Graphic Design and Illustration | P01426-AA | Course

Entry Year

07/09/2026

Location

Duration

Full-Time

Course Code

P01426-AA

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Overview

Foundation DegreeGraphic Design and IllustrationValidated by The Open University

Full-Time

Higher Education

Start Date: 07/09/2026

End Date: 12/06/2028

Qualifications

FOUNDATION DEGREE IN GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION

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.

Ready to embark on an exciting journey towards a career in Graphic Design and Illustration?

Explore the links below to learn more about our validated awards and regulations:

OU Handbooks and Regulations can be found under the Higher Education section of our public documents.

Regulations for validated awards of The Open University

Programme Specification

Student's guide to studying on a programme validated by The Open University

Applications to this course can be made through UCAS using code U426. If you haven’t started a UCAS application yet, and only want to apply to Belfast Met, you can apply directly to us using Apply Now option and we will process a UCAS application on your behalf. IMPORTANT: Applicants must only choose one method of application.

Advice

Pre-Entry Advice

Requirements

Minimum entry requirements are pre-defined by the College’s admissions criteria, which can be found by visiting our entry criteria page on this link

Enhanced entry criteria for this course is:

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.

Entry requirements can change and be discussed on an individual basis if necessary.

Proof of qualifications MUST be provided when you enrol e.g. exam certificates.

Achieved and pending qualifications can be recorded on your online application account.

All courses within Belfast Met are delivered and assessed in English, with the exception of language specific courses. Your competence in English must be verified prior to enrolling on your chosen course.

Fees

Fees:
Academic period 2026*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00

Academic period 2027*:
Tuition Fee = £3235.00

Fees are payable annually.
*The fees have not been finalised and may be subject to change.

Visit our Student Funding page here to find out how to fund your studies

All fees are set in accordance with DfE regulations.

Please contact the student loan company if you require a loan or our Funding Team by emailing studentfunding@belfastmet.ac.uk for other options.

Assessment

Students are assessed using a range of different methods.

Whenever possible, we make our assessment methods as practical, with written components primarily being used to reinforce technical understanding and personally reflect on own performance. However, research is a core component to the development of any skillset, and so will be tested through written assessment alongside academic writing skills appropriate to the foundation degree level.

Made for More

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

Create visual concepts, by hand or using computer software, to communicate ideas that inspire, inform, or captivate consumers. They develop the overall layout and production design for advertisements, brochures, magazines, and corporate reports.

Illustrator

Illustrators are commissioned to produce still drawings for use in advertisements, books, magazines, packaging, greetings cards and newspapers. It is essential to prepare a sound portfolio of work that can be used to demonstrate abilities.

Web Designer/Developer

Design and create the visual elements of websites, including layout, graphics, and navigation. Web designers also work on user experience (UX) to ensure websites are visually appealing and user-friendly.

User Interface (UI) and User Experience (UX) Designer:

Focus on enhancing the overall experience users have with a product or service. UI designers work on the visual aspects, while UX designers ensure the functionality and usability of the product.

Art Director

Responsible for the overall visual style and imagery in print, film, or digital media. Art directors collaborate with creative teams to ensure that the visual elements align with the project's goals and message.

Brand Identity Designer

Specialize in creating and maintaining a consistent visual identity for a brand. This includes designing logos, selecting colour schemes, and creating visual elements that represent the brand across various platforms.

Motion Graphics Designer

Combine graphic design with animation to create engaging visual content for television, film, websites, and other multimedia platforms. They often work with software to bring static designs to life.

Packaging Designer

Design packaging for products, considering both aesthetic appeal and functional aspects. Packaging designers need to create designs that attract consumers while also ensuring the practicality of the packaging.