Program Overview

University Foundation in Art and Design Stage1 at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is designed to prepare you for entry to university-level program. During Stage 1 you will complete a range of modules relevant to your chosen degree, as well as modules concentrating on the skills that are vital for University level education such as Critical Thinking.

A Foundation pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold GCSE level qualifications)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK
• Require additional English language training

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at Hertfordshire International College (HIC) is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

Progressing from Foundation

Stage 1 will be the first stage in the 4 stage process. Meaning that on successful completion of stage 1 you will seamlessly progress to stage 2, which is the first year of a bachelor’s degree. There is no need to reapply, you will simply just progress between each stage until you reach the final stage and graduate with a degree from Hertfordshire International College (HIC).

BA (Hons) Graphic Design

• Creativity, craft and community. If you’re looking for a career where you’ll never stop exploring, experimenting and creating a positive impact on the world around you, graphic design could be the one for you. It’s the (not-so) secret weapon behind every brilliant brand, beautiful magazine, eye-popping piece of print and jaw-dropping digital interface. Learn its secrets and carve out an influential career that’s different every day.
• Our course is your chance to dive into a world of design, try incredible techniques and make lifelong friendships with like-minded creatives. It’s a career launchpad like no other – and it’s taken our graduates to some pretty impressive places.

What's the course about?

• You’ll spend your first year immersed in our studio, getting a solid grounding in print and digital projects, working alongside our Illustration students. You’ll be constantly challenged, supported and encouraged as you learn technical skills, experiment, take risks and push new boundaries.
• You’ll begin by learning the understated power of typography, logo design, brand identity and layout – fundamentals that will underpin your craft, whatever direction you take. With them under your belt, at the end of the year you’ll have the option of continuing on a pure Graphic Design pathway or switching to our Graphic Design and Advertising degree.
• In your second year, you’ll take more of a professional focus, working on live briefs, developing your portfolio and building a CV. Fancy exploring motion graphics? Want to build your online presence? We’ve got you. There’s the chance to explore everything today’s tech has to offer, crafting your website, building your social media profile and creating a unique narrative that shows top design employers what an amazing designer you are. Throughout the course we’ll help you to investigate, understand and critique the history of the subject, the theories behind what’s happening in contemporary design as well as looking into future trends.
• Work placement/study abroad option: Between your second and final year, you’ll have the option to study abroad or do a work placement for up to a year. Not only will this give you an amazing experience to talk about but will also give your CV a boost. If you’d rather go straight to your final year, that’s absolutely fine too.
• By the time you start your final year, you’ll have a solid understanding of design and the specialisms that fire your imagination. You’ll pick from a huge range of creative briefs, live jobs and competition pieces, building a completely personal, standout portfolio. We’ll encourage original thinking, but we’ll also give you tons of support, inspiration and encouragement.
• And we won’t be the only ones. Throughout your course, we’ll invite amazing designers to lead workshops, set projects and become your mentors. Among others, New York / London agency Droga5 has been setting briefs for us for three years, Jessica Helfand has joined us as a visiting professor. Our proximity to London means it’s easy for us to invite people doing the most innovative and exciting work with us.
• It’s a powerful mix of freedom, inspiration and support that prepares you for an incredible career. In fact, it’s earned our students over 100 awards in the last 10 years, including at least one D&AD pencil every year since 2011. So, join our community and turn your creativity into a career you love. Who knows? Maybe you’ll be next.