Duration:
2 years full-time | Top-up available

Location:
Confetti Nottingham Campus, NTU

UCAS course code:
W210

Institution code:
N91

 Quick! We have some places remaining for this September at 48 UCAS points. Check out the entry requirements below.

This foundation Graphics and Digital Design course will prepare you for working in the graphic design industry.

You’ll learn the theories and techniques used in creative problem solving and explore the impact of emerging technologies on visual communication, such as advertising, branding, marketing, image creation, UX design and web design.

You’ll learn a broad range of all aspects of graphic design and the design industry as a whole. This encompasses illustration, editorial, typography, motion graphics, brand and advertising, sustainability awareness, 3D design and much much more. You will explore everything from relevant historic art and design movements up to modern practice and emerging technologies that will shape the design industry in the future. 

You will work to industry-standard briefs and practices that will help build your experience with design and the creative process. You will work on real life briefs that could see your work being sold in the likes of John Lewis (Skin Solace) and The National Trust (Apothecary Mead).

This course is for you if:

  • you enjoy problem solving through design, brand and advertising
  • you have a keen interest, passion and enthusiasm for digital design, photography and graphics
  • you are excited by creating beautiful and forward thinking designs

Progression route

Top-up your degree to a full BA (Hons) qualification in Graphic Design at NTU

Clearing 2024

  • 48 UCAS Tariff points from up to three qualifications

Spaces are limited, so call NTU’s Clearing hotline on 0115 848 6000 to secure your place.

2025 entry

  • 64 UCAS Tariff points; and
  • GCSE – English and Maths Grade C/4

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

Other qualifications and experience

We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.

Meeting our entry requirements

Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.

How to apply

This degree is validated by Nottingham Trent University. You can apply through UCAS.

Apply now

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Fees & funding

Graphic Design Development 1 (40 Credit Points)

Explore some of the fundamental principles that underpin good, efficient and effective graphic design. The module will introduce you to established design theory whilst exploring the application of this theory in a real-world context.

You’ll engage in research and idea development and investigate a variety of design techniques through looking at established design theory, combining this with your own experiments.

Design Techniques and Technology 1 (40 Credit Points)

With a focus on 2D graphics production software you’ll develop an understanding of physical and digital processes and make assessments of appropriateness of particular projects. You will choose appropriate tools and processes in your production of design work which responds to a chosen theme.

You’ll respond to a series of short briefs which explore the use of different tools and processes, both physical and digital.

Theory and Context 1 (20 Credit Points)

This module will explore the evolving processes and new technologies in the fast-changing world of Graphics and Digital Design and the technical issues that confront today’s graphic designers.

Working collaboratively you’ll develop research, critical discussion and presentation skills in seeking to solve a challenging design problem. You’ll develop solutions that thoughtfully consider the audience, client and market, and will collaborate as a team to generate ideas and proof of concept for a campaign.

You’ll produce an individual written research report into the role of a designer considering the contribution of modern factors vs historical work including a case study into a particular design movement, and an analysis of a design problem considering the designers relationship with audience, client and market.

Exploring Industry (20 Credit Points)

The quality of visual content plays an increasingly important role in the way we communicate to a wider range of audiences and this is the responsibility of digital graphic designers. You’ll explore the Graphics and Digital Design industry and how technology has altered the working practices of those employed within this industry.

You’ll research and develop ideas for a project driven by a client brief, developing ideas and conducting qualitative and quantitative research and producing sketchbooks and written summaries. You’ll then produce a piece of work in response to the brief.

Graphic Design Development 2 (40 Credit Points)

The most successful professionals working in the Design industry are those who adopt unconventional approaches to product design and allow their design journey to be influenced by experimentation. This module will introduce you to existing designers whose work has transformed thinking around what constitutes effective graphic design.

Begin your own design journey, researching and exploring unconventional approaches and engaging in your own experimental approach. You’ll critically analyse the results of initial experimentation and make judgements about the most effective processes and techniques and apply these to a self-directed project. You’ll plan strategically and systematically, organising work so it can be understood easily by others.

