Foundation in Graphic Design and Illustration - Level 6
- Location
- Cardonald Campus
- SCQF Level
- 6
- Start Date
- 25 Aug 2025
- Qualification Type
- NQ
- Course Type
- Full-Time
- Duration
- 1 Year (August to June)
Are you a visual person? Do you love design, drawing and coming up with ideas? This foundation course will give you a great introduction to the world of graphic design and illustration - and help you find out where your strengths lie. Creative ideas are at the heart of this course, and you’ll also learn lots of new skills and techniques, from sketchbook development and software skills to typography and animation, as you follow the design process on a variety of exciting briefs.
What will I learn?
During the graphic design and illustration foundation course, you'll cover units involving the study of typography, children’s book illustration, digital imaging, packaging, illustration, magazine design, photography and screen printing. This year-long course provides an ideal foundation for those who wish to progress to either HNC/D Graphic Design or HND Illustration. If you are interested in studying an art-based subject, our Foundation in Graphic Design and Illustration course could be the perfect choice.
Course content:
- Label and packaging design
- Sketchbook development
- Software skills
- Children’s book illustration
- Typography
- Illustration
- Magazine design
- Digital media
- Animation: First steps
- Photography: Digital imaging
- Corporate identity
- Design project.
Sketchbook development as a fundamental tool for creative thinking, which we consider essential for successful progression onto HND-level study. This course will give you the ability to visually articulate your designs and illustrations: this is the foundation of visual communication and progression to further study and career aspirations.
For examples of our student work, and our blog, visit:
Foundation in Graphic Design and Illustration Instagram
HND Illustration Instagram
Entry requirements (minimum)
Route One:
- Two National 5 qualifications, which must include English and Art/Graphic Communication; or
- Two Intermediate 2 or Credit Level Standard Grades, which must include English and Art/Graphic Communication
- A personal statement (on the application) is key to supporting a successful application.
Route Two:
Where there are no formal entry qualifications, you'll be required to present examples of your own creative work as part of the interview process.
A personal statement is mandatory to support a successful application/interview for route 2 applicants.
Entry requirement equivalency table
If you do not meet the entry criteria for your chosen course, you may be offered an alternative course in the same subject area.
Employer and industry links
You will become familiar with the basics of Graphic Design and Illustration and the application of appropriate software and terminology by the end of this course, essential skills for progression in industry.
Jobs and further study
Successful Foundation in Graphic Design and Illustration - Level 6 students can progress to:
Take a look at the course progression map for graphic design and illustration courses.
Making an application
For courses starting in August, you can make up to two applications.
Applications are made to a course and a first choice of campus. If the course is oversubscribed at your first choice you will be automatically considered for alternative sites and may be made an offer without a further application.
I've applied — what happens next?
You'll receive an automated email confirming that we have received your application (remember to check your SPAM folder).
Your application will be reviewed by the admissions team and you'll either be:
- Made a direct offer (unconditional or conditional)
- Invited to book an interview session
- Advised that your application is unsuccessful – you have not met the entry requirements for this course and are advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
- We aim not to reject an application and if you don’t meet the entry requirements you may be referred to a different course or level.
If you are invited to interview, you'll be informed of the outcome of your interview by email within 14 working days. The outcome will be one of the following:
- Unconditional offer of a place – you have met all the entry requirements and your place is guaranteed. You'll be required to accept this offer to secure your place.
- Conditional offer of a place – your place is secured pending you meeting the entry requirements. This may mean achieving school or college qualifications which you may not be able to provide to us yet. You'll be required to accept this offer to secure your conditional place. Once your conditions are met this will change to an unconditional offer of a place which you must accept before you can enrol on the course.
- Waiting list – you have met all entry requirements, and have been interviewed however, the course is now full so you have been placed on a waiting list. If any spaces become available you may be contacted, usually around the course start date. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Reserve list – following your interview, you have unfortunately not been successful in this round of recruitment. We have placed your name on a Reserve list and your application may be reconsidered at a later date. This could happen any time up to the start date of the course but it is very possible that you'll not be offered a place. We would advise that you also consider other application options.
- Unsuccessful – your interview has been unsuccessful. You may be offered a place on a course at a different level, or advised to contact the College Student Advice Centres to discuss alternative options which may be available to you.
Once an offer is received, you must reply within 14 working days or risk losing your place, as the system will automatically decline your offer after 14 days.
Once you have accepted your offer, you'll be sent out instructions about student funding, joining instructions and induction date.
