Design Forums - Graphic Design & Web Design Forums

Right, if you've never studied design you may have trouble getting a place at the more respected universities. I'm sure others will correct or disagree, but you may find you'll need to do a BTEC Foundation diploma or some kind of equivalent before you start a degree. For all I know you may have already done an equivalent abroad, so check the individual entrance requirements. If in doubt, phone up and ask.

LCC offer pathways of any given specialities in the first year. So I think you do a bit of everything in the first term, then you choose two preferred pathways for the following two terms, before deciding which you'd like to specialise in for your degree. The idea is that you try out some of the varying elements of graphic design before choosing which you want to study full-time (which is pretty much what a BTEC Foundation degree is, so I'm not sure why they do it).

I think their thinking is that they would rather teach you typography or information design, or whatever, properly instead of brushing over every aspect of graphic design on a non-stop-three-year-tour of such a rich and multi-faceted subject. Of course you're encouraged and expected to do personal studies into other disciplines — type, print-making, motion design etc. as any good student will. Some pathways offer more opportunities for multi-disciplinary work like their design for advertising pathway (the one I help out on); the core teaching is the concept and the distilling of message, but the output can vary from print to motion to web to audio, whatever.

As before though, check each course for their description and structure to find the best one for you. If you're unsure you should be able to phone or email to ask specific questions. And open days are for exactly that — turn up and ask any questions about the course, the teaching, the facilities, student life etc. etc. Remember, students mean business, they want you there so they should be very happy to answer any questions you have.

If this is the case and you don't have anything to get you onto the degree course, look into the Access courses available. I know TVU offer one (I'm on it now) but I think they're keeping that at the Reading campus when they split this September.

It's a really good course though - will help you get a feel and prepare for being on a graphics course, plus you'll have the portfolio work at the end of it plus your pass will get you into university.

I've applied to TVU and UAL (CSM), I was going to apply to London Met but was put off by the amount of redundancies of tutoring staff, so I just stuck with the two above.

I've also heard Bucks New University offer good design courses.

Basically, all I have is a High School Diploma- which is the equivalent to a GCSE(not quite sure though). I'm trying to figure out the difference between GCSE & GCE(if anyone can help).

Now, when I take a look at BTEC Foundation diploma, this pretty much looks to me like a "College" diploma here in Quebec. It does not exist in other provinces in Canada, nor anywhere else in the world I think. Here this College diploma is presented by a choice of a 2 years or 3 years(you can go work after) program in order to enter University. The thing is that, you can still enroll into University(depending on your program) if you don't have a College diploma. You must be 21 years old and present personal works and motivation.

Do such a thing exist in the UK?
Let's say for a person like me, who do not have a BTEC diploma or equivalant, is it still possible to get into a Undergraduate degree if I present a neat & professional portfolio and I am motivated to learn. Or there's not point of applying(in a Undergraduate) if they'll refuse me because of my academical background?

But otherwise, it wouldn't be the end of the world if I had to go throught the BTEC. I'm just trying to see if I can save some time & money.

Thanks for clarifying all this up with me. I'll also have my talk with the Universities.

Matt, I've looked up but it seems like all three places already had their open days.

I came across a College advertising in a UK graphic design magazine, and I was wondering if any of y'all ever heard about Shillington College?

Went on their site, and the way they present it seems pretty interesting.. but one thing kept coming across my mind... 3 months? Is it worth, or I won't learn all that much?

IMO 3 months isn't a lot of time to mature as a designer. I feel that being a designer isn't just about knowing software and knowing about design theory... its about ideas and that isn't something that happens straight away when you're on a course, well at least in my experience anyway.

Due to you not having any A-Levels, BTEC or equivilent, you are best contacting the universities themselves, as there are some routes in involving portfolios and the like.

Last year I knew a Polish lad who had a vast knowledge in C++ but didn't have the relevant academic certificates to get into the university. But he came over for an interview and passed that and was allowed onto the course.

So your best bet is to drop them an email or give them a ring. =]