Degree level courses can be divided into those at undergraduate level – the most common being Bachelors degrees (such as BA and BSc) – and those at postgraduate level, including Masters and Doctorates.

Undergraduate qualifications are the standard higher education qualification used to progress to postgraduate study, or to gain entry into employment at a professional level.

Postgraduate qualifications are usually awarded for higher level study and research at an advanced level.

The Interactive Design Institute offers a range of courses at undergraduate level. They lead to qualifications awarded by the University of Hertfordshire, one of the UK’s leading universities.

Undergraduate degrees are normally structured to include 3 or 4 levels, which can be studied either full time or part time. The Interactive Design Institute’s degree level courses are structured as follows:

Year 0 / Foundation level
This level may be studied as part of a named degree programme, or independently, with the option to progress to a named degree on completion.
It is intended for those who do not have the qualifications or experience to enter Level 1.Successful completion of this level leads to the award of a Foundation Diploma and gives automatic entry to Level 1.

Level 1 / Year 1
This level is the first in which students undertake specialist degree level study, and leads to the award of Certificate of Higher Education (Cert.HE)

Level 2 / Year 2
During this level students acquire the skills and knowledge which equip them for professional practice. Successful completion of this level leads to the award of the Diploma in Higher Education (Dip. HE)

Level 3 / Year 3
This is the final level of a Bachelors (BA) programme, and is usually concerned with preparation for employment or further study at postgraduate level. Successful completion of this level leads to the award of BA (Hons)

Degree level courses are suited for those who wish to develop a thorough understanding of a subject, and who wish to establish a career in that area. Degree level study requires both practical and academic skills. Alongside their practical studies, students can expect to research historical and contemporary practice, to write both short reports and essays, and to evaluate their own work and the work of others.

Level 1

Whatever your qualifications or previous experience, we are interested in all applicants who have commitment, and are determined to succeed. We can be flexible when it comes to admissions, and welcome applications from those without formal qualifications.

For UK students, normally three GCSE passes at grade C or above or equivalent, and at least one GCE A2 Level at grade E or above

International students should normally have successfully completed either our International Foundation Course or another pre degree course in visual arts, which may be a Foundation or equivalent course leading to a BTEC National Diploma/Certificate or equivalent international qualification.   

Applicants would normally be expected to provide evidence of previous study within art and design through a visual portfolio which demonstrates a range of art and design experience and evidence of study and commitment appropriate to the chosen subject area for degree study.

For those whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.0 or TOEFL 550 is required.

Level 2

For UK students, normally a Certificate of Higher Education (Cert.HE) or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

International students should normally have completed at least three years of higher education at a Higher Education Institute and should be working towards a Bachelors degree. For those whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is required  

Level 3 

For UK students, normally a Diploma of Higher Education (Dip.HE) or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject area.

International students should normally have completed at least four years of basic higher education at a Higher Education Institute and should be working towards a Bachelors degree. For those whose first language is not English, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent is required.

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Design graduates may progress to a wide range of careers – either as freelance designers or as part of a design consultancy. They may work within a specialist field, such as illustration, or within a multi-disciplinary team.

The creative industries are a growth area both in the UK and worldwide, and UK Design graduates are much sought after by major employers.

Students completing a Bachelors degree may also progress to further study at postgraduate level.