Bachelor in Design

Tuition costs 10,050 GBP per year.

Overview of the Foundation Year

The Design Foundation Year is an essential preparatory course for students looking to explore various creative disciplines and gain the necessary skills for entry into an undergraduate design degree. This one-year programme is designed to welcome students from all backgrounds into a supportive, research-rich environment.

Distinctive Features

• Top-Tier Research: Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF, 2021).
• Academic Mentorship: Learn from a diverse group of design practitioners, technicians, and academics with extensive industry expertise.
• Portfolio Development: Students develop a professional portfolio and conclude their studies with a public exhibition of their work.
• Flexible Exploration: The curriculum allows students to explore multiple design specialisms including Fashion, Interior Design, Product Design, and Communication Design before committing to a specific degree.

Northumbria University, based in Newcastle upon Tyne and established in 1992, is a dynamic UK institution known for its industry links and vibrant student community. With about 32,000 students and roughly 3,300 international students, Northumbria offers a cosmopolitan campus experience within a lively northern city. The university’s focus on employability, practical learning and professional partnerships attracts international learners looking for applied courses and pathways into global careers.

Academic programs at Northumbria combine research-informed teaching with placements, industry projects and professional accreditation where applicable. The university offers extensive student support services, including language tuition, career coaching and enterprise initiatives that help international students build skills and networks. Small-group teaching, labs and studio work create active learning environments, while collaborations with business and the public sector provide real-world exposure.

Newcastle’s energetic cultural scene, affordable living and strong transport links enhance student life outside the classroom. Northumbria supports a wide range of clubs, societies and mentoring schemes that help international students settle and engage socially and professionally. Prospective applicants should check course-specific entry requirements, investigate scholarships and contact the international admissions team early to plan visas, accommodation and arrival arrangements. Northumbria is particularly well suited to students seeking practical education, industry engagement and a supportive urban campus experience.