Design Foundation Year

The Design Studio Skills module serves as an essential starting point for developing core practical design skills. It provides a comprehensive introduction to key design practices that will prepare you for exploring specialised disciplines in subsequent modules. As an introductory study, it is designed to help you build confidence and competence in fundamental design approaches, ensuring you have a solid grounding in the basics before moving on to design specialisms.



Throughout the module, you will engage in hands-on studio work that covers a range of key design skills, including sketching, visual communication, model making, and the use of digital tools and design software. You will be introduced to the design process, beginning with research and idea generation, and progressing through development, refinement, and final presentation of your ideas. The emphasis will be on experimentation, allowing you to explore different media, materials, and design techniques in a supportive environment.

The Design Context module explores the historical, cultural, and contemporary issues in design, giving you a broad understanding of how design has evolved and its relevance in today's world. You will study key design movements and the work of influential designers, gaining insight into how their contributions shaped the current landscape. The module also introduces critical debates around contemporary issues, such as sustainability, ethics, and technological innovation, fostering an understanding of the challenges designers face in today’s society.

Through a combination of lectures, group discussions, and case studies, you will explore design within the disciplines of communication design, product design, fashion, and interior design. This broad scope allows you to see how different areas of design intersect and influence each other, laying the groundwork for your progression into a specialised undergraduate programme. The module will also emphasise design's societal impact, encouraging you to think critically about the ethical and cultural implications of your work.

This module is designed to introduce you to four key design disciplines, communication design, interior design, product design, and fashion design, giving you a comprehensive overview of each field. The primary aim is to help you explore these areas through hands-on projects and research, allowing you to gain practical experience and understand the unique approaches and methodologies of each discipline. By the end of the module, you will have the knowledge and confidence to make an informed decision about which undergraduate design programme within the School of Design best aligns with your interests and strengths.

Specialist academic staff with a range of design industry and research experience will guide you through key areas of each discipline to provide an introductory understanding to the subjects, helping you gain an understanding of each specialism and provide a strong creative basis to be implemented in future subject specific design projects.

This module provides an opportunity to tackle a design challenge within one of the subject areas you’ve previously explored in the programme. You will follow a complete design process, from research to project realisation, allowing you to build on the skills, knowledge, and understanding gained throughout the Design Foundation modules. The aim is to guide you through researching, conceptualising, and developing a final design solution, encouraging you to explore a range of ideas in a studio environment and take ownership of your learning.

Throughout the module, you will present your design concepts and artefacts to tutors and peers in various formats, learning to reflect on feedback and improve your work. The project will demonstrate how your practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and conceptual thinking have evolved. You will be encouraged to experiment and take creative risks and may present you with an opportunity to enhance your portfolio by exploring a complementary area of design. The final outcome will support your transition into further undergraduate studies, showcasing the critical and reflective approach you’ve developed.

On this module, you will learn how to develop and present a professional design portfolio and exhibition that showcases your evolving design skills and creative expertise in one of the four design disciplines; communication design, interior design, product design or fashion design. You will be encouraged to experiment with visual communication, take creative risks, and refine your personal design approach. The process will allow you to become a more confident and competent designer, essential for a professional career in the design industry. You will also learn the fundamental principles of visual communication, this will be complemented by visual research methods and critical thinking skills, helping you build a solid academic foundation for further study and development.

Throughout the module, you will focus on creativity and innovation, exploring how designers work in the modern world and adapting to changing trends. Digital literacy will be essential as you prepare your final portfolio for presentation. Additionally, you will develop collaboration and teamwork skills by working with peers to organise and present your final exhibition.