Graphics & Digital Design FT

This foundation degree in Graphics and Digital Design is geared towards creating ambitious graduates for the graphic design industry. Studying in a creative technologies institute, you'll gain valuable skills and experience that reflect current and future industry practice, building a professional portfolio tailored to your aspirations. After successful completion, you'll have the option to go straight into a career or top-up to a full honours degree.

Our aim is to develop and create ambitious graduates for the graphic design industry.

Working on a modern campus in our multi-million pound digital media hub, you’ll have the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills in industry-standard design software packages including Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects and InDesign, accessing s range of modern studio spaces.

Through live project briefs, we’ll push you to develop your research, critical discussion and presentation skills in seeking to solve a challenging design problem, whilst you’ll get an insight into how work is commissioned with the graphic design industry. We’ll develop your project management skills through collaborative projects, and you’ll be encouraged to take an experimental and creative approach to your work.

By the end of the two-year Foundation Degree, successful graduates will leave with a wide range of valuable skills, experience and knowledge, alongside a professional portfolio tailored to their career aspirations.

Key features

Gain hands-on industry experience while you study, with industry opportunities built into the course to ensure you graduate with the practical skills needed to make it in the industry.
Use industry-standard equipment: Learn how to use specialist tech and equipment including Cinema 4D and Wacom drawing tablets.
Work on live briefs: set by industry giants to boost your CV and industry connections. Previous students have worked on briefs from big names including John Lewis and The National Trust.
Study in the heart of Nottingham: One of Europe’s top 25 student cities, and home to over 75,000 learners.

Employability

After completing your foundation degree, you’ll have the chance to top up to BA (Hons) Graphic Design or go straight into industry.

Employability is a key focus of this course, with modules including initiatives such as live projects and the opportunity to exhibit your work, to help enhance your future career.

This course will prepare you to work in creative industries in specialist technical roles, in areas such as feature films, television, and advertising.

You can also move straight into your career, in areas which might include:


• Graphic designer



• Animator



• Illustrator



• Website designer



• Artworker.



Facilities

On this course you’ll study across various facilities located on our City Campus.

You’ll have access to:


• Industry Spec Workstation PCs



• Bookable Green Screen studio space



• Motion capture studio



• Adobe Creative Cloud



• Autodesk suite.

Every course includes at least eight weeks of professional experience, supported by strong employer links, placement opportunities, and long-term career support. NTU offers Gold-rated teaching (TEF 2023) and is an award-winning university recognised for its high-quality teaching, excellent learning resources and strong support.

Students benefit from world-class facilities, innovative learning spaces, and a vibrant community across five campuses in Nottingham and London. Whether you decide to live away from home or commute, NTU’s campuses are uniquely developed and easily accessible to meet the needs of students. Since 2020, the university has invested more than £200 million across its campuses, creating specialist facilities and industry-standard environments that enhance teaching, learning, and research. Nottingham is ranked among the UK's top student cities and is within one of the most affordable regions in England.

It has held Purple Flag accreditation for more than 16 years, recognising the quality, diversity, and safety of its evening and nighttime economy. With more than 15,000 student rooms within walking distance of NTU you’ll find accommodation to suit every budget. The university guarantees first-year accommodation for all students studying in Nottingham (T&Cs apply). Join NTU this September and experience academic excellence, career-focused learning, personalised support, and a vibrant student community.