Design Foundation Year
Northumbria University
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.4)

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Different course options
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Qualification

Foundation

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Location

Newcastle City Campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 Year

Course info

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Qualification

Foundation

Location

Newcastle City Campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 Year

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Subjects

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Location

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Domestic
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Course info

If youre interested in exploring various creative design fields while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to enter a design degree course, this course is perfect for you. The one-year Design Foundation course at Northumbria offers a solid introduction to university-level education, welcoming students from all backgrounds.At Northumbria, youll benefit from modern and innovative teaching informed by research and practice. This approach helps you develop your skills, knowledge, and creativity, ...Read more

If you're interested in exploring various creative design fields while gaining the knowledge and skills needed to enter a design degree course, this course is perfect for you. The one-year Design Foundation course at Northumbria offers a solid introduction to university-level education, welcoming students from all backgrounds.

At Northumbria, you'll benefit from modern and innovative teaching informed by research and practice. This approach helps you develop your skills, knowledge, and creativity, setting you up for success as an undergraduate student and eventually as a Northumbria graduate.

The course builds essential academic skills and confidence across multiple design disciplines. With experienced tutors and strong industry connections, it prepares you for advanced studies and aligns with various career paths in the design industry. This blend of academic learning and practical application enhances your future employability.

You'll learn from a diverse group of design practitioners, technicians, and academics with extensive backgrounds in design practice, teaching, and research. Their expertise and the supportive, research-rich environment will provide you with a well-rounded education, encouraging you to continue your studies in your chosen design field.

This course is an excellent first step towards a career in the creative design sector.

Your Future

Embarking on the Design Foundation Year is just the beginning of your creative journey. This foundation year is designed to immerse you in the principles of design, spark your creativity, and equip you with essential skills. Once you complete this year, a range of specialised courses awaits you, allowing you to pursue your passion and carve out a niche in the design world.

Mode of Study

1 year Full Time followed by a further 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
8/101
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
34th
Design Studies
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 88 = 12% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
12%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
89%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Design Studies graduate salary at this uni
£18,000
UK Design Studies graduate salary
£18,000

Popular A-level subjects

Design Studies

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Art & Design
49%
Mathematics
20%
Fashion & Textiles
17%
3D Design
15%
English Literature
15%
HESA

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,350 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£19,350 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Uni info

Northumbria University
Northumbria University , Newcastle upon Tyne

Northumbria University offers students the opportunity to develop skills in a wide range of courses, creating a graduate community that...

Student rating
( 4.4) View reviews
CUG ranking
34th
Northumbria University
Sutherland Building, Northumberland Road Newcastle-upon-Tyne Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Newcastle Central  0.4 miles away
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