Foundation Degree in Graphic Communication

L5 Level 5
Full Time
16 September 2025 — 17 May 2027
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

About this course

This Graphic Communication Foundation Degree is a recognised qualification accredited by Cardiff Metropolitan University that will give you the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the graphic arts.  Upon completion of the second year, you may choose to 'top-up' your qualification to gain a BA degree by studying for a final year at Cardiff Met.

This course is delivered at Cardiff Arts Academy which is situated a short walk from City Centre campus.

What you will study

This course encourages students to study the full range of Graphic Design disciplines, incorporating traditional and newly-emerging forms of communication.  It is centered on creativity and covers a wide range of problem-solving skills that are applicable to a field that encompasses: print (digital and traditional), photography, information, editorial and publicity design, illustration and interactive web design.  The course also has a strong industry focus with links to local design companies.  The curriculum includes a diverse variety of experimental and commercial briefs.

Graphic Communication is an exciting discipline that brings together creative thinking skills with a very broad range of practical media, from mark-making with pencil and paper, to utilising current software applications.  You will study a broad range of creative media techniques including narrative image making, layout design, and moving image.

What is a Foundation Degree? 

Foundation Degrees integrate academic and work-based learning through collaboration between employers and programme providers. They are intended to equip learners with skills and knowledge relevant to industry and to encourage participation by learners who may not previously have considered studying for a higher level qualification. Foundation Degrees provide a self-standing qualification but also offer progression opportunities for further study. For more information regarding the defining characteristics of Foundation Degrees you may refer to the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) Foundation Degrees Benchmark Statement.

Course fee per year

Tuition Fees: £7,500.00

Entry requirements

Applications to the course will be considered on an individual basis. Typical entry requirements are detailed below but if you don’t meet these criteria, then your portfolio of appropriate work and experience will be taken into consideration at interview. Combinations of the qualifications below are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be acceptable. Applicants must be 18 or over and for standard entry a minimum of 48 UCAS tariff points is required, which is reflected in the offers below: Typical A-Level Offer - DD Typical BTEC Offer - relevant BTEC level 3 profile of Pass/Pass/Pass The Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in place of one A-level at the grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements Typical Access to HE Offer - Pass Diploma with 45 credits at level 3 in a related subject Additionally, GCSE passes in three subjects at grade C or above to include Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent). A successful interview with the Course Leader or another member of the team may also be a requirement for entry onto the course.

Important points

  • The College welcomes contact with parents/guardians of students who are under 18
  • Additional support is available for students with learning difficulties and disabilities
  • Cardiff and Vale College is committed to inclusion and values diversity. We are determined to promote equality of opportunity and to treat everyone fairly and with respect
  • Cardiff and Vale College reserves the right to make changes to this course without prior notice
  • All courses are accurate at the time of upload or print
  • Courses can only run if there are sufficient numbers
  • Please note, if you choose three or more course choices, then you may be referred for a careers appointment first. This does not apply to A Level or GCSE choices.
Key information

Start date

16 September 2025

End date

17 May 2027

Time of day

Day Time

Full Time

15 hours per week

Location

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
Maps & directions

Course code

CDCC5F05
L5

Qualification

Foundation Degree in Graphic Communication
met

Career prospects & further study

56,000

The Creative industries is one of the fastest growing sectors with 56,000 people employed in Wales.

Successful candidates have the opportunity to progress onto the third year of the BA (Hons) Graphic Communication within the School of Art and Design at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

Locations

City Centre Campus, Cardiff
City Centre Campus, Cardiff

45a Trade Street, 
Cardiff 
CF10 5DT