Program Overview

Got a passion for creative design? Not quite ready to undertake a full honours degree? Solent University’s Design Foundation Programme is perfectly suited to students who may not be from an art or design-related background or whose qualifications do not meet the admissions requirements for BA (Hons) Graphic Design.

The course begins with a five-week group project. This enables students to mix with like-minded peers and helps them to settle in quickly. This project also helps students to decide which area they might like to follow at a later stage.

Graphic design at Solent University encourages you to explore a range of professional techniques and develop your own unique visual style. Throughout the course you will create visual products for a range of printed and digital mediums, and explore academic theories and visual culture in the context of contemporary graphic design.

Your professional development is supported by a wide range of high-end printing and design facilities. These include two Vandercook letterpresses, three screen print beds and three Intaglio/etching presses for calligraphy and etching work. Students also have access to photographic studios and darkrooms; a fully equipped workshop for metal and wood-working, and Apple Macs with the latest Adobe Creative Suite software.

The course’s teaching team come from a wide variety of professional backgrounds, and many are still active in the industry. The team’s close links with practising professionals have enabled past students to take part in a variety of work-based opportunities, live briefs and placements.

Graphic design students are also encouraged to submit their best work to design competitions, securing valuable exposure. Past students have found success at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA) Student Design Awards, the Design and Art Direction (D&AD) Awards, and the Young Creative Network (YCN) Awards.