Design Techniques and Technology 2 (40 Credit Points)

The world of 3D and interactivity has transformed the potential that Graphics and Digital Design has in conveying visual information to a variety of global audiences. In this module you’ll explore the use of 3D and interactive design, including installation and educational platforms as well as interactive advertising.

You’ll produce a series of experiments using a variety of technology and processes, focusing on 3D and interactive design. You’ll explore problem solving issues, produce a basic concept in response to a brief, and experiment with visual outcomes before finally producing professional interactive design work that has social and cultural relevance.

Theory and Context 2 (20 Credit Points)

From politics to public policy to culture wars, design has been front and centre in the fight to sway public opinion. This module will explore the social and political impact that graphic design has had, and continues to have.

You’ll research design in a cultural, economic and political context, exploring its wider impact and interplay between design and audience/client/market. You’ll produce a body of work that allows for rich idea development, exploration of wider themes and problem solving.

Industry Practice (20 Credit Points)

During this module you will undertake appropriate self-directed projects, working collaboratively on creative work, allowing you to directly apply the knowledge and skills learnt throughout the programme in the context of the workplace. This module aims to develop your overall professionalism and provide you with the knowledge and resources to begin a career in the creative industries.

The nature of creative industries is increasingly defined by freelance and self-employed models of work. Consequently, individuals seeking work in industry need to appreciate the pressures of working on multiple projects to strict deadlines and the subsequent demands this place on time and resources. Similarly, an understanding of professional practice and the legal and economic imperatives in industry is important, as is effective communication, self-efficacy and autonomy. This module aims to develop these skills and knowledge by challenging you to develop a range of self-directed projects.

Do It For Real

Industry Week

Studying at Confetti you’ll take part in Industry Week where you’ll be able to meet a range of professionals within your field of interest as well as other areas of the creative industries. 

Past guests include Cyriak, Aardman Animation and Kev Foakes.

Student work

Our Talent Development team works closely with course leaders to link students with opportunities across the industry. Graphic Design students have previously worked with and visited leading companies, such as:

  • STENCIL – Nottingham premier award winning editorial and branding studio based in Antenna’s working space
  • Ignite! – Creating illustrative based design work during the festival of science and curiosity

You’ll also have the chance to go on trips to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, London’s Design Museum, V&A Museum, as well as trips to one of the UK’s top branding studios to get insight into the daily workings and projects that are shaping the design industry at the moment.

Over the two years that you are with us you will use cutting edge, industry standard software. This includes the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects etc) with additional, high powered, software for more specific design requirements – Cinema 4D, Figma etc.

You will work on all dual monitored PCs with large screen Wacom drawing tablets at your disposal. We also have an art-print quality grade A3 scanner and ecotank printer to print your professional portfolio.

Courses

After finishing your foundation degree, you may decide to go straight into industry or top-up to a full honours degree.

If you achieve a Commendation or higher grade, you’ll be able to progress onto the Level 6 (Final Year) of the popular BA (Hons) Graphic Design at NTU course.

For those completing their foundation degree with a Pass, you’ll have the opportunity to progress onto Level 5 (Year Two) of the course.

If you choose to progress onto the full honours degree at NTU, you’ll be invited to a transition tutorial with the Graphic Design course team at NTU. The aim of the tutorial is for you to meet the course team; present your work; and for the team to ensure any appropriate support (if necessary) is made available to you before you progress.

Career options

What roles do our graduates go on to?

  • Studio based, freelance and in-house Graphic Designers
  • Illustrators
  • Motion Graphic Designer
  • Junior Artworker
  • Fashion Designer
  • Album Cover Designer

NTU Employability support

Our support doesn’t end when you graduate. As a Confetti and NTU student you will be entitled to dedicated graduate employability support for up to three years after you complete your studies. You’ll have access to exclusive events, initiatives and work experience opportunities to support you in the early stages of your graduate career.

NTU Employability Support

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