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FdA Graphic Communication

Start Date: 7th September 2026

Length 2 years
Study Full-Time
Location Rye Hill Campus

Qualification Gained

FdA Graphic Communication (awarded by NCG)

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More about the course

Explore emerging trends and technologies on this Graphic Communication degree. The two years of study will give you the skills to build a solid foundation in graphic design, advertising and interactive design (web design, app design and related digital design).

Learn traditional design principles and values, specialist technical skills and develop your creative excellence by responding to real client briefs with imaginative solutions. In your second year, you will have the opportunity to focus more on where your passions lie and develop your personal style while creating a specialist portfolio of work. If you are innovative problem solver, love to take creative risks and throw yourself into every aspect of design, this is the degree for you.

Entry requirements

64 UCAS points (related to Art and Design or Digital Arts subjects).

Once your application has been reviewed, you will be asked to submit a digital portfolio (details will follow through email from our Admissions Team) or invited to Newcastle College University Centre to discuss your portfolio in-person.

If you are a current Newcastle College student and successfully meet the published Level 3 entry criteria in an appropriate subject[s], you will be guaranteed a place on this course.

Applicants are normally expected to have achieved grade 4 or higher in GCSE Maths and English Language or the Level 2 equivalence (i.e. Functional Skills or Adult Literacy/Numeracy).

At Newcastle College University Centre we welcome applications from students studying new T-Level qualifications.

Further details on our entry requirements can be found here.

What will I learn?

Year One

Language of Design
User Experience and Interface Design
Design Communication Processes
Contextual Studies 1
Personal Development
Academic Study Skills
Work Related Learning.

Optional Modules

Responsive 1
Typographic and Editorial Design for Print and Digital
Practice Enrichment.

Year Two

Digital Skills Application
Digital Production Techniques
Contextual Studies 2
Professional Development
Work-Based Learning.

How is the course taught?

Independent study
Group work
Lectures
Seminars
Practical activities.

How am I assessed?

Development Sketchbooks
Progress files
Portfolio of work
Final show exhibited to industry.

Work experience

Similar to a design agency, you will respond to industry-linked projects and live briefs to gain valuable experience of working in the graphic communication industry. You will visit agencies to experience day briefs, take part in portfolio surgeries and attend guest lectures.

Where can I progress?

On successful completion of this course you can progress onto our one-year BA (Hons) Graphic Communications (Top-Up) degree to take your Foundation Degree to a full BA qualification. Alternatively, you could start working in the creative design and communications industry as a graphic designer, advertising creative, web or app designer, front end developer, motions graphics practitioner as well as many other design related roles within industry.

Course costs and information

Tuition fees vary depending on the course and mode of study. Read more about tuition fees and financial support.

Fees for international students vary depending on the course. Find out more about international fees and payments.

It's important that you know what your tuition fee includes and what other costs you'll need to plan for. Read what your fee includes here.

Alfie Flounders

Level 6 Photography

"I love the independence of the course and being able to reflect back on the development of my skills since I started here."

Paul Smyth

Lecturer | Digital Arts

"I run my own 3D animation company and I'm one of the lecturers on the BA (Hons) Animation course. I try to not only bring in industry skills, but also push experimentation with new technologies to further our students' skills."

Alessio Pesci

Level 6 Creative Digital Design Professional Degree Apprentice

"The tutors were really supportive and I think the whole class would agree with that. We felt really welcomed and really calm, and I feel that support was always there throughout. I’d 100% recommend an apprenticeship with Newcastle College University Centre."