Free Graphic Design Foundation Degree in Durham

CostFREE
Duration2 years
DeliveryClassroom based
Start7 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime

About this course

Free Graphic Design Foundation Degree in Durham. Classes run at New College Durham, full-time over two years.

The course builds your creative skills from the ground up. You'll explore typography, branding, editorial design, photography, and packaging. You'll also develop a personal portfolio to take into the workplace. The curriculum is flexible, so you can direct your study toward the areas that interest you most.

You'll finish with a Foundation Degree in Graphic Design at Level 5.

Who this course is for

Course may be subject to change.

Our Foundation Degree in Graphic Design will nurture creativity and support concept development to a level where you can seek employment, engage in self-employment, or undertake further study.

The freedom of the flexible curriculum allows you to explore your creative potential and direct your study to achieve the skills of industry and create a unique personal portfolio to help you to enter the workplace.

Through ongoing professional development, the programme will build your confidence as you develop and evaluate an individual programme of study. You will learn to balance time and resources and identify opportunities which will be important skills for your chosen career.

Our graphic design team are professionals in typography, letterpress printing, editorial design, branding, package design, exhibition design, product design, photography, art direction, and interior design.

Entry requirements

Please refer to College website.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in typography and letterpress printing.
  • You'll explore branding and package design.
  • You'll work on editorial and exhibition design.
  • You'll practise photography and art direction.
  • You'll build a personal portfolio of creative work.
  • You'll learn to manage your time and resources effectively.
  • You'll evaluate and direct your own programme of study.

How you will learn

You'll learn through studio-based projects and ongoing professional development. The flexible curriculum lets you shape your study around your creative interests. You'll receive feedback as you build your portfolio. Assessment is based on the work you produce throughout the course. Check the New College Durham website for full details on how the course is assessed.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. New College Durham will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Graphic designer, creates visual content for brands and publications.
  • Branding designer, develops logos and brand identities for clients.
  • Editorial designer, lays out magazines, books, and digital content.
  • Packaging designer, designs product packaging for retail.
  • Art director, leads the visual style of campaigns or publications.
  • Photographer, shoots commercial or editorial images.
  • Exhibition designer, plans and creates display environments.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Graphic Design, a full honours degree for those wanting to specialise further.
  • BA (Hons) Illustration, a natural step if you want to focus on image-making.
  • MA Graphic Design, for those aiming for senior creative or academic roles.
  • Freelance or self-employment, using your portfolio to work independently.

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