Graphic Design & Illustration
The two-year full-time Foundation Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical studies, practical training, and hands-on project-based learning to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the fields of graphic design and illustration within the creative industries.
| Award Name | Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Foundation at UK Level 5 | Open University |
Duration
2 years Full-time.
Entry Requirements
Higher Education Entry Criteria
Each Higher Education programme has its own distinctive entry requirements. This is set as a minimum UCAS points for entry. On some programmes, applicants must also hold subject specific qualifications to gain a place. Therefore, it is essential that you check entry requirements for each programme you are applying for. Please note, these are qualifications that applicants must have completed and certified to gain entry onto the respective programmes.
Applicants must hold a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in both English Language and Mathematics. Level 2 Certificate in Essential Skills - Application of Number and Essential Skills Literacy may be regarded as an acceptable alternative to GCSE Maths and English.
We recognise that prior learning or experience may give some students credit towards a qualification to gain entry onto a programme or credit towards a programme of study. Please refer to our Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) process.
Please also note: The College reserves the right to increase the entry requirements for all Higher Education provision based on demand and required academic standards, as specified by the Awarding Body/validating organisation.
Applicants applying to programmes validated by university partners (UU, QUB and OU) who hold international qualifications must provide certificates to determine equivalence before an offer can be made.
64 UCAS points.
Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) for HE Courses
APL allows you to use evidence from prior learning or experience to gain entry onto a course at Belfast Met. Belfast Met will work with you to make sure that relevant learning or work experience is formally recognised through the APL Process. For more information see Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) Process - Guidance for applicants. If you would like more information, or if you decide you would like to use the APL process, please contact the Course Co-ordinator. Contact details are provided at the end of these slides and on the course details page on Belfast Met website.
Careers / Further progression
Careers
Students have the opportunity to work on live projects , enter competitions and to engage directly with industry. Successful completion may facilitate direct entry into the second year of any graphic design (or in some cases, any art and design) degree in the United Kingdom, or possibly to specialised one year top-up degree (only available in mainland UK and at university discretion). Alternatively, and HND will qualify the holder for employment in the graphic design or broader creative industries.
Possible careers are:
Graphic Designer
Illustrator
Web Designer/Developer
User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Designer:
Art Director
Brand Identity Designer
Motion Graphics Designer
Packaging Designer
Further information
Start Date: 15/09/2024. End Date: 15/06/2026.
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Academic period 2024:
Tuition Fee = £3050.00
Academic period 2025*:
Tuition Fee = £3050.00
Fees are payable annually.
*The fees for 2024 and 2025 have not been finalised and will be updated as soon as agreed.
Entry Year: 15/09/2024.
How to Apply
Make sure you apply as early as you can to increase your chance of getting onto your first choice course. Remember, you can apply for up to five courses!
Ready to make your application? Please click on "Application Weblink".
Overview
The two-year full-time Foundation Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines theoretical studies, practical training, and hands-on project-based learning to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the fields of graphic design and illustration within the creative industries.
Year 1 of the program focuses on building a solid foundation in graphic design and illustration. You will learn about principles and techniques in typography, composition, colour theory, and drawing fundamentals. You also acquire proficiency in industry-standard design software and explore visual communication and narrative techniques.
In Year 2, you will deepen your knowledge of advanced design principles and techniques. You explore branding and identity design, learning to create and manage brand identities. You also gain insights into professional practices, including project management, client communication, and self-promotion. You have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as web/ app design, motion graphics, packaging design, or illustration for a specific sector of their choosing.
Throughout your Year 2 studies, the Work Based Learning module provides industry experience and networking opportunities in which you can either apply for an internship position within one of our partner employers or work within the E3 college campus student company as a freelance designer and/or illustrator.
Within the course we pride ourselves in our direct industry links, working on live projects, National competition briefs and consistent support from the core teaching team of practicing designers. This will allow you to build up a network of professional contacts, to experience dealing with real life clients, and gaining the up-to-date knowledge required to pursue your career in this competitive industry.
Upon completion of the program, graduates have multiple progression routes available to them. You can choose to continue your studies by enrolling in a related bachelor’s degree program, such as Graphic Design, Illustration, Interaction Design or Animation. Alternatively, Due to the demand in the local design industry, we have had students successfully pursue careers within many well-established design and advertising studios and build successful careers as freelance designers.
Foundation Degree in Graphic Design and Illustration. (Pending Validation from The Open University).
Contact Us
Tel: 028 9026 5033
Email: creativedigital@belfastmet.ac.uk