Graphic Design and e-Media Foundation Degree (FdA)

About the course

The Graphic Design and e-Media Foundation Degree is designed to lead to successful careers in graphic design for print or e-media, and works in collaboration with leading professionals and companies in the creative industries.

• The course allows you to develop the necessary skills for multimedia formats including web and print, within traditional and e-media applications
• Collaboration with leading professionals and companies in the creative industries
• Focused on creativity and high levels of technical design skills
• Progression to Graphic Design BA (Hons)

The course is made up of common elements which combine studio practice, CAD and contextual studies, and subject specific pathways in graphic design for print or e-media design.

Professional practice is an important part of the second and third years with input from industry partners. You could 'top-up' to a Graphic Design BA (Hons) in a further year's full-time study at DMU.

Key facts

Duration: Three years part-time

Entry and admission criteria

A good portfolio and normally:

• Art and Design Foundation or
• 80 UCAS points, including one A Level in an art or design subject or
• National Diploma or Certificate in a relevant subject or
• International Baccalaureate: 24+ Points

Five GCSEs grades A*- C including English Language or Literature at grade C or above.

We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English at grade C or above.

Interview required: Yes, if UK based

International Students
If English is not your first language, we require an English language level of IELTS 6.0 or equivalent.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching takes place outside standard college teaching hours wherever possible, making this course ideal for those in full-time employment. The course has a firm basis in design history and skill application, with option pathways in graphics and e-media.

The first two years focus on the skills and knowledge required for a successful career in this dynamic sector. The third year will demand more independent academic skills and engagement in professional media practice. Teaching is through lectures, tutorials and studios, and you will typically have 15 timetabled taught hours and undertake 25 hours of independent study each week.

Course modules

First year

• Contemporary Graphic Design
• Creative Applications and Digital Imaging

Graphic Design Option Pathway:

• Visual Graphic Concepts Solutions and Design/Principles of Web Design
• Introduction to Digital and Traditional Printing Techniques.

e-Media Option Pathway:

• Introduction to Web Design
• Principles of Graphic Design/Introduction to Multimedia.

Second year

• Multimedia in the 21st Century

Graphic Design Option Pathway:

• Graphics in the Digital Environment and Creative Industries
• Advanced Website Design.

e-Media Option Pathway:

• Advanced Web and Multimedia Design
• Advanced Graphic Design.

Third year

• Professional and Creative Industries
• Cross Media and Cultural Communications

Work experience and placements

Students have the opportunity to undertake work experience and placements as well as working on live industry projects and going on regular visits and trips relevant to the creative industries.

Graduate careers

Graduates find careers as graphic designers and e-media designers in the regional creative industries and with national companies. The course is supported by a wide range of design companies in graphics and new media design. This course has been successful in finding many students jobs in new media sectors, including jobs at Creare, a web design and development company, and design studio, Dale Studios. Students have also gone on to set up their own businesses in web design.

Fees and funding

Please contact Leicester College for details.

Facilities

Excellent facilities for studio practice, computer software studies, practical workshops, lectures and seminars.