the acquisition of transferable and professional skills relevant to employment or further study in the creative industries.

Modules Studied

Level 4 Core Modules:

  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Work Related Learning - complete practical live briefs, working with real clients, to build an awareness of the procedures involved in the creative industries.
  • Design Process - you will be introduced to the fundamental principles in design production, how materials and methodology contribute to the production of meaning in graphic design.
  • Design Context - develop your understanding of theoretical and visual contexts within design.
  • Creative Design Project - develop your creative problem solving skills to produce realistic and professional responses, and adopt appropriate project management techniques.

Level 5 Core Modules:

  • Personal & Professional Development
  • Work Related Learning
  • Design Process - extend and further develop your ability to propose ideas and creative solutions.
  • Design Context - develop your research and academic writing skills.
  • Self-Initiated Project - showcase what you have learnt over the two year programme. You will research and experiment to develop and refined outcome.

Times of Delivery

  • Monday - 9am - 4pm ~Tuesday - 9am - 4pm

Any times indicated are based on current courses and may be subject to change in future years. Full timetables will be confirmed at the start of each course.

Teaching and Assessment

You will have direct personal contact with an individual member of the course team to discuss academic and personal matters relevant to your learning. At induction you may discuss any learning or support needs – your progress will be monitored and you will be encouraged to arrange regular one-to-one sessions with your tutor to discuss any issues arising.You will also receive academic support from your module tutors. Support is given to students via tutorials at set intervals during the academic year. A range of assessment methods are used across both Level 4 and Level 5, including:

  • Time constrained briefs
  • Reflective journal
  • Presentations
  • Work related projects
  • Assessment of practical skills
  • Preparation of portfolios of evidence.

Industry Links

This programme places focus upon the opportunity for students to engage in, in live briefs, enterprise ideas and competitions, and the development of industry-based work.

Module Work Related learning will simulate working in a design agency, you will respond to industry – linked projects and live briefs to gain valuable experience working in graphic Design industry. Visits to organisations, events, you will take part in portfolio surgeries and attend guest lectures.

Placement

You will be encouraged to engage in work experience activities to enhance your portfolio and develop work based skills needed for progression.

What else?

View the work of some of our current students.

You will have the opportunity to go on a work placement in your second year to showcase your creative skills to employers.

You will have access to a visually striking Creative and Digital Suite, a bustling creative hub within the college, providing design and media students with impressive industry standard facilities.

Where can it take me?

Graphic designers £31,200 Potential salary

More info

Artists £35,880 Potential salary

More info