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Graphic Design and Illustration

Foundation Degree

Apply now for 2025

Study Graphic Design and Illustration at University Centre Leeds

Transform your creative ideas into digital designs and illustrations with Graphic Design and Illustration Foundation Degree. You will harness your creative talent while sharpening your entrepreneurial skills and taking advantage of networking opportunities to develop your vision into a professional business.

  • Starts:
  • Duration: 2 years
  • Venue: Quarry Hill and Mabgate campuses
  • Fee: £8,745 full-time (per academic year for UK students)
     
    International Fee: £14,000 full-time (per academic year) £3,000 Scholarship available
  • UCAS Course Code(s): 8N65
  • UCAS Institution Code: L21
  • Study Mode: Full Time
  • Validated By: Luminate Education Group

Entry Requirements: 48 UCAS Tariff Points

TYPICAL OFFER

UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)

A Levels: 2xD grades 

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

Interviews / Audition: A successful interview and portfolio will be required.

student sat at a table painting

Graphic Design and Illustration

About the course

Our foundation degree broadens your knowledge of graphic design and illustration and teaches you the techniques and skills needed to forge a creative career. This programme will focus on a range of graphic techniques such as illustration and typography. You will also learn how to communicate visually with an audience.

Our handpicked modules develop your employability skills as well as providing you with plenty of opportunities to captivate a crowd. You’ll work with design studios, companies, independents and freelancers to showcase your work, promote yourself and develop media campaigns, in a programme designed to meet the demands of the creative industry.

While studying with us, you’ll leverage our excellent industry links to develop your work, enter competitions and work on client projects. You’ll also produce a sustained body of graphic design or illustration work which will be displayed as part of an industry event.

Upon completion of this Foundation Degree, you can progress to study for a third year and gain a full BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration Top-up Degree

 

This course is validated by Luminate Education Group

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BLANK_ working Art Gallery

Set in the HE Creative Arts block at Quarry Hill Campus, is a working Art Gallery. BLANK_ is a project space with an accompanying publication that showcases new contemporary creative practice in Leeds. There are plenty of opportunities for students to be involved, including assisting artists and technicians with installation, open events and invigilation. 

Find out more about BLANK_ here https://www.blank.org.uk/

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We are proud to work in partnership with

first fridaysleft bank leeds164curator spacethe gallery at one six fourfilm buddyscreen yorkshire

We are part of Screen Yorkshire’s Connected Campus initiative which works to forge closer links between TV and Film professionals, production companies, broadcasters and students. Through this initiative you will have access to a range of boot camps, masterclasses and special events, including visits to live sets and studios, industry workshops, visiting speakers and the opportunity to gain feedback on your work from industry professionals. The scheme is encouraged and supported by the broadcasters based in the region, including Channel 4, the BBC and ITV.

We are also members of Film Buddy UK who offer bespoke employability services to encourage, inspire and assist students directly into work experience placements and employment within the Film, Television & Creative Media Industries. UCL Creative Arts students have free registration with the company throughout their studies and have access to live Q and As with some of the world's leading specialists, mentoring support, access to work experience opportunities and FB-1, an online catalogue of interviews and podcasts with specialists from the screen industries.

How to Apply

If you would like to apply for to study full time, please do so via UCAS.

The institution code for University Centre Leeds is L21.

The application fee for applying through UCAS is £28.50, unless you are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM).

Apply via UCAS

How to Apply:

  1. Register for an Account: Click the link below and use the "Create a New User" facility to register for an application account. An email will be sent to the address you provide, with a verification link.
  2. Verify Your Email: Click the verification link in the email to confirm your account.
  3. Complete Your Application: Once your account is created, you can start your application. You can save your progress and return to it later if needed. Your username will be the email address you used to register.

To access your account again and complete your application, use the second link provided in your verification email.

Apply Now: Direct Application Form

Need Help? For further information, please email admissions@ucleeds.ac.uk 

Please note, if you apply directly, we are required to submit a Record of Prior Acceptance (RPA) application to UCAS on your behalf if your application is successful and you enrol.

Course Information

Modules may include:

Year 1 (Level 4)

  • Typography (20 credits)
  • Image Making (20 credits)
  • The Creative Professional (20 credits)
  • Commercial Practice (20 credits)
  • Visual Communication (20 credits)
  • Graphic Design & Illustration in Context (20 credits)             

Year 2 (Level 5)

  • Live Brief (40 credits)
  • Collaboration (20 credits)
  • Contemporary Issues in Graphic Design & Illustration (20 credits)
  • Personal Project (20 credits)
  • Industry Event (20 credits)

  • Creating practical work
  • Developing your creative practice
  • Design and Illustration skills development
  • Entrepreneurial skills.
  • Developing a professional network and industry links.
  • Marketing and promotion.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Creative and technical skills appropriate to your practice.
  • Mentoring by industry professionals.
  • The opportunity to work collaboratively on ideas and creative projects.
  • To gain experience working on live work-based projects.
  • Understanding the mechanics of the creative industry

At level 4 and 5 assessment is through a variety of forms linked to industry standards and professional practice which can include the production of a portfolio of practical work, diarised logs, pitches, presentations, delivery of workshops and written essays.

TYPICAL OFFER

UCAS Tariff Points: 48 UCAS tariff points from two A-levels (or equivalent qualifications)

A Levels: 2xD grades 

BTEC Level 3 Diploma or Extended Diploma: MP, MPP grade.

IELTS: IELTS 6.0 with no less than 5.5 in any component.

International qualifications: International qualifications will be assessed against these criteria.

Mature applicants: University Centre Leeds welcomes applications from mature* applicants who may not have met the academic criteria, but who can demonstrate a wealth of experience in their chosen field. Candidates in this category and otherwise are likely to be interviewed to assess their suitability for the course and may be asked to provide a portfolio of evidence to support their application.

*21 years and over at the start of the course

RPL claims: The course structure actively supports claims for Recognition of Prior Certified Learning (RPCL) or Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL)

Interviews / Audition: A successful interview and portfolio will be required.

Upon completion of this Foundation Degree, you can progress to study for a third year and gain a full BA (Hons) Graphic Design & Illustration Top-up Degree

 

  • Creative director
  • Advertising art director
  • Layout designer
  • Animator
  • Printmaker
  • Freelance designer

For the latest version of the programme specifications for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the course handbook for this course please click here.

For the latest version of the Leeds City College regulations please click here.

There are additional costs associated with the practical elements of this programme, which may include:

  • Art materials
  • Printing
  • Framing and display of work
  • Optional trips and visits

These costs will be led by the nature of the work that you produce, however you will be expected to meet the costs of production of your projects.


Information for International Students

Applications are open for 2025 entry.

To apply directly to study at University Centre Leeds as an international applicant, please see the direct apply link further up this page or visit our 'How to apply' page and complete the steps.

You can also apply through UCAS.

For more information please visit our 'How to apply' page.

Course fees for Undergraduates are £14,000 (GBP)

Scholarship available £3,000 (GBP) all courses.

For more information about fees and scholarships, please click here.

Please see our entry requirements page for additional requirements as an international student

International students will study 5 additional hours on top of the regular timetable.

  • 1 hour cultural studies
  • 2 hours academic study skills
  • 2 hours English studies

For more information about visa and immigration, please click here.

Unistats

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