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This course is designed to give you the skills you need to either work in the design industry or progress to further study at MA level. You need to complete this course after the Creative Arts (Graphic Media Communication) Foundation Degree or a similar level 5 programme to top-up to a full Honours degree.
This one-year top-up course based at our Dean Clough Studio is for people who are passionate about Graphic Design, Media and Communication and looking to pursue a career in the creative industries. Successful students will develop a practical understanding of contemporary and emerging practice in graphic communication through storytelling, interaction, engagement and experience design.
You can choose to develop your skills and creativity in any area of design through your final major project. The year is designed to help you showcase the skills and abilities you have developed at level 4 and 5. You will have opportunities to network and engage in freelance projects and exhibit your degree work in the prestigious Crossley Gallery in your end of year show.
During this course you will become well equipped in all aspects of:
Important Links:
Start Date
September 2025
Mix of face-to-face and online delivery.
Delivery organisation: University Centre Calderdale College (at Dean Clough Studio).
Entry Requirements & Interview Process
Applicants are expected to have achieved a minimum of Pass in the Foundation Degree Creative Arts, or an equivalent level 5 award (comprising 240 credits of which 120 must be at level 5), such as a foundation degree or Higher National Diploma in a closely related subject area.
All applicants must complete a satisfactory interview as part of the admissions process. A good level of English and Maths is expected, however passes in Level 2 or GCSE qualifications are not absolute requirements.
Applications for RPL (RPEL or RPCL) will be considered where relevant experience or learning can be demonstrated, and the University Centre process has been satisfactorily completed.
All applicants will be interviewed with a portfolio of visual work and will be expected to demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to the subject.
Progression
Post Graduate Diploma or MA in a related discipline.
Career Opportunities
UX/UI Designer, Experience Designer, Graphic Artist, Illustrator, Interaction Designer, Academic Researcher
Employer Partners
Arts Creative Dean Clough (AC/DC), The Creative Core, Culturedale, Calderdale Council.
Assessment Methods
You will be assessed throughout the course by completing projects, presentations, written reviews and evaluations and reflective self-evaluations.
Your assessed work will go through a process of internal moderation and then will be checked by an externally appointed person called an external examiner. At each stage this means that marking and grading is checked and may be adjusted.
Course Fees
£7950 per year
All higher education students must apply to Student Finance England for assistance towards fees. For help or advice with this please contact our Guidance Team on 01422 399367.
The University Centre has a HE Hardship Fund which students may access if they are facing financial difficulties.
Awarding Body
This award is validated by The Open University.
Calderdale College has a set of standard entry requirements. Apply for the course you want to study and we will help you get there.
There are a lot of courses available – work focused, practical and academic so it is important to think about the future and whether you want to proceed to university, move onto another course or get a job. We offer BTECs, Apprenticeships, T Levels, NVQs, VRQs, Degree Level Courses and more.
If you’re still not sure, don’t worry, just speak to a member of our advice and guidance team who will advise you.
Term Dates
Spring Term
6th Jan 2025 – 14th Feb 2025
24th Feb 2025 – 4th Apr 2025
Summer Term
22nd Apr 2025 – 23rd May 2025
2nd June 2025 – 27th June 2025
Calderdale College
Francis Street
Halifax
West Yorkshire
HX1 3UZ
United Kingdom
