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Full Time
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Two Years
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Boston
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September 2025
Looking to start this year? Contact our Careers Team on 📞 01205 365701 to check availability!
Full Time
Two Years
Boston
September 2025
The Foundation Degree (FdA) in Creative Arts (Graphic and Digital Design) is a University of Derby validated course, which will help develop your subject knowledge, personal and professional development which will help to prepare students taking their first steps into self-employment and employment, or for those already in employment and seeking career development opportunities.
The purpose of the FdA in Creative Arts (Graphic and Digital Design) is to develop students as professional, self-reflecting individuals able to meet the demands of employers and clients in the creative industries sector and adapt to a constantly changing world. This qualification has been designed to meet the needs of the contemporary creative industries. This dynamic and rapidly changing sector of the global economy covers a wide range of subjects, including those of Art and Design. The pathways of this qualification are intended to provide students with opportunities to explore the creative industries through a focused curriculum that prepares them for further degree-level studies or working in the industry.
The FdA in Creative Arts (Graphic and Digital Design) is a two-year course. During your first year, you will study at level 4. Upon successful completion of the first year, you will then progress on to the second year to study remainder of the FdA.
The FdA in Creative Arts (Graphic and Digital Design) is made up of core modules, in the second year you will study core modules as well as two from your 'specialist pathway'. The curriculum is designed to holistically develop your creative, technical and entrepreneurial skills and knowledge to prepare you for the future of the creative industries, giving you the opportunity to work on live projects to build your own clientele and professional network.
Standard core modules for Level 4 include:
Academic and Research Skills – 20 credits.
Principals of the Creative Industry – 20 credits.
Principals of Product Development – 20 credits.
Principals of Promotion – 20 credits.
Principals of Product Creation – 20 credits.
Principals of Showcase – 20 credits.
During your second year, the core modules you will study are:
Research Studies – 20 credits.
Entrepreneurialism in the Creative Industry – 20 credits.
Professional Development – 20 credits.
Exhibition – 20 credits.
You will also study the following specialist pathway modules:
Application of Specialist Product Development (Graphic and Digital Design) – 20 credits.You will have access to Boston College’s Graphic Design facilities, which include, graphic suites with Apple Mac computers and industry standard software and a photographic studio.
An MMP at Level 3 in a related subject, or Access to Higher Education qualification, or an A Level equivalent (minimum 80 new UCAS points) in related subjects.
You will also need to have GCSEs in English and Maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or Functional Skills Level 2 and/or minimum IELTS score of 6.
Individual cases will be considered, as well as relevant work experience will also be taken into consideration if you fall outside of any of the above entry qualifications. If you are concerned about the above entry requirements an alternative course available is the Level 3 Diploma in Graphic Design.
You can also be considered to study the Level 5 FdA as a one-year top-up if you already hold a relevant Level 4 qualification.
All applications are subject to approval by the University of Derby (UoD). In order for the University to approve your application we are required to share your personal information. This includes sharing the application form that you have completed to study this course, and in some instances, copies of your maths, English and highest-level qualification certificate.
The FdA in Creative Arts (Graphic and Digital Design) will take you two years to complete. You will attend College for two days a week.
You will also need to undertake around 60 independent study hours per unit within the FdA. This will include reading and completing the assessment tasks.
The FdA in Creative Arts (Graphic and Digital Design) course fees will be:
Level 4 FdA, Year 1 (2023) - £7600.
Level 5 FdA, Year 2 (2024) - £7600.
Fees may vary depending on personal circumstances, please enquire for further information.
You can apply for a student loan to cover the costs of course fees. You may also be able to apply for various grants and loans to support your learning. Specific advice regarding student loans and other benefits can be obtained from www.gov.uk/student-finance.
The careers team based in College can also assist your application. Please contact them via the Information Line on 01205 313218.
Please note that all fees are subject to change. Please note that all fees are subject to change.
There will be a mix of Practical and Theory based assessment. You will be assessed through group work, course work, presentations and work-based evidence.
The assessment of Foundation Degree qualifications are criterion-referenced and you will provide evidence in the form of assignments which are assessed against the module learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Additional costs may include:
Books - £100 approx.
Trips - £400 approx.
Equipment - £200 approx.
Kit - £50 approx.
You may need to buy a start kit of basic art materials. Most equipment will be supplied by Boston College, but some materials may need to be purchased. This will depend on your chosen specialist pathway.
Appropriate trips will be organised, there may be some funding available but this is still to be confirmed.
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